Delhi HC Hears Urgent Plea Against Internet Shutdown at Jantar Mantar Protest
Delhi HC Hears Urgent Plea Against Internet Shutdown at Jantar Mantar Protest
Internet services suspended near Jantar Mantar spark legal challenge! Delhi High Court examines "unconstitutional" shutdown amidst ongoing protests. Get the full story!
The Delhi High Court is currently addressing a critical petition challenging the ongoing suspension of mobile internet services in parts of Central Delhi, specifically around the Jantar Mantar protest site. The legal challenge, brought forth by the Software Freedom Law Centre, India (SFLC.In), highlights concerns over what they describe as "unconstitutional" and "arbitrary" shutdown orders.
SFLC.In moved the court on Friday, July 24, 2026, requesting an urgent hearing against the suspension orders issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. These orders, dated July 17, 20, 22, and 23, have temporarily halted telecommunication services, including mobile internet, within approximately 1.5 kilometres of Jantar Mantar. The plea, though scheduled for an urgent hearing, faced a delay in being listed due to certain procedural defects.
The petition strongly argues that such suspensions represent an "extraordinary coercive power" exercised by the Executive, directly interfering with fundamental freedoms guaranteed under the Indian Constitution. SFLC.In asserts that the orders are "illegal, arbitrary and unconstitutional" because they fail to specify any public emergency or provide clear reasons demonstrating why a blanket suspension was necessary or proportionate to any alleged threat. The repeated issuance of six separate suspension orders over a mere seven-day period further underscores the petitioner's call for scrutiny into the legality of each action.
Meanwhile, the CJP-led protest at Jantar Mantar continues to draw crowds, demonstrating resilience despite the communication blockade and the closure of 18 metro stations. Volunteers have been deployed to manage entry and exit points, preventing overcrowding. The CJP has also issued a warning, threatening nationwide agitation if their demand for the removal of a specific authority or individual (referred to as "Pradhan" in reports) is not met within two days.
This situation puts a spotlight on the delicate balance between maintaining public order and upholding citizens' digital rights and freedom of expression. The High Court's eventual ruling will have significant implications for how such situations are handled in the future.
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