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 88th on the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2026, down two places from 86th 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 New Zealand, Ireland, the Netherlands and Estonia completed the top 10.The United States ranked 30th in the index, while China was placed 92nd and Russia 121st.Also Read | Global Hunger Index 2026: India ranks 100th out of 122 countries; child stunting nearly 30%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 globally for the ninth consecutive year, with scores falling in 62 per cent of countries. Freedoms of speech and assembly, as well as civic participation, also fell in over 60 per cent of the countries. The report also noted that “authoritarianism is no longer an emerging trend” but is “entrenched”, with 86 per cent of countries suffering a sustained five-year decline.With regard to inflation, it also mentioned that “strong rule of law environments correlate with contained inflation, while weaker governance structures consistently coincide with higher price volatility and severe inflationary spikes.”This data, along with extensive analysis, is handed to citizens, governments, policymakers, donors, businesses, media, academics, and civil society organisations.Story continues below this adWJP Rule of Law Index 2026, Global Rule of Law Rankings (Top 10)RankCountryScore1.Denmark0.952.Norway0.923.Finland0.924.New Zealand0.865.Sweden0.856.Germany0.857.Ireland0.848.Netherlands0.839.Luxembourg0.8310.Estonia0.83