Page 1 — Introduction and Context 
India, long celebrated as the world’s largest democracy, is facing growing concerns over its treatment of political dissenters. Opposition leaders, activists, students, and journalists have increasingly come under government scrutiny, facing harassment, arrests, and intimidation. 

These crackdowns undermine democratic freedoms and raise fears of shrinking civic space. Many dissenters are silenced or pushed into exile, eroding India’s reputation as a nation committed to pluralism and open debate. 

Page 2 — Historical and Political Background 
Since independence in 1947, India has experienced both vibrant democracy and periods of repression, such as the Emergency (1975–1977), when civil liberties were suspended. 

In recent years, political polarisation and the dominance of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have contributed to increasing pressure on dissent. Laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and sedition charges are frequently used against government critics, despite being widely criticised as tools of repression. 

This reflects a growing trend toward authoritarian governance within a democratic framework. 

Page 3 — Methods of Crackdown 
Political dissenters in India face numerous forms of repression: 

- Arbitrary arrests: Opposition leaders and activists detained under broad charges. 
- Surveillance: Increased monitoring of critics, journalists, and NGOs. 
- Raids on organisations: Civil society groups face tax and compliance investigations. 
- Sedition and anti-terror laws: Used to criminalise peaceful protests and speech. 
- Intimidation of students and academics: University protests met with harsh police action. 

Such measures create an atmosphere of fear and discourage active political participation. 

Page 4 — Consequences for Citizens and Society 
The crackdown on dissent has wide-ranging effects. Citizens fear speaking out against the government, leading to self-censorship across media, academia, and civil society. 

For democracy, these actions weaken checks and balances, allowing the ruling party to consolidate power. Political opposition becomes fragmented and unable to effectively challenge policies. 

Internationally, India’s democratic credentials are questioned, with human rights groups and foreign governments raising concerns about repression of dissent. This risks damaging India’s global standing as a leader of democratic values. 

Page 5 — Solutions and Conclusion 
Protecting dissent is vital for the health of democracy in India. 

Key steps include: 
- Legal reform: repeal or amend draconian laws such as the UAPA and sedition statutes. 
- Judicial independence: ensure courts act as safeguards against arbitrary arrests. 
- Press and academic freedom: protect journalists, students, and universities from intimidation. 
- Political accountability: ruling parties must respect opposition voices as part of democratic life. 
- International advocacy: encourage global support for democratic freedoms in India. 

Until these reforms are enacted, political dissenters in India will continue to be targeted under government crackdowns, leaving democracy weakened and pluralism under threat.