2 May 2024: The Free Speech Collective, an organization dedicated to monitoring and addressing free speech violations, has sounded alarm bells over the deteriorating state of free expression in India. According to their latest report titled ‘Crossing The Line: 18th Lok Sabha Elections and Free Speech In India,’ released on Wednesday, the country has already witnessed 134 instances of free speech violations in the first four months of 2024.
The report categorizes these violations into various sections, including arrests, censorship, internet control, attacks, and ‘lawfare,’ a term used to describe the use of legal mechanisms for oppressive purposes. Shockingly, there have been 36 cases of arrest, 36 cases of censorship, 24 cases of internet control, 13 cases of attacks, and seven cases of lawfare documented so far this year.
Among the victims are journalists, academics, YouTubers, and students. The report highlights the cases of Australian reporter Avani Dias and French reporter Vanessa Dougnac, who were forced to leave India or faced untenable situations during their stay.
Moreover, it reveals that five journalists have been arrested since January, while 34 have been subjected to attacks. Additionally, six journalists, including Gautam Navlakha and Prabir Purkayastha, remain in custody as of the report’s publication.
The report also sheds light on internet shutdowns and censorship, citing incidents such as the blocking of websites and social media accounts, including during the farmers’ protests. It mentions specific cases like the closure of Bolta Hindustan’s YouTube channel and the removal of an article by Caravan magazine on allegations of torture in Kashmir.
Furthermore, the report points out instances where individuals faced repercussions for expressing their views, such as the suspension of Ramadas Sivanandan from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences for attending a protest critical of the government.
The Collective warns that free speech in India is rapidly deteriorating, with press freedom indices reflecting the perilous situation. They criticize the impunity enjoyed by certain sections of the media for promoting divisive agendas, while independent media faces punitive actions and struggles to be heard.
The report underscores the urgent need for safeguarding free speech and protecting those who dare to speak truth to power in India.
In conclusion, the alarming rise in free speech violations in India demands immediate action from both the government and civil society. The authorities must uphold constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and ensure the safety and protection of journalists, academics, and individuals expressing dissenting views. Legal reforms are necessary to prevent misuse of laws for silencing dissent, and steps should be taken to foster a culture of open dialogue and tolerance. Civil society organizations, media outlets, and citizens must continue to advocate for the preservation of free speech as a fundamental pillar of democracy, holding those responsible for curbing it to account. Only through concerted efforts can India reverse its descent into a perilous abyss of shrinking freedoms and ensure a vibrant and inclusive public discourse for all.
