India
As of February 2026, the human rights situation in India is characterized by what international monitors describe as a trend of "normalized majoritarianism." While India maintains a functioning democratic structure and a growing economy, recent reports from Human Rights Watch (World Report 2026) and Amnesty International highlight significant regressions in minority protections and civil liberties.
The primary human rights issues currently facing India include:
1. Treatment of Religious Minorities
Systemic Targeting: Reports from early 2026 indicate a further rise in hate speech and vigilante violence targeting Muslims and Christians. Human Rights Watch notes that discriminatory policies and inflammatory rhetoric from political leaders have "normalized" violence against these groups.
"Bulldozer Justice": Authorities continue to use the unlawful demolition of homes and properties—predominantly belonging to Muslims—as a form of extrajudicial punishment following communal tensions. This practice persists despite a 2024 Supreme Court ruling declaring such actions unconstitutional.
Citizenship and Exclusion: The ongoing implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) remains a flashpoint, with concerns that it is being used to marginalize Bengali-speaking Muslims and refugees.
2. Suppression of Dissent and Civic Space
Weaponization of Laws: Laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) are frequently used to detain activists, journalists, and students without trial. As of February 2026, several high-profile activists remain in jail on what critics call politically motivated charges.
Press Freedom: India continues to rank poorly in global press freedom indices. Journalists reporting on communal violence or government corruption face intimidation, surveillance (including the alleged use of spyware), and criminal cases for social media comments.
Internet Shutdowns: India remains a global leader in government-ordered internet blackouts, often used during protests or in Jammu and Kashmir to restrict the flow of information.
3. Regional Conflicts and Counter-Terrorism
Jammu and Kashmir: Following a major terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, security forces launched sweeping operations. UN experts expressed alarm in late 2025 over the arrest of approximately 2,800 individuals, including journalists and human rights defenders, and reports of "collective punishment" via house demolitions.
Manipur Crisis: Ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities continues to cause internal displacement. Observers criticize the state's failure to provide justice for survivors of sexual violence and to bridge the divide between the warring groups.
Ladakh Protests: In late 2025, protests for regional autonomy led to clashes with police, resulting in casualties and the arrest of high-profile activists under the National Security Act.
4. Institutional and Judicial Concerns
Custodial Violence: According to the Global Torture Index 2025, India faces a "high risk" of torture. Over 2,700 custodial deaths were reported in the last fiscal year, with marginalized communities (Dalits and Adivasis) disproportionately targeted.
Erosion of Oversight: International bodies have recommended downgrading the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India to "B" status, citing a lack of independence and political interference. Similar concerns have been raised regarding the impartiality of the Election Commission.