India ranks 79 out of 142 countries in the 2024 Rule of Law Index published by the World Justice Project. This ranking reflects the current state of governance, fundamental rights, and the business environment in India.
Governance Indicators
India’s performance on governance indicators is mixed. It ranks 60th in constraints on government powers and 44th in open government. These scores indicate some progress in governance frameworks. However, they also highlight lapses and a lack of coordination in efforts to improve governance.
Fundamental Rights
India’s score in the protection of fundamental rights is concerning. It ranks 102nd out of 142 countries. This poor performance suggests ongoing issues with the enforcement and respect for citizens’ rights.
In terms of order and security ranks 98th. This low ranking points to challenges in maintaining public safety and effective law enforcement. The effectiveness of policing systems is questioned, impacting citizens’ trust in security agencies.
Criminal Justice Efficiency
India’s criminal justice system is rated 82nd. The system is often slow and inefficient, leading to delays in justice delivery. This inefficiency contributes to a lack of public confidence in the legal framework.
India’s rank also reflects a poor business climate. It scores 97th in the absence of corruption, 78th in regulatory enforcement, and 107th in civil justice delivery. These factors are critical for attracting investment and nurturing businesses.
International Comparisons
In comparison, Singapore ranks 3rd for both the absence of corruption and regulatory enforcement, and 8th in civil justice delivery. This stark contrast marks the challenges India faces in creating a conducive business environment.
Regional Rankings
Within South Asia ranks third, following Nepal (69) and Sri Lanka (75). Bangladesh (127), Pakistan (129), and Afghanistan (140) rank lower. This positioning indicates that India is performing better than some of its regional counterparts, yet still faces challenges.
