India Ranks 24th in Global Free Speech Index, Signifying Concerns

India ranks 24th out of 33 countries in a free speech index by The Future of Free Speech. The survey indicates significant support for free speech but a decline in protection for controversial speech, evident in India’s high percentage of respondents supporting government restrictions against criticism. Scandinavia leads the index, while India faces a disconnect between public opinion and actual free expression protections.

A recent study by The Future of Free Speech, a reputable U.S.-based think tank, has positioned India 24th out of 33 countries in its free speech index. This report, titled ‘Who in the World Supports Free Speech?,’ highlights a global trend where the commitment to protect controversial expressions is diminishing, despite a firm abstract belief in free speech.

Conducted in October 2024, the survey indicates that numerous countries have experienced declines in free speech support since 2021, particularly within democratic nations including the United States, Israel, and Japan. Scandinavia dominated the top rankings, with Norway and Denmark achieving the highest scores of 87.9 and 87.0, respectively. India’s score of 62.6 places it between South Africa at 66.9 and Lebanon at 61.8, while countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Pakistan showed notable improvements.

The findings regarding India reveal that, although many Indians view freedom of speech as essential, support for government criticism is notably low. Approximately 37% of Indian respondents asserted that governments should restrict citizens from criticizing policies, the highest rate among the surveyed countries. This contrasts sharply with only 5% in the UK and 3% in Denmark who supported similar sentiments.

India’s unique position demonstrates that a high public support for free speech does not necessarily translate into actual protection for such freedoms. The survey noted, “India, Hungary, and Venezuela represent substantial disconnects from the typical pattern, reflecting democratic backsliding despite earlier high levels of respect for political liberties.”

When questioning improvements in the ability to discuss political matters, Indians perceived a positive shift; however, external observers perceive a worsening situation for free speech in India. Jacob Mchangama, Executive Director of The Future of Free Speech, remarked that true freedom of speech transcends legal entitlements, relying instead on a culture of open discourse and toleration for dissent. He cautioned that diminishing public commitment to free speech can render even robust legal protections ineffective.

The survey conducted by The Future of Free Speech reveals that India stands 24th in free speech support, highlighting a troubling trend where public support does not align with legal protections. Significant concern arises from the high percentage of Indian respondents favoring government restrictions on criticism, demonstrating caution among a population that values free expression. Additionally, the report emphasizes that the culture surrounding free speech plays a crucial role in sustaining true democratic freedoms.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com