India

The Indian government has escalated pressure on civil society groups critical of its policies, using harassment, intimidation, and restrictions on foreign funding. Free speech has come under attack from both the state and interest groups, and critics of the government often face charges of sedition and criminal defamation, and are labeled “anti-national.” Authorities have failed to address attacks against religious minorities by vigilante groups. Caste-affected communities continue to suffer discrimination. The government has yet to repeal laws that grant public officials and security forces effective immunity from prosecution. Despite stricter laws, women and girls continue to face barriers to accessing justice for violent abuses.