Freedom House report is misleading, incorrect-MIB

The government has described the Washington-based think tank Freedom House report, which has downgraded India’s status from a free to a partly free country as misleading, incorrect and misplaced. Citing that many states in India under its federal structure are ruled by parties other than the one at the national level, the Center on Friday said it  reflects the working of a vibrant democracy, which gives space to those who hold varying views. 

In a point wise rebuttal, Information and Broadcasting Ministry, on the allegation of discriminatory policies against a particular community, asserted that the Government treats every citizens with equality as enshrined under the Constitution  and all laws are applied without discrimination. It added that due process of law is followed in matters relating to law and order, irrespective of the identity of the alleged instigator. With specific reference to the 2019 North East Delhi riots, the law enforcement machinery acted swiftly in an impartial and fair manner and proportionate and appropriate actions were taken to control the situation. On the use of  sedition law, the Ministry said, public order and Police are State subjects  and the responsibility of maintaining law and order rests primarily with states. Therefore, measures as deemed fit are taken by law enforcement authorities to preserve public order.

The Freedom House report had decreased India’s score to 67 from 71, with 100 being the ranking for the most free country. The report noted that the rights and civil liberties “have been eroding since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014”Referring  to allegation of Intimidation of academics and journalists and crackdown on expressions of dissent by media, the government maintained that the Indian Constitution provides for freedom of expression under Article 19 and discussion, debate and dissent are parts of Indian democracy. Government attaches highest importance to the safety and security of all residents of the country, including journalists and it has issued a special advisory to States and Union Territories on safety of media persons. It added that  Temporary suspension of the telecom services, including internet is resorted to with the overarching objective of maintaining law and order under strict safeguards.

Talking about the FCRA amendment leading to freezing of Amnesty International’s assets, the Ministry clarified that Amnesty International had received permission under the FCRA Act only once and that too 20 years ago. Since then Amnesty International, despite its repeated applications, has been denied FCRA approval by successive governments since as per law it is not eligible to get such an approval. 
However, in order to circumvent the FCRA regulations, Amnesty U.K. remitted large amounts of money to four entities registered in India, by misclassifying the remittance as Foreign Direct Investment. A significant amount of foreign money was also remitted to Amnesty India without the Home Ministry's approval.The government also responded on the issue of lock down in the wake of COVID-19 citing several measures taken by it to provide relief to the people during the pandemic. A rebuttal was also issued on the issues  of human rights organizations.