Whither Human Rights In India

Whither Human Rights in India, edited by Anand Teltumbde, is a powerful and indispensable anthology that brings together leading thinkers, activists, and defenders of human rights to examine the state of justice and democracy in India today. The essays trace the historical and ideological roots of India’s human rights discourse—from colonial legacies and constitutional guarantees to the challenges posed by majoritarian politics, state violence, and systemic inequality. Contributors critically analyze institutions and practices shaping the current landscape, including judicial responses, hate speech, impunity, ‘bulldozer justice,’ and contested models of development, while spotlighting the lived realities of vulnerable communities—Dalits, Adivasis, Muslims, Christians, women, children, LGBTQI+ people, and prisoners—whose struggles for dignity illuminate the larger battle for rights. Featuring incisive contributions from Harsh Mander, Kalpana Kannabiran, Aakar Patel, Teesta Setalvad, Gautam Navlakha, Mihir Desai, and others, this volume offers an unflinching exploration of human rights at a critical juncture in India’s history. Dedicated to the memory of Father Stan Swamy and Prof. G. N. Saibaba, it stands as both a record of resistance and a call to rethink the future of democracy and human dignity. Anand Teltumbde, a noted civil rights activist and prolific writer, has authored over 30 books and written extensively on contemporary issues. He served as General Secretary of the Committee for Protection of Democratic Rights and was incarcerated for 31 months in the Elgar Parishad case.