Indian Democracy Research Articles

Analysis of Emergency Provision in Indian Constitution in Relation with 1975 Emergency

The 1975 Emergency in India represents a defining moment in the country's history, marked by the invocation of Emergency Provisions enshrined in the Indian Constitution. These provisions, particularly Article 352, granted the ruling government extraordinary powers to address perceived internal disturbances and maintain national security. However, the declaration and implementation of the Emergency have been subjects of intense debate and scrutiny, with critics highlighting the period as a time of political repression, suspension of civil liberties, and authoritarian governance. This study explores the aims and objectives of the 1975 Emergency, delving into the motivations of the ruling dispensation and the extent to which the Emergency Provisions were used beyond their stated intent. By examining primary sources, historical accounts, and scholarly analyses, the research critically assesses the impact of the Emergency on Indian democracy, including its effects on democratic institutions, civil society, and political culture

An Evaluation of the Fourth Estate of Democracy in India

An Evaluation of the Fourth Estate of Democracy in India

Present Forms of Indian Democracy: An Overview

Present Forms of Indian Democracy: An Overview

GST IMPLEMENTATION AND COMPLIANCE CHALLENGES FOR MSMES: A POST-REFORM ANALYSIS

With the inception of GST, one of the largest indirect tax regimes of India, many things fell into place. It was one of the long-awaited opportunities which simplified the tax system in India. An initiative by the Government of India which removed all the trade barriers between the states. Now, the states can easily and freely trade without paying multiple taxes at various levels and it has also become easy for the Government to administer the tax system with more transparency. Thanks to ‘one nation-one market and one tax’ principle. It is favorable to all—traders, manufacturers, consumers, and the government alike. It holds equal significance for all stakeholders. GST is implemented nationwide in 29 states and 7 union territories and has benefited manufacturers and traders by abolishing multiple taxes at various levels making it easy to expand their productions in low cost and to make the trade hassle-free. It helped the consumers to get the goods at cheaper rates than before due to cutting various taxes and decreased cost of production. It also helped the Government to refine the taxation process and improve the cascading of taxes thereby making more money and preventing the revenue leakage at various levels. It was enacted by an amendment to the Constitution. A Constitution Amendment Bill (122nd Amendment Bill) was passed by both the houses of the legislature (the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha) through common and broad consensus and then approved by the then President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee thereby making it a law in the Year 2016 (101st Constitutional Amendment Act,2016). It was launched on 30th June 2017, showcasing the evidence of the maturity and wisdom of the Indian democracy. The article demonstrates the compliance issues faced by MSMEs in the process of GST implementation.

Analysis of Judicial Activism in an Overall Expansion of Judicial Review, Due Process of Law and Rule of Law in India

The inception of Judicial Review, Due Process of Law and most importantly the wider Principle of Rule of Law is one of the greatest legal weapon to curb the civil and social menaces of our society and also simultaneously plays a pivotal role in developing the sound structure of the country’s democracy by preventing the gross form of arbitrary actions and illegal biasness done by the administrative authorities which ruins the basic objective of the Preamble that focuses on promoting equality, justice, and social welfare of the individuals. The below mentioned points are some of the conclusive evidences cum assertions which mentions about the important presence of Judicial Review under Article 13 of the Indian Constitution and the fair adjudication of justice through the good ends of Indian Judiciary whose major function is to protect and become the real custodian of the fundamental rights of the citizens and along with it to promote the due concept of Due Process of Law and Rule of Law. Undoubtedly, there seems to be the due importance of Judicial Review in overall promotion and development of Good Governance of the Indian Democracy. Under this Research Article, the Researcher will tend to do analysis of how the Judicial Activism has flourished the expansion and wide legal facet of Judicial Review, Due Process of Law and Rule of Law in India.

A Life Uprooted: A Dalit Refugee Remembers. A Tale of Loss and Rehabilitation

Translation not only connects writers to new readers but also shapes and alters the course of literary history across caste, class and gender boundaries. Translating Dalit writing entails personal and political ramifications. It comes with a set of conflicts - dealing with one’s limitations and restrictions that is the result of a particular kind of upbringing, of one’s caste-based subjectivities and of a carefully constructed cosmopolitan identity that translators translating into English are usually embedded in. The translators are expected to display a deep understanding of their position as translators and the responsibilities they own up to by making an unmistakably political choice. First and foremost a reader, they engage at a visceral level with the narrative of pain and oppression. According to Rita Kothari, translation is one of the many consolidations that show a Dalit subject as an active participant in Indian democracy. The concerns about the authenticity of English as the target language should best be sidestepped as “its ideological potential to "translate" the Dalit life from fatalism to an identity of rights outweighs considerations of its distance from

A Role of Pressure Group in Vision india@2047

The presence of numerous pressure groups stands out as a significant driver of democracy in the contemporary political landscape. The term "pressure group" has gained widespread recognition, denoting any organized or unorganized collective employing various pressure tactics. Exploring the role of these groups in influencing governmental decisions is a relatively modern endeavor, with its roots traced back to Arthur F. Bentley's 1908 work "The Process of Government" and later expounded upon by David B. Truman in "The Governmental Process" of 1951. The mid-twentieth century witnessed a surge in scholarly interest regarding the impactful role pressure groups play in shaping government policies, spawning a plethora of studies in this domain. In the context of Indian democracy, pressure groups serve as conduits for translating group interests into governmental policies. Lobbying, mobilizing public opinion, campaigning, providing legislative counsel, endorsing candidates, and publishing viewpoints constitute the familiar arsenal of techniques employed by these groups to wield influence. Despite concerns over their potential to undermine national unity, pressure groups have become indispensable components in democratic governance. In India, pressure groups predominantly fall into two categories: those grounded in ethnic identities and those driven by economic or professional interests. Notably, contemporary trends indicate a constructive role played by pressure groups in formulating sound policies, contributing to India's envisioned trajectory towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Lisa Mitchell: Hailing the State: Indian Democracy between Elections. (Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2023. Pp. xviii, 300.)

Lisa Mitchell: Hailing the State: Indian Democracy between Elections. (Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2023. Pp. xviii, 300.)

A testimony of the threat to Indian democracy: A review of Alpa Shah’s book “The Incarcerations: BK-16 and the search for democracy in India”

In the annals of democratic governance, India’s narrative unfolds a paradoxical tale of promise and peril, where ideals of equality and freedom often intersect with realities of power and oppression. India’s democracy seems to be something of an enigma in which lofty principles and ideals are, more often than not, eclipsed by the use of force and repression. Notwithstanding the claims to inclusivity and representation, Indian democracy, more often than not, undermines the very structures and mechanisms needed to protect it. This article is an attempt to delve into the concerns of potential democratic decay that has dawned upon the Indian political system, particularly, in the wake of the ascendancy of Hindu majoritarianism. And it seeks to do so through a critical review of Alpa Shah’s book The Incarcerations: BK-16 and the Search for Democracy in India which, based on profound research work, presents a gripping narrative of the Bhima Koregaon case of 2018 to bring to light the ways in which the modern Indian state systematically erodes democratic values and comes down heavily upon those seeking to raise their voices against the perceived injustices perpetrated by it.

Significance of Uttar Prdesh in Indian Politics : A Study

ABSTRACT Uttar Pradesh's historical context highlights the state's crucial role in the political development of India. UP's rich historical tapestry highlights its lasting influence on Indian politics as the birthplace of notable leaders and the focal point of significant political movements. The political landscape of Uttar Pradesh has been influenced by many socio-economic causes, caste dynamics, and regional identities, ranging from the liberation fight to current electoral struggles. A multifaceted approach is required for a thorough examination of UP's political relevance. To understand the intricacies of UP's political dynamics, academics use a variety of approaches, such as historical study, electoral analysis, sociological studies, and policy evaluations. To provide a comprehensive picture of UP's place in Indian politics, quantitative techniques like election data analysis are used in conjunction with qualitative ones like ethnographic study. Uttar Pradesh becomes a pivotal point in Indian politics, shaping national narratives, election results, and policy agendas. By carefully analyzing its socio-political dynamics, historical legacy, and governance issues, academics illuminate UP's lasting importance in defining Indian democracy.

Hate speech vis-a-vis Freedom of speech in Indian democracy

The paper gives a broad study on hate speech, its evolution, legal consequences as well as freedom of speech in a democratic state. One is the Evolution of Hate Speech discussed in chapter one which goes from looking at the different aspects of hate speech to its roots during colonial India. Legal cases such as Pravasi Bhalai Sangathan v Union of India, enable readers to comprehend what amounts to hate speech and how it affects marginalized groups. This chapter highlights the change and restrictions laid down by the constitution with regard to hate speech as an exception to free expression. Potential Harm and Impact on Individuals and Communities looks at some of the long term effects of hate crimes. From personal damages such as psychological traumas and costs; community-wide issues like economic setbacks, school dropout rates due to fear or tension; this section explores them all in details. It also recognizes that communities can be resilient while highlighting the importance of recognizing nuanced impact. Legal framework in India, as explained in Chapter three analyzes constitutional provisions particularly Article 19(1)(a) and ancillary legislations like Sections 153A, 153B & 295A of Indian Penal Code (IPC). Additionally, it examines Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 for its efficacy. It affects people psychologically and communities economically and socially, from individual trauma to community difficulties. The chapter acknowledges community strength while stressing the need to understand hate speech's harm to protect people's rights and safety.

Introduction—Building Infrastructural Lives: Mobile and Creative Livelihoods in India and Vietnam

Articles in this special issue compare and contrast how secondary roads and wireless communication devices shape mobility and connectivity for four communities affected by economic, political, and ethnic marginalisation in socialist Vietnam and democratic India. Drawing on the concept of ‘infrastructural lives’, two urban case studies explore the ways by which marginalised migrant communities in India’s Hyderabad and Vietnam’s Hanoi use, adapt, or resist their states’ desires for all residents to embrace secondary roads, greater internet and cellphone interconnectivity, and digital monitoring. In parallel, and by comparing the realities of the Sino-Indian and Sino-Vietnamese borderlands, two rural case studies explore whether upland ethnic minority groups similarly modify or adapt their livelihoods to the expanding secondary roads and wireless communication technologies across the rural highlands of northern India and Vietnam. Taken together, this issue asks: How do the creative engagements of marginalised communities with these infrastructures shape infrastructural lives?

Book review: Lisa Mitchell, Hailing the State: Indian Democracy Between Elections

Lisa Mitchell, Hailing the State: Indian Democracy Between Elections. Ranikhet: Permanent Black and Ashoka University, 2023. 320 pp. ₹695.

Book review: Ronojoy Sen, House of the People: Parliament and the Making of Indian Democracy

Ronojoy Sen, House of the People: Parliament and the Making of Indian Democracy. New Delhi: Cambridge University Press, 2022, 311 pp., ₹1,295

Political Party and Election in Indian Democracy: A study of Acharya Vinoba Bhave’s critical view

Acharya Vinoba Bhave was a non-violence activist, freedom activist, social reformer, and spiritual teacher. An avid follower of Mahatma Gandhi, Vinoba Bhave upheld his concepts of Sarvodaya and tried to make a new social order on love, peace, and ahimsa in India. He dedicated his life to serving the poor and the downtrodden and stood up for their rights. For most of his adult life, he led an ascetic style of existence centered on spiritual beliefs of right and wrong. He is best known for his 'Bhoodan Movement' (Gift of the Land). Vinoba once said, "All revolutions are spiritual at the source. All my activities have the sole purpose of achieving a union of hearts.”He strongly raised his voice against dominant party politics, corruption in electoral procedure, and parliamentary democracy in India. He gave his critical views on Indian democracy to establish a caste-less, classless, and egalitarian society in India. As a Gandhian follower, he never compromised with truth, justice, and people’s rights and justice.

Democracy in India is at Stake: Image of the Last Decade

Indian democracy is going to step its 75 years of journey. Indian democracy is still singing even after happening many ups and downs in the country and in the world. Ours is a world largest democracy. We are really, proud of it. Democracy has a long tradition and rich history in India. That means the idea that democratic ethos and principles are not new to the Indian subcontinent. Our rich democratic heritage, sets a precedent a for promoting civic culture, political participation, and a well understanding of democratic principles among its citizens. In recent, India's G20 presidency reflects its commitment to democratic values and international cooperation. The country sets an example to promote global democratic principles. The Parliament 20 (P20) Summit in New Delhi put forwards India's rich democratic heritage and core values to the world. The inclusivity, equality, and harmony are central to Indian democracy. But the scholars and theorists of Indian democracy come to realize that, the picture of our democracy of the last one decade is not so satisfactory. Democracy-watching organizations categorize democracies differently. They all classify India today as a “hybrid regime”—that is, neither a full democracy nor a full autocracy. And this is new one. In 2021, in view of Freedom House, India’s freedom rating is Partly Free (the only remaining category is Not Free). That same year, the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) project India as “electoral autocracy” on its scale of closed autocracy, electoral autocracy, electoral democracy, or liberal democracy. And the Economist Intelligence Unit stated India to be “flawed democracy” on its scale of full democracy, flawed democracy, hybrid regime, and authoritarian regime. Keeping all these things in mind, in this paper, I have tried to critically examine the Indian democracy of the last one decade on the basis of a small ground level study.

Impact of Agriculture Corporate Farm Increase Productivity Widespread Destructive Activity on Earth Democracy in India

Agricultural productivity in India can be improved by investing in agricultural research and development, improving irrigation infrastructure, promoting farm mechanization, and strengthening agricultural extension services. Agriculture is the foundation of the civilization, culture and heritage of India. It most commonly refers to corporations that are large-scale farms, market agricultural technologies in particular pesticides, fertilizers, and GMO's, have significant economic and political influence, or some combination of the three. The large-scale corporate agriculture is more efficient than peasant farming in the country. It leads to better allocative efficiency, induces higher private investment in agriculture, and results in higher output, income and exports. During 2021-22, in the countries total exports agricultural exports contributed of to the tune of US $ 50.2 billion with a 20% increase from US $ 41.3 billion in 2020-21. In FY 2023, it is projected that the Indian agriculture sector will grow at the rate 3.5%. Agriculture in India is a complex mosaic of distinct agro-ecosystems, differentiated by climatic, soil, vegetation and other natural features. About half of the Indians derive their livelihood from agriculture and allied activities. Technology and Research Corporate farming enterprises usually invest in research and development of new agricultural technologies, seeds, and farming practices. Farmers who are part of these systems can benefit from access to cutting-edge technology and knowledge that can improve productivity and efficiency. It is one of the oldest systems of the world characterized by its diversity and heterogeneity, unorganized and stressed on account of natural and anthropogenic vagaries from ‘seed to market’. Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, contributing to around 16.5% of India's GDP and employing over 50% of the workforce. The Indian agriculture market is valued at USD 435.9 billion as of 2022 and is expected to reach USD 580.82 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of around 4.9% between 2023 and 2028. Historically, stressed natural resources due to unfavourable weather, monsoon and natural calamities resulted in crop failures leading to food shortage that made serious impacts on the civilization. Post-Independence, the Indian agriculture transformed from a food-scarce to food-exporting country primarily due to science led innovations that caused multi-fold increase in the agricultural production from 135 million tons in 1950/51 to over 1300 million tons in 2021/22 in spite of increasing abiotic and biotic stresses and depleting along with deteriorating natural resources. Agriculture is one amongst the few sectors that made progressive growth after independence and marched well with the need of the country. Success in agriculture since Independence has been the backbone of India’s success.

A Critical Analysis of Anti-defection Laws in India

The Anti-defection statute has a great relevance in Indian democracy. Political defections in India persist despite the Anti-Defection Laws being put into place, which begs the question of how efficient these laws are at preserving political stability and discouraging opportunistic behavior on the part of elected officials. This study looks into the causes of political defections’ continued occurrence in India and assesses how well the Anti-Defection Laws work to solve the problem. The law’s historical context, its clauses, their effects on political parties, and how the legislative process operates will all be examined in this paper. In addition to looking at proposed changes to the current system, the report will also analyze the arguments and complaints made against the law.

AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE PERFORMANCE OF PANCHAYATS IN TRIPURA: MAJOR INITIATIVES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

The introduction of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment to the Constitution of India brought a new beginning and positive changes to Indian democracy. It has strengthened the concept of democracy by ensuring the decentralization of power at the grass roots level. The creation of the Three Tier Panchayat System was a land mark step giving voice to the rural people in the process of governance and democratic development planning. In conformity with this Act, in 1993, the Government of Tripura brought forward the Tripura Panchayats Act. The present paper aims to analyse the performance of the Panchayats of Tripura and the contribution of PRIs in developing the rural areas of Tripura.

Sociology and the Vagrant: Beggars, Welfare and Tradition in Writing about the New Citizen in 1950s India

Exploring the work of M.S. Gore and the Delhi School of Social Work on Delhi’s ‘Beggar Problem’, which was published in 1959, this article shows how the ostensibly ‘secular’ solutions to the phenomenon were premised on a series of assumptions about caste-oriented mores and traditions of religious gifting, suggesting normative categories of citizenship based around these forms of identity. The article explores, in depth, the sociological approaches of Gore’s (and others’) study of beggary and argues that the emergent social policy on vagrancy connected to emergent concepts of social citizenship and rights to welfare. In the body of the reformable beggar receiving indiscriminate religious charity lay one of the core symbols of India’s drive towards a modern citizenry. This position on the sociology of beggars was also the product of two larger processes at work in mid twentieth century social sciences: firstly, the development of interdisciplinary approaches by anthropologists and sociologists as they came to terms with new research challenges in democratic India, and secondly, the move to consider new forms of direct social policy applications for research, via government sponsorship. Using Gore’s study, the article looks in detail at researchers’ concerns with labour productivity, religious charity and the possible secular forms of beggar rehabilitation. But ultimately, the School of Social Work’s study, in its apparent critique of draconian colonial controls, did not overturn the continued application of Indian anti-beggary laws in subsequent decades. This article argues that this was a product too of its configuration of social welfare as an outcome of longer-term societal change rather than state policy.