HRW 2026 report criticizes India over expulsions, prosecutions, and demolitions
In addition to HRW’s findings, other developments have raised human rights and political concerns
Human Rights Watch (HRW) in its World Report 2026 sharply criticized the Indian government for normalizing violence against religious minorities, marginalized groups, and critics through discriminatory policies and hate speech.
The report highlights that in 2025, authorities expelled hundreds of Bengali-speaking Muslims and Rohingya refugees labeled as "illegal immigrants" and pressured the media to self-censor. HRW cited specific incidents, including the unlawful demolition of over 7,000 homes near Chandola Talab in Ahmedabad, and politically motivated prosecutions against activists such as Sonam Wangchuk. The report also noted a crackdown on independent media following "Operation Sindoor" in Pahalgam and ongoing harassment of civil society through fabricated financial investigations.
In addition to HRW's findings, other developments have raised human rights and political concerns. The Supreme Court denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots, while the Union Government resisted proposed changes to the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Allegations of bias and discrepancies in electoral rolls involving the Election Commission were also reported.
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Social tensions and rights issues included the suspension of a teacher in Sambhal over a Quranic verse and reports of "syllabus saffronisation" at Delhi University after references to Kashmir and Palestine were removed from the psychology curriculum. In contrast, a Jharkhand minister rewarded a man for defending a Muslim shop owner against protesters.
High-profile criminal cases in 2025 included allegations of rape by a village head in Bijnor and the arrest of two men in Uttarakhand for a rape inside a moving car.
On the international front, Pakistan officially confirmed it will boycott matches in India during the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The U.S. Department of Justice also released files revealing communications between Indian businessman Anil Ambani and financier Jeffrey Epstein.
HRW's report underscores ongoing concerns over civil liberties, media freedom, and minority rights in India, calling attention to patterns of discrimination and politically motivated actions.
