India Ranks 79th in World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index 2024

The World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2024 reveals that India ranks 79th out of 142 countries, reflecting a continuing decline in the rule of law globally. This year’s Index shows a decline in the rule of law in 59% of the countries surveyed, marking the sixth consecutive year of global declines since 2016.

Key Highlights

• Global Trend: For the seventh consecutive year, rule of law scores declined in 57% of countries worldwide, attributed mainly to authoritarian trends and a decline in Fundamental Rights.
• India’s Performance: India ranked 79th out of 142 countries in the overall index, with its score increasing slightly from last year. Regionally, India holds the 3rd position among 6 South Asian countries.
• Income Group Ranking: Among lower-middle-income countries, India ranked 8th out of 38.
• Global Ranking Leaders: Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Germany top the list, while Venezuela, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Haiti, and Myanmar rank the lowest.
• Within South Asia, India ranked third after Nepal (69) and Sri Lanka (75), followed by Bangladesh (127) Pakistan (129) and Afghanistan (140). Among the G7 countries, Germany topped fifth, followed by Canada (12), Japan (14), UK (15), France (22), the USA (27) and Italy (32). Venezuela got the lowest rank and placed at 142.

India’s Rankings in Specific Rule of Law Factors

Key Observations

1. Progress Against Corruption: India is among the 59% of countries that saw improvement in the Absence of Corruption factor.
2. Constraints on Powers: India ranked 60th globally, showing a slight fall in Constraints on Government Powers, indicating challenges in balancing executive power.
3. Open Government: India leads South Asia in Open Government, suggesting transparency improvements relative to the region.
4. Fundamental Rights: Despite improvement in some areas, India ranks low (102nd), indicating ongoing issues in upholding civil liberties.
5. Justice System: India’s rankings in Civil and Criminal Justice remain low, reflecting issues like delays, weak enforcement, and accessibility challenges.

Global Ranking Summary

India’s performance in the WJP Rule of Law Index highlights areas needing reform, especially in protecting fundamental rights, curbing corruption, and strengthening judicial efficiency, despite some progress in transparency and anti-corruption measures.