In the wake of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, a damning report released by the Free Speech Collective has unveiled a troubling trend of free speech violations across India. The comprehensive study spanning the past four months paints a grim picture of the state of free expression in the world's largest democracy.
Titled "Free Speech in Peril: A Report on Violations in the Run-Up to the Elections," the report documents 134 instances of free speech infringements, ranging from crackdowns on journalists, academics, and YouTubers to censorship across various mediums.
According to the report, Uttarakhand leads the tally with ten instances of violations, closely followed by Maharashtra with nine. However, it's not just physical attacks on journalists that are cause for concern; the report highlights a broader assault on free expression, encompassing censorship of media, academia, entertainment, and social media.
One of the most alarming revelations of the report is the apparent impunity enjoyed by those propagating hate speech, notably by high-profile figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite widespread condemnation and official complaints, the Election Commission of India has failed to take decisive action.
Moreover, the report sheds light on the alarming frequency of internet shutdowns, particularly in regions like Haryana and Manipur. The latter, in particular, has endured prolonged internet blackouts, severely restricting access to information and communication.
The plight of journalists is another focal point of the report, with 34 incidents of attacks documented within the four months. Five journalists have been arrested since the beginning of 2024, underscoring the escalating risks faced by those committed to truth-telling. Even more concerning is the case of Kashmiri journalist Aasif Sultan, who was re-arrested under the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) shortly after being granted bail.
Censorship emerges as a pervasive issue across various platforms, with 46 instances recorded in the report. From the suppression of dissenting voices on social media to the banning of critical documentaries and articles, the clampdown on free speech knows no bounds. The report highlights instances where entire swathes of online content were blocked, stifling public discourse and dissent.
Academia, too, finds itself under siege, with 24 documented cases of free speech violations. Vigilante groups, both online and offline, target academics and students alike for expressing dissenting views. The suspension of PhD scholar Ramadas KS from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) serves as a chilling example of the repercussions faced by those daring to challenge the status quo.
In addition to targeting journalists and academics, the government's reach extends to news media, where censorship is rampant across all platforms and languages. Magazines like Caravan face pressure to remove critical articles, while YouTube channels receive notices for alleged violations, further shrinking the space for independent voices.
The government's attempts to regulate online information dissemination only exacerbate the crisis, with a newly formed committee tasked with overseeing online content. Critics fear that such measures will stifle freedom of expression online, further consolidating the government's control over information.
In the face of mounting violations, the report warns of a looming threat to democracy, with independent media struggling to survive amidst a landscape dominated by partisan interests. The erosion of free speech not only undermines the democratic fabric of the nation but also jeopardizes the fundamental rights of its citizens.