Context

There are concerns about the decline of Right to Dissent across the world.

Dissent as a Democratic Right: Background

• Athens is considered the origin of modern democracy: Athenian democracy played a crucial role in their victory against Persia (modern day Iran).
  • Decisions were made democratically through voting, including whether to go to war and what strategies to employ.
• Supreme Court protects citizens’ right to criticise, express dissent: 
  • Case: The case involved a college professor’s WhatsApp status expressing discontent with the abrogation of Article 370 and extending wishes to Pakistan on its Independence Day. 
  • FIR Filed: An FIR was filed under Section 153-A of the Indian Penal Code, alleging promotion of enmity between groups based on various grounds. 
  • SC Verdict: However, the Supreme Court bench, Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, delivered a verdict reaffirming fundamental democratic principles.
  • Dissent is the Safety Valve of Democracy.

Decline Right to Dissent in Various Countries

• Declining Right to Dissent: It is being observed in democracies worldwide, including India and Western countries.
  • Examples: Death of opposition leader Navalny in Russian jail, oppositions facing cases in Western countries, and post-election violence America and Brazil, Africa is witnessing a rise in dictatorships due to coups.

The State of Democracy in 2024

• 2024 Election Year: 2024 can be considered the year of elections, with 64 countries holding elections.
  • Increased participation in democracy, but a decline in democratic rights is observed.
• The Economic Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index: It shows the lowest average democracy score of 5.2, primarily due to the decline in civil liberties, including the right to dissent.

Benefits of Right to Dissent

• In the Society:

  • Dissent has always led to progress in society.
  • Hegel believed that every thesis has an antithesis, leading to a synthesis of the best.
  • J.S. Mill advocated for freedom of speech, as it benefits society and allows for the correction of wrong views.
  • Dissent led to the realisation that questioning authority is not wrong, as seen in the Copernican Revolution.
  • Women’s Rights in India: Achieved through dissent by Raja Ram Mohan Roy against societal stereotypes.

• For a Vibrant Democracy: 

  • Dissent makes democracy vibrant, encouraging participation and overall development.
  • However, dissent is declining worldwide due to the rise of nationalism, populism, and the spread of misinformation through social media and new technologies.
  • Polarised societies make it difficult to express dissent due to violent counter- reactions.

Supporting the Right to Dissent

• Fundamental Right: The right to dissent is fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution.
• Role of Judiciary and Citizens: The judiciary bears the responsibility of protecting this right with full conviction.
  • Citizens should recognize the significance of dissent and refrain from abusing it.
• Spread of Awareness: Awareness about dissent’s importance is crucial to prevent violence or hatred in society.
• Voltaire’s Quote on the Right to Dissent : “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”