Murder, Impunity, and the Crumbling Pillars of Democracy: Press Freedom in India

Journalism and freedom of the press in India, a nation often referred to as ‘the world’s biggest democracy’ continues to face severe threats and the recent brutal murder of 33-year-old journalist Mukesh Chandrakar is a chilling manifestation of that grim scenario. His body was found in a septic tank on a property owned by a contractor named Suresh Chandrakar in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, three days after he went missing on January 1, 2025.

Mukesh’s death occurred shortly after he aired an investigative report on alleged corruption in a Rs. 120-crore road construction project in Bastar on NDTV in the last week of December 2024. The arrest of Suresh Chandrakar on January 6, 2025, highlights the perilous ground report journalists face, especially when exposing hard truths, corruption and misconduct.

India’s ranking in the Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has steadily declined, placing the country at 159 out of 180 countries in 2024. This ranking reflects the growing dangers and constraints faced by the press, including physical violence, harassment, and stringent legal frameworks that curb free expression. Also, according to the India Press Freedom Annual Report (2023) by the India Freedom of Expression Initiative, five journalists were killed, and 226 others were targeted by state agencies, non-state political actors, anti-social elements, and criminals across India. Further, there were many reported attacks on journalists in the year that followed, with several resulting in serious injuries or death. These figures highlight a troubling trend of violence against media professionals, often with little to no legal recourse for the victims or their families.

The murder of journalists is a stark indicator of the risks involved in investigative reporting, and the intrinsic link between the vulnerability of journalists and the erosion of democratic values. In this context, the alarming deterioration of press freedom reflects a broader, more insidious ideological shift. Journalists, once regarded as the backbone of public accountability, are now increasingly seen as adversaries to the powerful political and economic interests that dominate the country’s landscape over transparency. The pervasive culture of impunity, perpetuated by inadequate legal safeguards and selective enforcement of justice, fosters an environment in which investigative reporting is not only discouraged but also punished.

Since 2014, at least fifteen journalists have been killed due to their work, according to data from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The majority of these cases, including the assassination of Gauri Lankesh, a prominent journalist known for her outspoken criticism of right-wing extremism, in 2017, remain a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by those who refuse to be silenced. They mostly remain unsolved or denied justice, fostering a culture of impunity that emboldens perpetrators and instils fear among journalists. Mukesh’s story is a recent case of this dangerous trend, where speaking the truth can lead to fatal consequences.

This system of repression is not just a violation of individual rights but a fundamental assault on the very democratic principles that underpin the nation’s governance. A free press, capable of holding the powerful to account, is an essential safeguard against authoritarianism and corruption. The silencing of journalists is symptomatic of a growing trend where dissent is actively suppressed through intimidation, violence, and systemic neglect. Such a climate of fear stifles critical discourse and undermines public trust, not only in the media but in the institutions that are meant to protect democratic rights. As such, safeguarding the rights of journalists is not merely a legal or moral obligation, but a pressing political necessity for the future of India’s democratic integrity.

Mukesh’s investigative report on the road construction project in Bastar exposed significant financial irregularities and implicated powerful local figures, including the arrested accused Suresh. The report’s broadcast brought Mukesh’s work into the public eye, but it also made him a target. His murder points to the high stakes for journalists who challenge entrenched corruption and vested interests. The lack of adequate protection mechanisms for journalists exacerbates this vulnerability, leaving them exposed to threats and violence.

Unfortunately, the legal and regulatory framework in India has also contributed to the precarious situation of press freedom. Laws such as the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) have been criticized for being used to suppress dissent and target journalists under the guise of national security.

The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, have further tightened the government’s control over digital media, raising concerns about censorship and the erosion of journalistic independence. These measures, while ostensibly aimed at maintaining law and order, have often been wielded to stifle critical voices and limit the scope of investigative journalism.

The impact of these challenges is evident in the growing self-censorship among journalists. The fear of reprisal, whether through legal action or physical harm, has led many reporters to avoid sensitive topics that could provoke powerful adversaries. This self-censorship undermines the role of the press as a watchdog and diminishes the public’s access to vital information.

Media organizations and civil society groups have been vocal in their advocacy for greater protection for journalists. The Editors Guild of India and the CPJ have consistently called for the government to ensure the safety of media professionals and to hold perpetrators of violence accountable. Despite these efforts, the response from authorities has often been inadequate, with many cases of violence against journalists going uninvestigated or unresolved. This lack of accountability perpetuates a cycle of violence and impunity, making it increasingly difficult for journalists to perform their duties without fear.

International bodies have also expressed concern over the state of press freedom in India. Reports from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have highlighted the escalating threats to journalists and the need for urgent reforms to protect media freedom. The United Nations has periodically urged India to align its domestic policies with international standards on freedom of expression. However, the implementation of such recommendations has been slow, and the situation on the ground remains dire for many journalists.

In short, Mukesh Chandrakar’s murder is a tragic reminder of the urgent need for systemic changes to protect journalists in India. A robust legal framework that guarantees the safety and freedom of the press is essential for the functioning of a healthy democracy. Proposals for a Journalists’ Protection Act have been discussed in the past but have yet to materialize. Such legislation could provide a much-needed safety net for journalists, ensuring that they can carry out their work without fear of violence or persecution.

The role of the media in a democracy cannot be overstated. It serves as a check on power, a platform for public discourse, and a conduit for information that empowers citizens. The threats faced by journalists in India undermine these fundamental functions, eroding the quality of democracy and weakening the social fabric. The government, civil society, and media organizations must collaborate to create a safer environment for journalists, one where they can report without fear and with the assurance that their rights will be protected.

The path to ensuring press freedom in India is fraught with challenges and myopic vested interests, but it is a necessary journey to preserve the integrity of the nation’s democratic spirit. The sacrifices of journalists like Mukesh Chandrakar and many others must not be in vain; they must galvanize collective action towards a free and fearless press.

- The author and columnist is deeply interested in research, public policy, governance, and political communication. He serves as the National Coordinator (East) for the USA-based Students for Liberty (SFL). He contributes to Research and Public Affairs at the Office of MP Dr. Shashi Tharoor.