New Delhi, July 24: The Delhi High Court is set to hear a petition challenging the central government’s order to temporarily suspend mobile internet services in certain areas of the national capital. The petitioner has also contested the restrictions imposed around protest sites. A hearing is expected soon.
The petition disputes the government’s directive that instructed telecom companies to halt mobile internet services in parts of central Delhi. The petitioner argues that this order was issued during ongoing protests, infringing upon citizens’ rights to communication and access to information. The court is being asked to review the legality of this order and to lift the imposed restrictions.
Notably, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order on Thursday at 4 PM to suspend mobile internet services for eight hours around Jantar Mantar to maintain law and order. According to an official, this suspension will be effective from 4 PM to midnight on July 23.
The order states that authorities concluded that temporarily shutting down mobile internet services is necessary to maintain public order and prevent the spread of incitement or rumors. All mobile internet services based on various technologies within a 1.5-kilometer radius around Jantar Mantar are to be suspended during this period.
This directive was issued by Mahendra Vikram Singh, instructing telecom service providers to cease all mobile internet services in the designated area and timeframe.
The order was issued under the powers granted by Section 20(2)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and Rule 2(1)(b) and Rule 3(1) of the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024.
All eyes are now on the upcoming hearing at the Delhi High Court regarding this matter.
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