New Delhi, 2025 — Democracy, often described as “government of the people, by the people, and for the people,” thrives on the shoulders of its custodians. In India, the world’s largest democracy, this responsibility is shared across a spectrum of institutions, leaders, and, most importantly, its citizens. But as the nation evolves, grappling with social, economic, and political challenges, the question arises: Who are the true custodians of democracy in India?
From elected representatives and constitutional bodies to an informed electorate, safeguarding democratic principles requires collective effort and accountability.
The Pillars of Indian Democracy
- The Constitution and Judiciary
- At the heart of India’s democracy lies the Constitution, a living document that upholds fundamental rights and guides governance. The Supreme Court and High Courts, as guardians of the Constitution, play a critical role in ensuring justice and checking misuse of power.
- Example: Landmark judgments like the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) reaffirmed the basic structure doctrine, ensuring that no authority could override the core principles of democracy.
- Election Commission of India (ECI)
- The ECI ensures free and fair elections, the cornerstone of democracy. Its efforts to enforce the Model Code of Conduct and curb electoral malpractice strengthen public trust in the democratic process.
- Fact: In the 2024 general elections, over 900 million voters participated, showcasing the robustness of India’s electoral machinery.
- Independent Media
- A free press acts as the fourth pillar of democracy, holding power to account and fostering public discourse. However, the rise of misinformation challenges its role as an unbiased custodian.
- Insight: According to the World Press Freedom Index 2023, India ranks 161st out of 180 countries, highlighting the need for stronger protections for journalistic integrity.
The Role of Elected Representatives
- Members of Parliament and State Legislatures
- As lawmakers, MPs and MLAs are tasked with creating policies that reflect the aspirations of their constituents. However, incidents of absenteeism and lack of accountability often undermine this role.
- Example: The Women’s Reservation Bill, pending for decades, finally saw progress in 2023, showcasing the influence of persistent advocacy and leadership.
- Local Governance
- Panchayats and municipal bodies are vital in connecting democracy to the grassroots. Leaders at these levels address localized issues, ensuring inclusivity in governance.
- Case in Point: The Aspirational Districts Programme leverages local governance to improve development metrics in underperforming regions.
Citizens: The Ultimate Custodians
- Informed Voting
- Citizens wield the power to shape democracy through informed voting. Initiatives like MyNeta.infoempower voters by providing details about candidates’ criminal records, assets, and educational qualifications.
- Active Participation
- Beyond voting, citizens contribute by engaging in public forums, policy discussions, and activism. Movements like the RTI Act (2005) exemplify how collective action can hold power to account.
- Demanding Accountability
- An aware and vocal electorate ensures that leaders and institutions remain true to their democratic responsibilities.
Challenges to Democratic Custodianship
- Polarization and Identity Politics
- Divisive rhetoric and identity-based mobilization threaten the inclusivity of Indian democracy.
- Erosion of Institutional Autonomy
- The politicization of institutions like the judiciary and media risks undermining their impartiality.
- Public Apathy
- Low voter turnout in urban areas and disengagement from governance weaken the collective strength of democracy.
Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility
The true custodians of democracy in India are not limited to a single entity. It is a shared responsibility that includes institutions, leaders, and citizens, each playing a vital role in upholding democratic ideals.
As India moves forward, the collective effort to foster transparency, accountability, and inclusivity will determine the health of its democracy. The question remains: Are we, as a nation, ready to fulfill our role as the true custodians of democracy?
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