Digital access has become the 'new gateway' to participatory democracy in India. In this context, how does the 2025 Supreme Court judgment declaring digital access as a fundamental right strengthen participatory democracy? Explain with suitable examples.
Answer: In 2025, the Supreme Court of India, in a landmark judgment (Digital Empowerment Foundation vs. Union of India), declared digital access as an aspect of the right to life and liberty under Article 21. By ensuring no citizen is left behind in the digital divide, this judgment strengthens India’s participatory democracy.
Judgment Strengthens Participatory Democracy
- Bridging the Digital Divide in Governance Access: Digital access is now a prerequisite for welfare schemes, grievance redressal, and public services. Example: In Jharkhand, many rural citizens were unable to receive MGNREGA wages due to Aadhaar-linked digital hurdles; now, this ruling mandates ....
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