Syllabus: GS-II
Subject: Polity
Topic: Rights Issues
Issue: Internet Suspension
Context: The Supreme Court ordered the government to publish the final decisions of the committee on internet suspension orders in Jammu and Kashmir.
Suspension of Internet – Related Laws:
- Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules, 2017 under Telegraph Act – empowers the government to temporarily suspend telecom services and internet access.
- in case of public emergency or public safety concerns.
- Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) allows authorities to impose restrictions on communication.
- in areas prone to disturbances to maintain public order.
+1 Advantage:
Case law(Mains) : Anuradha Bhasin v Union Of India 2020
- Undefined and indefinite restriction of internet services is illegal.
- The right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a), and the right to carry on any trade or business under 19(1)(g), using the medium of internet is constitutionally protected.
- The Review Committee under 2017 rules has to periodically review the suspension orders.
