A global survey by The Future of Free Speech ranked India 24th in free speech support. The report revealed that support for controversial speech is declining, particularly in democratic nations. India showed a high percentage of support for government restrictions on criticism, despite a broader appreciation for free speech among its citizens.
A recent global survey conducted by The Future of Free Speech has positioned India at 24th among 33 nations regarding free speech support. The report indicates a declining commitment to safeguarding controversial speech globally, despite general support for free speech remaining robust. The survey highlights a trend of diminishing free speech support since 2021, especially in established democracies such as the United States and Japan.
Scandinavian countries dominate the top ranks, with Norway securing the highest score of 87.9, followed closely by Denmark at 87.0. On the other hand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Pakistan exhibited the most significant progress in free speech, although they remain lower on the scale. India’s score of 62.6 places it between South Africa at 66.9 and Lebanon at 61.8. Interestingly, certain authoritarian nations such as Hungary and Venezuela achieved high scores, implying a disparity between imposed government restrictions and actual public sentiments.
The survey reveals that while most Indians find free speech crucial, support for openly criticizing government policies is alarmingly low. Approximately 37% of respondents believe governments should restrict criticism, marking the highest endorsement of this sentiment among the countries surveyed. In stark contrast, only 5% in the United Kingdom and 3% in Denmark share this view.
Typically, countries that advocate for free speech tend to exhibit greater freedom of expression. However, India deviates from this narrative. The report cites India among countries like Hungary and Venezuela, where popular support for free speech is high, yet its practical protection is inadequate, signifying democratic erosion in nations once renowned for their respect for political liberties.
When questioned about their political speech freedom over the past year, Indians, alongside South Africans, reported perceived improvements. Contrarily, external evaluations suggest that India’s situation has arguably declined. Executive Director Jacob Mchangama noted that true free speech transcends legal rights, hinging on a culture that embraces open dialogue and dissent. The findings indicate that, despite claims of championing free expression, nations are increasingly reluctant to defend contentious speech, risking the efficacy of legal safeguards.
The Future of Free Speech’s survey highlights India’s modest ranking and reveals a troubling trend regarding public support for criticism of government policies. While countries like Norway and Denmark excel in free speech, India faces significant challenges exemplified by a notable disconnect between popular support for free speech and its practical implementation. This underscores a broader concern of democratic backsliding and the erosion of political liberties in nations that once upheld them.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
