Freedom of speech, which includes the right to dissent, is the fundamental premise on which a healthy democracy is based. However, in recent times, un-democratic actions by the state, and state sponsored elements have undermined the value of democracy.
“The right of freedom of opinion and the right of freedom of conscience by themselves include the extremely important right to disagree.” – Justice Deepak Gupta
Subversion of democratic institutions
In the past few years, the government's interference in the working of Democratic institutions, including Election Commission, Reserve Bank of India, CBI, and the judiciary has sent a message that these institutions are no longer in public service but in the service of the ruling party's political interests.
No space for dissent
Freedom of speech, which includes the right to dissent, is the fundamental premise on which a healthy democracy is based. However, in recent times, un-democratic actions by the state, and state sponsored elements, as seen in the mob lynching, illegal arrests and detentions of socio-political activists, censorship on media, both printed and visual, and other such instances of the breakdown of law and order, have undermined the value of democracy.
The brutal force of governance has reached every nook and corner of individual lives and any criticism of government’s policies and actions is labelled anti-national. The recent abrogation of Article 370 in J&K is another manifestation of government’s exorbitance. Detention of elected government representatives and a clampdown on communication channels in the state exemplify the horrid state of affairs.
Another aspect of government control can be seen in curbs put on social media users particularly activists, and artists. In a democratic set up freedom of imagination and expression constitutes an integral part of the national psyche. Putting a check on artistic freedom is nothing short of death of democracy and constitutional ideals.
Degradation of news and journalism due to government surveillance and censorship speaks volume about the present scenario where freedom of speech is being suppressed. Indian media is running a blatant propaganda to promote vested interest of the ruling party at the cost of public interest. The menace of fake news is being used to subvert democratic institutions. Hate crimes are at an all-time high and so is the silence surrounding the deteriorating state of affairs.
Time to redeem
There cannot be any democracy if the citizens do not have the right to think as they like, express their thoughts, have their own beliefs and faith, and worship in a manner they feel like. The right to dissent is one of the most important rights guaranteed by our Constitution. Subject to rule of law, every citizen has a right to differ from every other citizen, and those in power, and to propagate his beliefs.
The indomitable task of preserving the constitutional ideals and safeguarding the value of democratic institutions lies with the distinguished body of public intellectuals, which includes eminent journalists, lawyers, social activists, and many more. Their constant endeavours at making Indians aware of their rights and in safeguarding those rights, is the only source of redemption for the decaying Indian democracy.