The State of Indian Democracy: Resilience, Regression, and the Road Ahead

Abstract

India’s democratic experiment, hailed globally for its scale and diversity, has entered a period marked by profound contradictions. On one hand, it continues to function as a vibrant electoral democracy, regularly conducting elections with high voter turnout and strong public engagement. On the other, there are growing concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions, centralisation of power, weakening of checks and balances, and shrinking space for dissent. This study undertakes a critical assessment of the current state of Indian democracy by tracing its evolution in the past decade, particularly after 2014, when visible shifts in institutional behavior, media independence, and civil liberties began to emerge. Drawing upon global democracy indices, press freedom rankings, and civil society reports, the research investigates the tension between democratic resilience—reflected in the continued functioning of electoral mechanisms—and democratic regression, as evidenced by increasing constraints on fundamental rights and institutional autonomy. The paper also incorporates insights from established scholars to analyse how legal frameworks, political discourse, and policy decisions have contributed to shaping contemporary democratic practices in India. Through a mixed-method approach combining statistical analysis and literature review, the study identifies both structural strengths that sustain the democratic framework and emerging vulnerabilities that threaten its liberal character. It concludes with policy-oriented recommendations aimed at safeguarding democratic principles, reinforcing institutional accountability, and nurturing an informed and participatory citizenry. By presenting a nuanced narrative that resists binary judgments, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of India’s complex democratic trajectory and the possibilities for renewal in the face of systemic challenges.