Eight-hour shutdown within a 1.5-km radius ordered under Telecommunications Act ahead of protests in the national capital
Srinagar, July 23 : The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday ordered the temporary suspension of mobile internet services in and around Delhi’s Jantar Mantar for eight hours, citing public safety, maintenance of public order and the need to prevent incitement to the commission of offences.
An order issued by the Ministry said mobile internet services across all technologies will remain suspended within a 1.5-km radius of Jantar Mantar from 4 p.m. to midnight on July 23.
The directive has been issued under Section 20(2)(b) of the Telecommunication Act, 2023, read with the relevant provisions of the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024.
According to the order, the Union Home Secretary, after assessing the prevailing situation, concluded that the temporary suspension of mobile internet services was “necessary and expedient” in the interest of public safety, to avert a public emergency, maintain public order and prevent any incitement that could lead to the commission of offences.
The order further stated that the decision has been approved by the Union Home Secretary.
Signed by Mahendra Vikram Singh, Under Secretary to the Government of India, the communication has been addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, directing immediate implementation of the order.
The internet shutdown comes amid demonstrations scheduled at Jantar Mantar, a designated protest venue in the national capital. However, the order does not identify any specific organisation or event in connection with the suspension.
