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The union cabinet today passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, <keyword id="54707" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="2016">2016</keyword> which legitimises illegal immigrants of certain religions. This attempt to sieve immigrants on the basis of religion resulted in protests and debates on the Narendra Modi-led government. What is the <keyword id="452568" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Citizenship-bill">citizenship bill</keyword>? As per PRS legislative, an independent research institute. the bill amends the Citizenship Act of 1955 to add a religious angle. In its new avatar, the citizenship bill makes illegal migrants who are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from ⁠— Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan --- eligible for citizenship. To be able to benefit from it, the applicant must have resided in India during the last 12 months and for 11 of the previous 14 years. For the applicants of the above mentioned six religions from three countries, the bill relaxes the 11 year requirement to six. Why was this bill being opposed? This bill which was brought to the fore in 2016 had sparked protests from many groups for picking and choosing the religion of the people who would be eligible for citizenship. PRS says that this Bill could violate Article 14 of the Indian Constitution which guarantees the right to equality. “The Bill allows cancellation of Original Citizens of India (OCI) registration for violation of any law. This is a wide ground that may cover a range of violations, including minor offences (eg. parking in a no parking zone),” said PRS. Added to that, Muslims, Jews and atheists have been left out of the bill which goes on to include only those religions who are in minority in the three countries in question. Many debaters have pointed out that Muslims are a minority in Nepal and Sri Lanka, and the amendment excludes them. The government had claimed that the Bill is for the greater good of the country, and offers sanctuary to asylum seekers. “There are some decisions that are acceptable to some, not acceptable to others. The BJP has thought deeply about the <keyword id="1814045" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Citizenship-Amendment-Bill">Citizenship Amendment Bill</keyword> before bringing it. We cannot leave a large swathe of people fleeing persecution hanging in mid-air. We believe that the Bill is necessary for the country,” Amit Shah, the home minister of India told earlier this year, as agitations against the Bill were<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/citizenship-bill-necessary-says-amit-shah/article26168945.ece"> at the zenith.</a> Who has agitated against the bill? Though protests and marches against the bill were organized all over the country, civil groups of Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh have been vehemently against it. The new bill violates the Assam Accord, 1985 — which led to deportation of illegal immigrants in the state regardless of their religion, many debaters had said. Families of around 855 martyrs of the anti-foreigners Assam Agitation of 1979-1985 had returned the citation that the government had given them in 2016. “India is a democracy, though people have the right to voice their ideas and demands, such actions are not appreciated in society,” said Assam<a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/assam-admits-protests-over-citizenship-bill-a-challenge-calls-for-calm-1987411"> Chief Secretary Alok Kumar</a>. The controversial bill coupled with National Register of Citizens (NRC) might alter the composition of many states in the country--especially the North-East which is known to harbour maximum illegal immigrants. What next? After the approval of the Union cabinet, the bill will be tabled in the Parliament next week. The bill was passed by the lower house of the last winter session had lapsed as it awaited the upper house to pass it-- and lapsed as the government was dissolved. The Union defence minister <a href="https://www.livemint.com/news/india/union-cabinet-gives-green-signal-to-citizenship-amendment-bill-11575437696107.html">is known to </a>have asked all the MPs against absenteeism in both the houses as it is tabled. As Amit Shah tables the bill, the opposition is expected to disrupt the session, and the ruling BJP is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that it gets the green signal this time around.

What is citizenship bill and how does it affect religious freedom in India?

<ul><li>The 5-judge constitutional bench headed by Chief Justice <keyword id="6355251" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="dipak-misra">Dipak Misra</keyword> ruled that women can now enter <keyword id="28504" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kerala">Kerala</keyword>’s <keyword id="6384180" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="sabarimala">Sabarimala</keyword> temple, irrespective of their age.</li><li>The verdict stated that the tradition violated the right of Hindu women to practice their religion.</li><li>The bench also said, the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Rules, 1965 put patriarchy in religion above the right to pray, which is stated in Article 25 of the Indian constitution. </li></ul>In another landmark verdict this week, the <keyword id="75952" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Supreme-Court-of-India">Supreme Court of India</keyword> ended the centuries-old tradition of women not being able to enter Kerala’s most well-known temple, the Sabarimala temple, if they were between the ages of 10 to 50. Petitioners had challenged the Kerala High Court’s decision that only the tantri or priest had the power to decide on traditions. The <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sabarimala-verdict-live-updates-supreme-court-women-temples-kerala-5377598/?#liveblogstart">five-judge Constitutional bench</a> that included Chief Justice Dipak Misra, R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and <keyword id="854247" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indu-Malhotra">Indu Malhotra</keyword>, ruled that the tradition enforced patriarchy in religion and could not be allowed to trump women’s right to pray. Not a unanimous decision Justice Indu Malhotra was the only judge on the bend to vote against the petition. She stated that rational arguments cannot be applied to matters of religion and that religious practices are more complex than the right to equality. She added that Article 25 of the Indian constitution already protects the Sabarimala shrine and its deity. While Article 14 stresses the right of all individuals to be equal in the eye of the law, constitutional morality also accounts for everyone being allowed to practise their beliefs. Even if those beliefs are biased towards one gender. That being said, Justice Nariman expressed that the rule actually violates Article 25 by not extending the freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion to women. The management of the Sabarimala temple, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has already announced that they will be filing to review the petition. The president of TDB, A Padmakumar, stated that he would be enlisting the help of other religious heads to push this forward. The custodians of the temple, the Pandalam royal family, also expressed their disappointment in the verdict.

Supreme Court of India lifts ban, women of all ages can now enter Sabarimala temple

<ul><li>The Supreme Court’s verdict to allow women of all ages to enter the <keyword id="453325" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="sabarimala-temple">Sabarimala Temple</keyword> came into effect today.</li><li>During the past week, protestors and the local tribal community have flocked to the shrine in order to protest the verdict and prevent women from entering. </li><li>While the law was passed to propagate equality, the locals cite that it’s encroaching their <keyword id="63214" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="religious-freedom">religious freedom</keyword>.</li></ul>The Sabarimala temple finally opened its doors to women today but they’re are being <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/two-women-devotees-reach-sabarimala-temple-sent-back-by-protesters-1933319" data-type="tilCustomLink" style="">turned around</a> before they can even reach the gates. The verdict passed by the Supreme Court last month allowed women of all ages to worship Lord Ayyappa's shrine citing Article 14, that everyone should be equal before the law. But the matter at hand seems to be pivoting from equality between genders to religious freedoms and tribal rights. On the ground, the local tribal community along with their supporters have been gathering to protest. So far, women have been turned out at the base of the hill where the temple is located and stones have been pelted at cars approaching with women on board. Even the women police that’s been deployed in the area are facing backlash for doing their duty. What seems to be the problem? The Sabarimala temple is the pivotal place of worship for the tribal community living in the Attathodu area where the shrine is located. According to the chief of the tribal community in the region, VK Narayanan, the issue is that the restrictions that have been placed on women of a certain age as a part of their customs. He added that considering menstruating women ‘impure’ is a Dravidian custom. Even before Wednesday, many organisations were citing disruption and ‘mass suicides’ as a likely outcome if women of menstrual age are allowed to enter the shrine. This isn’t the first time that India has had to face a crisis of conscience where the choice is between bringing about equality or upholding tradition. Triple Talaq, up until recently, was legal in India. Having been cited as ‘unconstitutional’ it was abolished in 2017 highlighting that such a tradition was not integral to religious practice. (Image source: IANS)

Protestors flock as this Indian temple finally opens its gate to women

The popular social media platform 'X' owned by <keyword id="19903807" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="elon-musk" source="keywords">Elon Musk</keyword>, has issued a statement saying that it has blocked some accounts and posts on its platform after the executive orders issued by the Indian government. "The <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword>n government has issued executive orders requiring X to act on specific accounts and posts, subject to potential penalties including significant fines and imprisonment. In compliance with the orders, we will withhold these accounts and posts in India alone; however, we disagree with these actions and maintain that freedom of expression should extend to these posts," the <keyword id="20682688" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-government-affairs" source="keywords">Global Government Affairs</keyword> of 'X' posted. The Global Government Affairs of 'X also stated that the writ appeal challenging the Indian government's orders remains pending and they have provided impacted users with notices of these actions in accordance with its policies. "Due to legal restrictions, we are unable to publish the executive orders, but we believe that making them public is essential for transparency. This lack of disclosure can lead to a lack of accountability and arbitrary decision-making," it added. Earlier in 2022, X's account with the Pakistan government was withheld in India. This was reportedly the second such incident in recent months. This account was withheld earlier in July 2022 as well but had been reactivated and was visible. Later in October, based on the inputs from intelligence agencies, the Ministry of Information &amp; Broadcasting had directed YouTube to block 45 YouTube videos from 10 YouTube channels. Orders to block the concerned videos were issued on October 23, under the provisions of the Information Technology. The blocked videos had a cumulative viewership of over 1 crore 30 lakh views. The content included fake news and morphed videos spread with the intent to spread hatred among religious communities. Examples include false claims such as the Government has taken away the religious rights of certain communities, violent threats against religious communities, declaration of civil war in India, etc. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indian-tablet-market-down-by-24-9-in-2023-samsung-leads-the-market/articleshow/107878795.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indian-tablet-market-down-by-24-9-in-2023-samsung-leads-the-market/articleshow/107878795.cms" target="_blank">Indian tablet market down by 24.9% in 2023, Samsung leads the market</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/asus-rog-strix-scar-16/slidelist/107873658.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/asus-rog-strix-scar-16/slidelist/107873658.cms" target="_blank">Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 – powerful hardware at a premium</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/fire-boltt-noise-lead-indias-wearable-market-growth-which-sees-a-34-spike/articleshow/107813888.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/fire-boltt-noise-lead-indias-wearable-market-growth-which-sees-a-34-spike/articleshow/107813888.cms" target="_blank">Fire Boltt, Noise lead India’s wearable market growth which sees a 34% spike</a>

Social media platform 'X' decides to withhold accounts after Indian govt executive orders

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to visit the US next month, but arrangements for that is not the only thing that top US Senators are worried about. As per reports, they are said to be worried more about India’s religious freedom, increasing attack on civil society and the situation of human rights in India. 
 "The situation does raise concern about religious freedom in India," said Colorado Senator <keyword id="975294" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cory-Gardner">Cory Gardner</keyword>. He was addressing a Congressional hearing on India convened by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. 
 Virginia Senator <keyword id="1437734" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tim-Kaine">Tim Kaine</keyword> also expressed his concern on the recent cases when Indians showed religious intolerance, in protest of which artists returned their awards. He added that he would be looking forward to raising this issue with Modi in Washington DC. 
 Maryland Senator <keyword id="363277" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ben-Cardin">Ben Cardin</keyword> went ahead to describe the anti-conversion laws in some states as problematic, saying that such laws allow one to think whether there is any religious freedom in India or not. 
 <keyword id="184648" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nisha-Desai-Biswal">Nisha Desai Biswal</keyword>, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, has agreed with the senators, but added that the vibrant civil society of India is in itself the strongest voice on this. 
 
"There has been fairly vigorous and vociferous debate within India with respect to religious freedom and religious tolerance," Biswal said, adding that the voice of the Indian people who are debating over these issues is the strongest. 
 
"It is on the headlines of Indian newspapers that you are seeing a very active engagement on this issue. I think, these are issues, these are values that we hold very dear, that we bring into the conversation. But we try to do it in a constructive way possible to not take away the fact that these are issues that Indian must grapple with and gright for their own country, for their own democracy, for their own society," Biswal was quoted saying. 
 
"And that we in the United States have experiences to share, lessons to share, best practices to share. But we seek to do that in a way that respects and honours the fact that this democracy has a very vibrant and a very vocal civil society and media and political party system that is also trying to get this right," she added. 
 
To this, Cardin said that Indians have been inconsistent in their behaviour towards women and girls, which is worrisome. 
 
<a href="http://images.indianexpress.com/2015/09/modi-l5.jpg">Image source</a>

Intolerance strikes back; now US senators are worried about India’s religious freedom

<ul><li>According to a Booking.com survey, as many as 86% transfeminine and 83% transmasculine travellers faced discrimination</li><li>91% of LGBTQ+ travellers in India feel the need to take their personal safety and well-being into account.</li><li>Despite the challenges, a remarkable 90% of LGBTQ+ respondents (compared to 72% in 2022) find that their identity actually boosts their confidence as travellers.</li></ul>Discrimination is not new for the LGBTQ+ community. The acronym stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual and many other terms (such as non-binary and pansexual). A survey by leading travel booking portal Booking.com has revealed that over 60% of the community changed or cancelled their travel plans in India last year fearing ill treatment. The survey reveals that LGBTQ+ travellers in India continue to be cautious, as a significant percentage—62% of LGBTQ+ individuals, and 63% of transgender individuals—have reported cancelling a trip within the past year due to concerns over the lack of support for LGBTQ+ individuals in their chosen destination, as per Booking.com’s LGBTQ+ travel research. One of the major challenges faced by LGBTQ+ travellers is the pervasive discrimination they encounter throughout their journeys. According to the survey results, a significant majority of respondents (79%) reported experiencing discrimination, with even higher figures of 86% for transfeminine travellers and 83% for transmasculine travellers. Specific instances of discrimination include 33% of respondents facing stereotyping, 29% being subjected to stares, giggles, or verbal abuse by fellow travellers, and 27% feeling threatened or unsettled by local law enforcement. Despite travel being associated with freedom and self-expression, many LGBTQ+ individuals still feel restricted. Around 44% have felt the need to modify their behavior in order to avoid judgment or uncomfortable encounters, marking an increase from 37% in 2022. Additionally, 36% have felt compelled to change their appearance for the same reasons, up from 29% in 2022. This pressure is particularly common among young LGBTQ+ travellers who often succumb to societal expectations. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Rising safety concern" comment="subhead" text="Rising safety concern">Rising safety concern</cmsannotation> In its third year, the survey revealed that an overwhelming 91% of LGBTQ+ travellers in India feel the need to take their personal safety and well-being into account when selecting a destination. This percentage represents a significant increase from 70% in the previous year. The concern for personal safety is particularly prominent among intersex individuals (90%), genderfluid individuals (90%), transfeminine individuals (89%), and transmasculine individuals (87%) who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Rising confidence" comment="subhead" text="Rising confidence">Rising confidence</cmsannotation> Surprisingly, despite the challenges faced, a remarkable 90% of LGBTQ+ respondents (compared to 72% in 2022) find that their identity actually boosts their confidence as travellers. When it comes to their holiday experiences, 89% of LGBTQ+ individuals feel confident engaging in any activities they desire, and an overwhelming majority (87%) actively seek out attractions and activities tailored to LGBTQ+ individuals. Positive travel experiences continue to uplift LGBTQ+ communities. An overwhelming 97% of LGBTQ+ travellers have encountered delightful interactions during their stays. Additionally, 58% have enjoyed positive pre-arrival communication with accommodations, and 51% have had excellent experiences upon arrival. This represents a notable increase from 26% in the previous year, indicating a positive trend towards more inclusive and welcoming travel experiences for LGBTQ+ individuals. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Need of the hour" comment="subhead" text="Need of the hour">Need of the hour</cmsannotation> The survey found that 40% of respondents expressed a desire for more information regarding the LGBTQ+ status of their destination, local laws, religious sensitivities, and safety tips. In meeting this demand, travel companies play a crucial role as allies by implementing inclusive policies and creating welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ travellers. Also, 85% of Indian respondents prefer airlines and brands that have inclusive policies, which may include features like gender-neutral uniforms. Additionally, there has been an increase in the number of Indian respondents, with 86% (compared to 72% in the previous year) showing a preference for booking with LGBTQ+ owned brands.

More than 60% LGBTQ+ cancelled travel plans in India last year with over 90% fearing for their safety

<ul><li>India slipped two places to come in at the 53rd position on the Democracy Index 2020 as compared to last year.</li><li>The dip in its score has largely been attributed to mishandling of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).</li><li>“The increasing influence of religion under the Modi premiership, whose policies have fomented anti-Muslim feeling and religious strife, has damaged the political fabric of the country,” said the report by The Economist Intelligence Unit.</li></ul>India is the world’s largest democracy but its 1.38 billion citizens do not seem to be enjoying many freedoms. According to the latest report by the Economist Intelligence Unit, the South Asian giant fell another two spots to 53rd position in the Democracy Index 2020. The primary reason for the massive fall was <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/nrc-npr-and-caa-are-not-the-same-know-the-differences/articleshow/72963691.cms">the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act </a>(CAA) that came into being in January 2020. India versus rest of South Asia While being categorized as a ‘flawed democracy’, at first glance, India fares better than its neighboring countries. However, while India has been falling in the ranks, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Pakistan have improved marginally in 2020. Even those countries which saw a fall in scores, none were as massive as India’s drop. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Country </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Change in Democracy Index score from 2019 to 2020 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">India </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">-0.29 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Bhutan </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">+0.41 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Bangladesh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">+0.11 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Pakistan </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">+0.06 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">China </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">+0.01 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Afghanistan </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">No change </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Nepal </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">-0.06 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Sri Lanka </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">-0.13 </td></tr></tbody></table> India’s ranking has been falling and it may get worse <div type="image" title="India democracy ranking" msid="80671295" hostid="261"></div> The Economist Intelligence Unit calls it ‘democratic backsliding’ under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The instances of high handedness by the state have only increased. For instance, stand-up comedian Munawar Farooqui was <a href="https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/comedian-munawar-faruqui-in-jail-for-22-days-for-joke-on-hindu-gods-a-timeline-of-events-3320342.html">arrested</a> for a joke that he didn’t even crack. Not to mention the heavy language used by the judiciary while denying him bail. The judiciary’s sensitivity was seen yet again when lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan was brought under the scanner for <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/prashant-bhushan-files-fresh-plea-in-supreme-court-seeking-review-contempt-case-punishment/articleshow/78422984.cms">tweets criticizing the government. </a> Access to the internet was <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/internet-access-in-jammu-and-kashmir-isnt-about-the-right-to-freedom-its-about-the-right-to-life-according-to-lawyers/articleshow/75708351.cms">blocked in Kashmir</a> for 213 days — two-thirds of a full year — after Article 370 of the Constitution was scrapped by the Modi government. Even today, internet shutdowns are being used to stifle the farmers' protest against India’s new farm laws along the borders of New Delhi. Creators of shows like <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/tandav-controversy-fir-filed-against-the-shows-director-and-amazon-india-head-of-content-in-up/articleshow/80329036.cms">Tandav</a>, Sacred Games, and others have been dragged to court after being accused of hurting religious sentiments. Most recently, the Uttarakhand Director General of Police Ashok Kumar <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/uttarakhand-anti-national-posts-to-hit-passport-clearance-101612289325781.html">stated</a> that the state police will track people posting ‘anti-national’ and ‘anti-social’ posts on social media to be taken into consideration when verifying passport and arms. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Type of democracy </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Number of countries </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Percentage of countries </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Percentage of world population </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Full democracies (E.g. Canada) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">23 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">13.8% </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">8.4% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Flawed democracies (E.g. The US) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">52 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">31.1% </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">41% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Hybrid regimes (E.g. Myanmar) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">35 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">21% </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">15% </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Authoritarian regimes (E.g. China) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">57 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">34.1% </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">35.6% </td></tr></tbody></table> The issue with the new citizenship law The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) allows persecuted minorities who are, by religion, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian from ⁠— from neighbouring countries namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan — eligible for Indian citizenship. The fundamental argument against this bill is that religion was never a criteria and should never be. When critics questioned why persecuted Muslims were left out of the Act, the government said that in the three countries specified, Muslims are the majority and not persecuted. However, many debaters have pointed out that Muslims are a minority in Nepal and Sri Lanka, and the amendment excludes them. What’s worse, the government had planned to execute the National Registrar of Citizens, which would identify the undocumented and illegal migrants. However, if any non-Muslim gets caught without papers, he could be reinstated under the CAA. But a Muslim does not have the safety net that other communities have. The fear of many Muslims, who have been living in India for decades or generations, losing their state led to the widespread protests going into 2020. It took a riot in Delhi and the pandemic thereafter to bring the protests to an end. India scores well for its electoral process but takes a hit in political culture <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Metric </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">India’s score </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Electoral process and pluralism </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">8.67 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Functioning of government </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">7.14 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Political participation </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">6.67 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Political culture </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Civil liberties </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5.59 </td></tr></tbody></table> SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/no-covid-cess-but-agri-infra-cess-will-hike-prices-of-fuel-imported-alcohol/slidelist/80629471.cms">No COVID-cess but agri infra cess will hike prices of fuel, imported alcohol</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/indias-health-budget-sees-a-137-jump-in-2021/slidelist/80626468.cms">India’s health budget sees a 137% jump in 2021</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/india-budget-2021-updates-and-highlights-from-nirmala-sitharaman-speech/articleshow/80624564.cms">Union Budget 2021 highlights: Pensioners over 75 years need not file IT returns, says FM</a>

New citizenship law pulls India down in the democracy rankings — and 2021 is not looking better

Filmmaker <keyword id="3778" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Karan-Johar">Karan Johar</keyword> was in Jaipur to take part in the ongoing Jaipur Literature Festival. On being asked about what has been his biggest revelation, he laughed, saying that he hasn’t revealed it as of yet. He was, of course, hinting at his sexuality, given that there have been undying rumors about him being a homosexual. 
 
“We are in a tough country to talk about your personal life, and I feel very sad about it,” the Bombay Velvet actor said after he said that revealing something could land you in jail in this country, and that Freedom of Expression is "the biggest joke" in the world, followed by democracy. 
 
"Everywhere I go, I am scared, like I am scared I am saying something in Jaipur, and I don’t know who'll file a case when I get home. So I have become like some kind of an FIR king now," he said, touching the topic of the FIR that was lodged against him for hosting the infamous AIB Roast. 
 
However, with the growing intolerance over anyone who says that India is intolerant, it looks like Johar will soon be joining the club of Bollywood celebrities who were reprimanded for speaking about what’s happening in the country. 
 
While Aamir Khan faced backlash for saying that his wife has suggested moving out of the country, Shah Rukh Khan was also misquoted about saying that there is a growing "cultural and religious intolerance". 
 
Watch the video here: 
 
 
Source: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdfLsL12PiM">ANI</a> 
 
<a href="http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/541288-Karanjohar-1367074908.jpg">Image source</a>

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