On Social Justice Day, concerns mount over inequality and human rights in India

By Fr Cedric Prakash SJ* 

Come 20 February and the world will once again observe the World Day of Social Justice. It is an annual event during which many across the globe—particularly politicians—wax eloquent about the need for and importance of social justice. It is stating the obvious that those who have the power to ensure this justice will often not lift a finger to do so.

Interestingly, this year’s theme is “Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice.” The theme follows the momentum of the Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha, Qatar, from 4 to 6 November 2025, and the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration, which underscores a shared global responsibility to eradicate poverty and expand decent work. The theme outlines several key objectives, including poverty eradication (promoting systems that reduce social exclusion and deprivation); decent work (advocating fair wages, safe working conditions, and labour rights); inclusive growth (ensuring marginalized groups have equal access to resources and decision-making); and global peace (recognizing that social justice is an indispensable foundation for maintaining international peace and security).

All this is easier said than done—these goals can easily be termed idealistic. In India, the cries for justice are becoming louder and more prolonged. They arise from different segments of society, particularly from those who continue to be exploited and excluded. These cries are heart-rending; anyone with an iota of conscience can hear them. The sad and tragic reality, however, is that they often remain unheard. Those who need to listen and respond have deadened their ears and hardened their hearts.

According to a well-researched working paper published in late 2024, Income and Wealth Inequality in India, 1922–2023: The Rise of the Billionaire Raj, inequality in India has skyrocketed since the early 2000s. The income and wealth shares of the top one per cent of the population rose to 22.6 per cent and 40.1 per cent, respectively, in 2022–23. The paper further notes that between 2014–15 and 2022–23, the rise in top-end inequality has been particularly pronounced in terms of wealth concentration. In India, the rich grow richer and the poor poorer. The cries of the poor have become louder and more anguished.

In the 2024 Environmental Performance Index (EPI), India ranked a low 176 out of 180 countries. The ranking reflects concerns related to air quality, projected emissions, and biodiversity protection. The EPI uses 58 indicators to assess a country’s environmental performance, including biodiversity, air and water quality, waste management, emission growth rates, and climate change metrics. A new category—biodiversity and habitat—revealed a worrying global trend: many protected areas are being overtaken by construction and agriculture. India’s continued reliance on coal significantly affects its performance across multiple indicators. Coal use contributes to high greenhouse gas emissions and severe air pollution. India ranked 177 in air quality, ahead of only three countries. Several Indian cities are counted among the most polluted in the world. The people of India cry out for environmental justice.

In the 2025 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders, India ranked 151 out of 180 countries, with a score of 32.9, remaining in the “very serious” category for journalists. The index highlights concerns over media concentration, political pressure, and attacks on journalists. In a country where large sections of the media are perceived as aligned with those in power, speaking truth to authority is increasingly difficult. Media houses critical of the government often face the withdrawal of government advertising revenue and scrutiny from agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate, the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Income Tax Department, and the National Investigation Agency. A free press is sine qua non in a democracy, and international observers have repeatedly raised concerns about India’s record in this regard.

On 20 February 2026, amendments to India’s IT Rules, 2021, are set to come into effect. These rules introduce stricter compliance requirements for social media and AI platforms, including rapid takedown mechanisms and mandatory labelling provisions. Critics argue that such measures could curb freedom of speech and expression. Those who cherish press freedom and free expression continue to voice their concerns.

An estimated 400 million people work in India’s informal sector, earning low daily wages without contracts, pensions, paid leave, or health benefits, and often in poor working conditions. A significant proportion are migrant workers, scattered across the country and frequently unable to speak the local language of the states where they work. They are largely invisible in official records, and workplace inspections are often inadequate.

On 21 November 2025, the Government began implementing the four Labour Codes—the Code on Wages, the Industrial Relations Code, the Social Security Code, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code. These codes have faced criticism from trade unions and opposition parties, who describe them as “anti-worker” and argue that they tilt the balance in favour of employers, particularly large corporations. At the same time, concerns have been raised about the effective implementation of schemes such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Labourers and the rural poor continue to demand justice and security.

The constitutional guarantee of freedom to profess, practise, and propagate one’s religion remains a subject of debate and concern. Religious minorities—particularly Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs—have reported instances of discrimination, intimidation, and violence. Several states have enacted so-called “anti-conversion” laws, which critics argue disproportionately affect minority communities. There have also been reports of hate speech and targeted demolitions.

The 2025 Annual Report of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommended, for the sixth consecutive year, that the U.S. State Department designate India as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), citing what it described as “systematic, ongoing, and egregious” violations of religious freedom. The report referred to increased attacks on Christians and Muslims and concerns about impunity for perpetrators. The Government of India has previously rejected such assessments.

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has also generated debate, with allegations that large numbers of citizens—particularly from marginalized communities—have been removed from voter lists. With Census 2027 approaching, concerns have been raised about potential implications for representation, delimitation, and the status of certain communities. Critics describe these developments as politically motivated, while the Government maintains they are administrative exercises aimed at ensuring accuracy.

Several legislative and policy initiatives—including the National Education Policy, the Citizenship Amendment Act, proposed Uniform Civil Code measures, “One Nation, One Election,” and others—have triggered sharp public debate. Critics view some of these as departures from India’s secular and constitutional ethos, while supporters argue they are necessary reforms. Questions have also been raised about the functioning and independence of institutions such as the Election Commission, investigative agencies, and other statutory bodies. Allegations of corruption, including controversies surrounding demonetization and electoral bonds, continue to shape public discourse.

Other sections of society—women and children, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, refugees, academics, human rights defenders, and various marginalized groups—also articulate demands for dignity, equality, and justice. India ranked 86 out of 143 countries in the 2025 Rule of Law Index published by the World Justice Project, reflecting ongoing institutional and governance challenges.

India still has a long way to go in eradicating poverty, ensuring decent work for all, promoting inclusive growth, and fostering peace. Across the country, voices continue to rise—loudly and unequivocally—calling for justice.

But the fundamental question remains: Is anybody listening—and acting promptly?

19 February 2026

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*Human rights, reconciliation and peace activist and writer