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The civil rights of Indian citizens are guaranteed both in the Indian Constitution and through the State’s international commitments. Despite these guarantees, the civil rights framework encounters numerous challenges from the State problematic counter-terrorism laws, continuation of the death penalty, misuse of arrest and preventive detention powers, lack of implementation, and impunity.

Through nine incisive essays on both traditional and emerging issues, this volume examines the prevailing imbalance between individual rights and State power. Many laws designed to protect the State do little more than protect State power at the expense of her citizens, directly flouting the Constitution, international law, and democratic principles. The authors critically analyse most of these laws, examining their justifications, background debates, and evolution, along with how they violate constitutional and international law.

Taking into account relevant and contemporary comparative case law and developments in international law, this book makes a strong case for bold legal reforms and suggests various measures for improvement.