A Critical Assessment of the Working of Democratic Institutions in Contemporary India

The democratic theory postulates that conditions like extreme poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and regional disparities hinder the working of democracy. In contrast, India has preserved its democratic system amid prejudices since its independence. However, in recent years, the law-making process in the country falls short of its democratic nature. Apparently, India has deemed to backslide from elected democracy to elected autocracy. Despite being endowed with universal suffrage, solidified democratic political structures, widespread education, increasing political participation, and an ongoing trend towards decentralization, autocratic forces are getting sway over the democratic spirit. Is this implication of the failure of the political institutions of India’s liberal democracy to check governmental excesses? Against this backdrop, the present paper seeks to ascertain the working of democratic institutions in the current scenario of the country. It can be concluded that political institutions are going through an enduring crisis of autonomy, expertise, and rationality. Liberal democracy must focus on creating an enlightened and virtuous citizenry which is critical to good governance and progressive society.

Keywords:
 Electoral democracy, Elected autocracy, Civil society, Liberal democracy