Global rule of law deteriorates for the ninth straight year as India drops to 88th in the latest WJP Index. (photo credit: unsplash)

India ranked 88 th on the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2026 , down two places from 86 th last year, with an overall score of 0.48. The index measures how the rule of law is experienced and perceived in everyday life across 143 countries and jurisdiction.

Denmark topped the global rankings, followed by Norway and Finland in second and third place , respectively . Sweden, Luxembourg and Germany took the next three positions , while N ew Zealand, Ireland, the Netherlands and Estonia completed the top 10 .

The United States ranked 30 th in the index, while China was placed 92 nd and Russia 121 st .

The rankings are based on eight factors : constraints on government powers, absence of corruption, open government, fundamental rights, order and security, regulatory enforcement, civil justice and criminal justice.

The report said the rule of law has declined…