Stories
Centre Defends Delhi Internet Shutdown in Supreme Court
- •The Centre filed a counter-affidavit defending the mobile internet suspension in central Delhi during the October 10 protests.
- •It denied wilful disobedience of Supreme Court directions and urged the court to discharge the contempt notice issued to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan.
- •The government sought a modification of court orders to allow internet suspensions during necessities, adhering to strict legal safeguards.
- •Mobile internet services were suspended for 24 hours around Raisina Hill following a request from the Delhi Police to prevent public disorder.
Key Questions Answered
The Centre stated that mobile internet services were suspended from 10 PM on October 9 to 10 PM on October 10 to prevent public order disturbances during the Cockroach Janata Party protest. The action followed a Delhi Police request anticipating unrest due to the demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The Centre urged the Supreme Court to discharge the contempt notice issued to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan. It also requested a modification of the court's order to permit internet service suspensions in cases of necessity under statutory legal safeguards.
Internet suspensions are regulated under the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, which outline the necessary procedures, appropriate legal authorities, and specific grounds for enforcing such communication restrictions.
