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Sign in to searchReporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index 2026
The Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index 2026 highlights a concerning global decline in media freedom, with India ranked 157th out of 180 countries, slipping from 151st in 2025. The index, launched in 2002 by RSF, evaluates countries on political context, legal framework, economic environment, socio-cultural factors, and journalists’ safety.
Historically, India has maintained a mixed record on press freedom. While the Constitution under Article 19(1)(a) guarantees freedom of speech and expression, press freedom is not explicitly mentioned and is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2). Landmark judgments such as Romesh Thapar v. State of Madras (1950) and Bennett Coleman v. Union of India (1973) affirmed the centrality of a free press in democracy.
The 2026 report places India in the “Very Serious” category, citing increasing use of laws such as sedition (now under BNS Section 152) and UAPA, rising media ownership concentration, and threats to journalists’ safety, particularly in sensitive regions. Globally, press freedom is at its lowest in 25 years, with over 52% of countries categorized as “difficult” or worse.
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India ranks 157th in Reporters Without Borders 2026 Press Freedom Index, declining from 151st. Explore causes, legal challenges, and democratic implications.
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