{"id":9274,"date":"2025-09-27T11:25:57","date_gmt":"2025-09-27T11:25:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=9274"},"modified":"2025-09-28T07:22:46","modified_gmt":"2025-09-28T07:22:46","slug":"un-rights-chief-global-rule-of-law-erosion-violence-democracy-threats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/un-rights-chief-global-rule-of-law-erosion-violence-democracy-threats\/","title":{"rendered":"UN Rights Chief Decries Global Erosion of Rule of Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has issued a grave warning about the accelerating decline of the rule of law across the world. Speaking at a recent forum, the UN rights chief cautioned that the \u201cglorification of violence\u201d and systematic weakening of institutions are undermining international legal norms, democratic principles, and human rights protections.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/un-rights-chief-global-rule-of-law-erosion-violence-democracy-threats\/#The_Warning\" >The Warning<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/un-rights-chief-global-rule-of-law-erosion-violence-democracy-threats\/#Key_Concerns_Raised\" >Key Concerns Raised<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/un-rights-chief-global-rule-of-law-erosion-violence-democracy-threats\/#1_Glorification_of_Violence\" >1. Glorification of Violence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/un-rights-chief-global-rule-of-law-erosion-violence-democracy-threats\/#2_Undermining_of_Institutions\" >2. Undermining of Institutions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/un-rights-chief-global-rule-of-law-erosion-violence-democracy-threats\/#3_International_Legal_Norms_Under_Strain\" >3. International Legal Norms Under Strain<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/un-rights-chief-global-rule-of-law-erosion-violence-democracy-threats\/#Real-World_Examples\" >Real-World Examples<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/un-rights-chief-global-rule-of-law-erosion-violence-democracy-threats\/#Broader_Implications\" >Broader Implications<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/un-rights-chief-global-rule-of-law-erosion-violence-democracy-threats\/#Indias_Position_in_the_Global_Context\" >India\u2019s Position in the Global Context<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/un-rights-chief-global-rule-of-law-erosion-violence-democracy-threats\/#Key_Recent_Supreme_Court_Judgments_2023%E2%80%932025\" >Key Recent Supreme Court Judgments (2023\u20132025)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/un-rights-chief-global-rule-of-law-erosion-violence-democracy-threats\/#Way_Forward\" >Way Forward<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/un-rights-chief-global-rule-of-law-erosion-violence-democracy-threats\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/un-rights-chief-global-rule-of-law-erosion-violence-democracy-threats\/#Timeline_%E2%80%94_Rule_of_Law_Global_India\" >Timeline \u2014 Rule of Law: Global &amp; India<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/un-rights-chief-global-rule-of-law-erosion-violence-democracy-threats\/#Key_milestones_and_recent_developments_concise\" >Key milestones and recent developments (concise)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/un-rights-chief-global-rule-of-law-erosion-violence-democracy-threats\/#Global_Developments\" >Global Developments<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/un-rights-chief-global-rule-of-law-erosion-violence-democracy-threats\/#India_%E2%80%94_Key_Milestones_selected\" >India \u2014 Key Milestones (selected)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Warning\"><\/span>The Warning<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The High Commissioner\u2019s remarks were not abstract theorizing but a reflection of visible, real-time threats to the global legal order. He noted that when leaders normalize violent rhetoric, weaken independent courts, or manipulate legal institutions for political gain, they set precedents that corrode the very foundations of governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the heart of this warning lies a simple truth: the rule of law is only as strong as the willingness of states to uphold it. When accountability is absent, impunity flourishes\u2014allowing corruption, authoritarianism, and human rights abuses to thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Concerns_Raised\"><\/span>Key Concerns Raised<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Glorification_of_Violence\"><\/span>1. Glorification of Violence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Violence\u2014once universally condemned in political and civic discourse\u2014is now increasingly celebrated in some parts of the world. Politicians and public figures glorify aggression as \u201cstrength,\u201d framing dissent or peaceful protest as threats rather than democratic participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hate speech<\/strong> targeting minorities has escalated globally, often inciting communal or ethnic violence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Political violence<\/strong>, including attacks on opposition leaders and journalists, is no longer rare.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Militarization of language<\/strong>\u2014where leaders speak of citizens as \u201cenemies\u201d or of opponents as \u201ctraitors\u201d\u2014has seeped into governance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Such glorification creates a permissive environment where violence is not just tolerated but valorized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Undermining_of_Institutions\"><\/span>2. Undermining of Institutions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Independent institutions are the backbone of democratic governance. Courts, electoral commissions, and watchdog agencies act as guardrails to keep executive power in check. Yet, these very institutions are being systematically attacked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Judicial Interference:<\/strong> Governments in some regions are appointing loyalists to top courts, diluting their independence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Media Suppression:<\/strong> Journalists are silenced through restrictive laws, defamation suits, or even violence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Civil Society Restrictions:<\/strong> NGOs face funding cuts, surveillance, and arbitrary shutdowns, weakening civic oversight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When institutions lose credibility, citizens lose trust. Without trust, even well-crafted laws become hollow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_International_Legal_Norms_Under_Strain\"><\/span>3. International Legal Norms Under Strain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The international legal framework\u2014built painstakingly over decades\u2014rests on treaties, conventions, and customary law. But its effectiveness depends on respect and compliance. Increasingly, states are willing to defy these obligations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Withdrawal from treaties:<\/strong> Some governments have pulled out of key conventions or ignored rulings from international courts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Selective application of law:<\/strong> Countries uphold treaties when it benefits them but reject them when politically inconvenient.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Humanitarian law violations:<\/strong> Civilian protection under the Geneva Conventions is routinely flouted in conflicts, from Syria to Sudan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This erosion threatens the very legitimacy of international law, which is meant to be universal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Real-World_Examples\"><\/span>Real-World Examples<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The UN\u2019s concerns are not theoretical\u2014they are already unfolding:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Eastern Europe:<\/strong> Efforts to curtail the powers of constitutional courts have sparked massive protests, raising fears of \u201cdemocratic backsliding.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Latin America:<\/strong> Allegations of executive overreach in countries like El Salvador and Venezuela show how quickly checks and balances can unravel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conflict Zones:<\/strong> In Yemen, Sudan, and Gaza, violations of humanitarian law\u2014including targeting of civilians\u2014show the limits of international enforcement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Migration Rights:<\/strong> Pushbacks of refugees in Europe and Asia contravene the Refugee Convention, with states citing \u201cnational security\u201d to justify illegal practices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These instances reflect a broader pattern: the weakening of global consensus around rights and accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Broader_Implications\"><\/span>Broader Implications<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The decline of the rule of law has consequences that extend beyond the legal sphere:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Political Instability:<\/strong> Without functioning legal systems, disputes spill into violence and unrest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Economic Uncertainty:<\/strong> Investors hesitate to enter markets where contracts cannot be enforced reliably.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Erosion of Trust:<\/strong> Citizens lose faith in governance, fostering cynicism and populist uprisings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weakening of Multilateralism:<\/strong> If states no longer respect international rules, institutions like the UN, WTO, or ICC risk irrelevance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The rights chief stressed that once these norms collapse, rebuilding them is extremely difficult. History\u2014from pre-World War II Europe to apartheid South Africa\u2014demonstrates how the erosion of law paves the way for authoritarianism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Indias_Position_in_the_Global_Context\"><\/span>India\u2019s Position in the Global Context<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>India, the world\u2019s largest democracy, sits at a crossroads in this global debate. While its constitutional framework is robust, recent developments have sparked conversations about whether institutional checks and balances are being adequately protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Judicial Independence:<\/strong> The Supreme Court of India has repeatedly asserted its role as the guardian of constitutional rights, striking down arbitrary executive actions. Yet, debates persist over judicial appointments, with concerns about government influence in the collegium system and delays in filling vacancies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Freedom of Expression:<\/strong> Cases involving sedition, the use of anti-terror laws (like UAPA), and internet shutdowns have raised questions about the balance between national security and individual liberties. International observers, including the UN, have flagged restrictions on free speech and media freedoms as potential risks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Civil Society and NGOs:<\/strong> Several NGOs have faced challenges under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), limiting their ability to function. While the government cites transparency, critics argue it weakens democratic participation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Minority Rights:<\/strong> Debates around citizenship laws, communal violence, and protection of minority communities reflect ongoing challenges in ensuring inclusive governance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>On the positive side, India continues to demonstrate a functioning judiciary that can act as a bulwark against overreach. Landmark rulings on privacy, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equality highlight resilience within the legal system. However, the UN chief\u2019s warning resonates strongly: unless institutions are safeguarded from political polarization, even established democracies can face democratic backsliding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Recent_Supreme_Court_Judgments_2023%E2%80%932025\"><\/span>Key Recent Supreme Court Judgments (2023\u20132025)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2023 Review Extension)<\/strong><br>The Court reaffirmed its earlier stance on internet shutdowns in Jammu &amp; Kashmir, insisting that restrictions must be proportionate, necessary, and subject to periodic review. This ruling reinforced the constitutional right to free expression in the digital age.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Same-Sex Marriage Case (2023\u201324)<\/strong><br>While the Supreme Court declined to legalize same-sex marriages, it strongly affirmed LGBTQ+ rights, recognizing the government\u2019s duty to protect queer couples from discrimination. The ruling was a partial victory but highlighted the Court\u2019s balancing act between progressive rights and legislative limits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Electoral Bonds Case (2024)<\/strong><br>In a landmark judgment, the Court struck down the electoral bonds scheme, citing its opacity and potential to undermine free and fair elections. This decision bolstered transparency and accountability in political funding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sedition Law Proceedings (2024)<\/strong><br>The Court directed the Union government to reconsider and amend the colonial-era sedition law (Section 124A IPC), emphasizing that dissent cannot be criminalized. This was a crucial step in protecting freedom of speech.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Privacy and Surveillance Cases (2024\u201325)<\/strong><br>Building on the <em>Puttaswamy<\/em> (2017) right-to-privacy judgment, the Court has taken up multiple challenges to government surveillance mechanisms. The pending cases could redefine the balance between state security and individual liberty in the digital era.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>These rulings reflect both the strength and fragility of Indian democracy\u2014showing how the judiciary can act as a safeguard, but also how pressures from executive power continue to test its independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Way_Forward\"><\/span>Way Forward<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the bleak picture, the UN official emphasized that solutions remain possible if states and civil society act decisively:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Strengthening Institutions:<\/strong> Safeguards for judicial independence, transparent elections, and free media must be prioritized.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Accountability Mechanisms:<\/strong> International bodies like the ICC must be empowered, not undermined, to investigate violations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Civil Society Empowerment:<\/strong> Protecting activists, journalists, and NGOs is essential for oversight and accountability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Renewing Multilateralism:<\/strong> In an age of rising nationalism, recommitting to global treaties and cooperation is vital for stability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These steps require both political will and civic engagement. Citizens, too, play a role in holding their leaders accountable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The UN High Commissioner\u2019s remarks serve as a wake-up call. The erosion of the rule of law is not a distant possibility but a present reality unfolding across regions. India\u2019s Supreme Court judgments illustrate both progress and challenges\u2014demonstrating that strong institutions can still safeguard rights, but only if consistently defended. Unless urgent, collective action is taken\u2014nationally and internationally\u2014the world risks sliding into a dangerous era where power, rather than law, dictates justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n      <div>\n        <div class=\"rol-title\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Timeline_%E2%80%94_Rule_of_Law_Global_India\"><\/span>Timeline \u2014 Rule of Law: Global &amp; India<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_milestones_and_recent_developments_concise\"><\/span>Key milestones and recent developments (concise)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\t\t\t<i>Updated: Sep 2025<\/i>\n\n    <h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Global_Developments\"><\/span>Global Developments<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n    <ul>\n      <li><strong>1948<\/strong> \u2013 Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted \u2014 foundation for modern human rights norms.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>1998<\/strong> \u2013 Rome Statute (ICC) signed \u2014 international accountability for atrocity crimes.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>2011\u2013present<\/strong> \u2013 Arab Spring aftermath \u2014 institutional weakening and authoritarian backsliding in parts of the Middle East and North Africa.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>2016\u20132020<\/strong> \u2013 Populist and nationalist waves challenge international legal norms across multiple regions.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>2022<\/strong> \u2013 Russia\u2013Ukraine war \u2014 large&#8209;scale violations of international humanitarian law; stress test for enforcement mechanisms.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>2023\u20132024<\/strong> \u2013 Rising concerns over judicial independence and democratic erosion in Eastern Europe and parts of Latin America.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>Sep 2025<\/strong> \u2013 UN rights chief warns that the &#8220;glorification of violence&#8221; and attacks on institutions are undermining the rule of law globally.<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n\n    <h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"India_%E2%80%94_Key_Milestones_selected\"><\/span>India \u2014 Key Milestones (selected)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n    <ul>\n      <li><strong>1975\u201377<\/strong> \u2013 Emergency \u2014 a historic stress test of constitutional safeguards and civil liberties.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>2017<\/strong> \u2013 Puttaswamy v. Union of India \u2014 Supreme Court recognises the right to privacy as a fundamental right.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>2019<\/strong> \u2013 Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) enacted; widespread protests and debates on minority protections.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>2020<\/strong> \u2013 Anuradha Bhasin \u2014 court limits arbitrary internet shutdowns; requires proportionality and review.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>2023<\/strong> \u2013 Supreme Court \u2014 Same&#8209;Sex Rights rulings advance LGBTQ+ protections while leaving marriage legislation to Parliament.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>2024<\/strong> \u2013 Electoral Bonds struck down \u2014 a win for transparency in political funding.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>2024\u201325<\/strong> \u2013 Sedition &#038; Surveillance \u2014 ongoing judicial scrutiny of colonial sedition law and state surveillance measures.<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has issued a grave warning about the accelerating decline of the rule of law across the world. Speaking at a recent forum, the UN rights chief cautioned that the \u201cglorification of violence\u201d and systematic weakening of institutions are undermining international legal norms, democratic principles, and human rights<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[28],"class_list":{"0":"post-9274","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-international-law","7":"tag-top-news"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9274","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/50"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9274"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9274\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9274"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9274"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9274"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}