A year has passed since my trial began, yet each court appearance echoes the same words: “Produce the witness on the next date.” Progress has stalled. As I stepped out of the courtroom once again, I noticed a post on X (formerly Twitter), where a political party was highlighting the suspension of fundamental rights during the Emergency of 1975.
The irony was difficult to miss. While reflecting on the historical Emergency, one can't help but sense a creeping resemblance in the present. Though not officially declared, many critics argue that India is witnessing what they describe as an “undeclared emergency,” marked by growing restrictions on civil liberties and increasing pressure on dissent.
In the first year of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term, several human rights organizations reported rising instances of violence affecting minority communities. Data indicated hundreds of incidents involving Muslims and Christians, with thousands reportedly affected. The Dalit community, too, has faced deeply disturbing incidents. In Odisha, members of a right-wing group allegedly assaulted Dalit men, forcing them to crawl, consume sewage water, and shave their heads. In another case, three laborers died from gas inhalation while cleaning a sewage tank. Elsewhere, caste-based discrimination and violence were recorded in several states, including incidents involving a Dalit professor being denied dignity in Andhra Pradesh and violent assaults in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.
The 'Crime in India 2022' report by the National Crime Records Bureau revealed a significant increase in crimes against Dalits. Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar featured among the top states in this regard. Importantly, this trend cuts across political affiliations—BJP, Congress, and regional alliances alike—indicating that caste-based violence persists regardless of the governing party. The data suggest that structural issues within Indian society, rather than partisan politics alone, underlie this troubling reality.
Recent public discourse on freedom of expression has also drawn attention. At a media event, the Chief Minister of Delhi responded to a question by saying that someone could “come at his own risk”—a comment that sparked considerable debate. While interpretations differ, the remark highlighted concerns about artistic freedom and the perceived erosion of public safety assurances. Though the Emergency is remembered largely for its clampdown on speech and press freedom, many commentators argue that current conditions reflect a similar narrowing of democratic space.
Reports of hate speech have also increased, with allegations that many incidents involved public figures, including elected representatives. This has led to broader concerns about the normalization of inflammatory rhetoric across institutions. In one controversial case, a police officer in Uttar Pradesh faced backlash for disrupting religious observance, only to be lauded by some as a hero. His remarks comparing a weekly religious practice to an annual festival further fueled concerns about institutional bias. Critics argue that when law enforcement appears partial, vulnerable communities are left with few avenues for justice, while those with privilege enjoy systemic protections.
Several large-scale stampedes occurred across India in 2025, resulting in tragic loss of life. These events, held in Tirupati, at the Maha Kumbh, in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Puri, collectively claimed dozens of lives. Yet, visible steps towards accountability or remedial action have been sparse. Some observers suggest that official narratives, often amplified by certain segments of the media, focus on damage control rather than systemic reform. Sensationalist coverage, such as a journalist’s claim about “halal drones,” reflects a growing unease around the decline of responsible journalism and its impact on public discourse.
As India observes 50 years since the Emergency and eleven years under the current leadership, it is a moment for reflection. Supporters credit the administration with various achievements, but concerns over civil rights, caste violence, and accountability remain prominent among critics. The fundamental rights to dignity, justice, and freedom of expression—cornerstones of any democracy—appear increasingly contested. These developments invite serious introspection about the health of India’s democratic institutions and the path forward.
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*Human rights activist and a law student
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