A Critical Analysis
A Critical Analysis
By Mehmet Enes Beşer
India, the largest democracy in the world as it is most broadly defined, is fortunate to possess a rich cultural diversity of religions and ethnic groups. Its Constitution ensures equality, secularism, and protection to all citizens irrespective of background. Recent developments have falsified this pluralist nature by exposing an alarming divergence between constitutional ideals and state policy towards minority rights.
The Citizenship Amendment Act: A Blueprint of Prejudice
In 2019, the Indian Parliament enacted the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which expedited citizenship to Afghan, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani refugees—provided that they were Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, or Christian. It is particularly interesting to note that Muslims were excluded from this exception. The government’s argument was to provide asylum to persecuted minorities of the neighboring Islamic nations. But this discriminatory requirement has been on the basis of violation of secular ideals as well as on religious grounds of discrimination. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the CAA as “fundamentally discriminatory” in the way that it infringes the promise of India’s commitment to equality before the law.
Escalation of Anti-Minority Sentiments
The subsequent years following the CAA passage witnessed rising rhetoric and action against minorities. Research indicates that hate speech assaults on minorities and Muslims in particular were 74% higher in 2024 compared to the previous. Such assaults took place on a regular basis after political marches, religious rallies, and protests and thus charted a disconcerting intersection between political rhetoric and public intolerance. The case instills dread in minority groups and tears the nation’s social fabric asunder.
Targeting of Activists and Journalists
The government function has also raised concerns over minority rights. In March 2025, an American reporter, Raphael Satter, sued the Indian government after being stripped of his Overseas Citizen of India status. This followed Satter presenting investigative content on cybersecurity issues involving Indian parties, and allegations that his reporting embarrassed India’s image in the world. These have been referred to as attempts at silencing opponents and suppressing details that would exclude the narrative.
Global Implications and Diplomatic Strains
India’s internal policies have not remained unnoticed overseas. There were strains in Indian-Canadian and Indian-American relationships on the basis of grievances of state action against diaspora communities. Changed accusations of Indian diplomats’ collusion with underworld syndicates to target religious and ethnic minorities sullied diplomatic relations, leading to tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats. They represent the greater risks for international relations and India’s international image of domestic policies.
The Dichotomy of Constitutional Promises and Ground Reality
Though India’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and non-discrimination, the everyday experience of the majority of minorities is one in which there exists increasing disparity between promise and performance. There have been reports where discriminatory laws were enforced by local authorities, such as requesting restaurants to display the religious affiliation of owners and staff. Not only is this violation of individual rights, but it is also religious profiling, adding to the marginalization of the minority community.
Conclusion
India is at a crossroads where it needs to balance its cultural values with modern practices. The strength of the country lies in diversity, and weakening the minority rights would weaken the pillars of democracy itself. Constitutional values have to be protected by the state, equal justice has to be provided to all citizens, and an environment has to be provided wherein diversity is fostered rather than discouraged. Only through the earnest adherence to such values will India be able to persevere in its lofty position among the world’s nations and foster peace within its own borders.