Censorship and the Drumbeats of Hate: Mapping the state of free speech ahead of the 2026 polls
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A report by the Free Speech Collective examines the state of free speech in India ahead of the 2026 elections, highlighting censorship, hate speech, and intimidation of journalists. The report raises concerns about the conditions necessary for free and fair democratic participation in the upcoming elections.
India's democratic landscape is under scrutiny ahead of the 2026 elections. A report by the Free Speech Collective documents incidents of censorship, criminal proceedings, and hate speech in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. Journalists and media workers have faced criminal cases, arrests, and intimidation. The report highlights the use of hate speech, particularly against Bengali-speaking Muslims, and the role of technology in spreading disinformation. The elections have raised concerns about exclusion, transparency, and voter confidence. The report situates the 2026 elections within a broader pattern of shrinking civic space and contested electoral practices.
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