Journalism of Courage
Mobile internet snapped again around Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, 6th such order in a week
Authorities in India have repeatedly resorted to targeted internet shutdowns during protests and other law-and-order situations, arguing that they help curb misinformation and prevent violence.
RAF contingents on guard at Connaught Place in New Delhi. (Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)
The government has ordered telecom companies to shutdown internet services in parts of central Delhi, particularly in areas surrounding Jantar Mantar, the site of the ongoing studentsā protests. Mobile data services in areas as far as the Mandi House metro station, nearly two kilometres away from the site have also been impacted.
In an order, the Ministry of Home Affairs said that it was issuing the suspension order in āthe interest of public safety and averting public emergencyā¦ and for preventing incitement to the commission of any offenceā. Mobile data services have been directed to be cut within a radius of 1.5 kilometres around Jantar Mantar. A senior industry executive said that the internet suspension was initially issued to be valid till 4 pm on Thursday, but was later extended to midnight.
Internet connectivity remained patchy, and in many cases absent in various parts of central Delhi since the early hours of Thursday. Users, who arenāt participating in the protests, but happened to be in the area for work, were also impacted. Thousands who had gathered to participate in the protest were unable to make calls or messages.
A message received by an Airtel user, and reviewed by The Indian Express, near the Mandi House area on Thursday morning read: āDear customer, as per Government directive, internet services have been temporarily stopped in your area. Inconvenience caused is regretted. Team Airtel.ā To be sure, the Mandi House area is not the epicentre of the protests, and houses a number of businesses.
Authorities in India have repeatedly resorted to targeted internet shutdowns during protests and other law-and-order situations, arguing that they help curb misinformation and prevent violence. However, such suspensions also disrupt everyday life for people, affecting digital payments, app-based transport, communication, navigation, and access to essential online services, while imposing costs on businesses and daily wage earners.
Hotels in the area, which charge a fee to park vehicles, were telling people that they would only accept cash payments. A number of shopkeepers in the area complained that they were unable to accept payments through UPI. Impacted users were unable to make or receive calls through platforms like WhatsApp, and normal phone calls were also proving to be inconsistent due to network congestion near the protest site.
āMy business is down. People usually rely on UPI for making small purchases, but because the internet is not working, I am unable to accept those payments,ā a small road-side tea-seller said.
Story continues below this ad
Queries sent to telecom companies Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Department of Telecommunications remained unanswered until publication.
A similar mobile internet suspension was also ordered in parts of central Delhi on July 20, when the studentsā protest gathered substantial steam.
According to the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, notified on 22 November 2024, an internet suspension order can be issued only by the Union Home Secretary or the State Home Secretary, and by an officer not below the rank of a Joint Secretary in āunavoidable circumstancesā.
Ā© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Advertisement
Loading Recommendations...
Advertisement
Live Blog