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Governance & Democracy

Democracy's Vital Signs

From press freedom rankings to Parliament session days, internet shutdowns to electoral bonds — how India's democratic institutions have performed, measured and sourced from independent indices and court records.

161

Press Freedom Rank 2023

was 120 in 2004 (RSF)

54

Avg Parliament Days

2014–2024 (was 68 under UPA)

134

Internet Shutdowns (2018)

India #1 globally

₹16,518 Cr

Electoral Bonds Total

2018–2024 (SC struck down)

RSF Press Freedom Index — India Rank (2004–2024)

Note: A higher rank number means worse press freedom. India is ranked among 180 countries from 2013 onwards.

Source: RSF World Press Freedom Index

99.4112.8126.3139.7153.2166.6BJP ↑ 201420042006200820102012201420162018202020222024
2004–2013 (UPA era)
2014–2024 (NDA era)
Unit: / 180

Context

India's RSF rank fell from 140 in 2014 to 161 in 2023 — the worst in India's recorded press freedom history. RSF cited sedition charges against journalists, use of anti-terror laws (UAPA), IT Act Section 66A successors, and concentrated media ownership as key concerns. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) recorded India as among the top countries for journalist imprisonments in 2022–2023. The Editors Guild of India and Press Club of India have issued multiple statements on erosion of editorial independence. Source: RSF, CPJ, Editors Guild of India.

Data Note: Press freedom rankings from RSF (Reporters Without Borders) annual index. Internet shutdown data from SFLC.in and Access Now "Keep It On" campaign reports. Parliament data from PRS Legislative Research. Electoral bonds data from Election Commission of India (post-SC order) and Association for Democratic Reforms analysis.