Nation

IIE DIGITL: A petition challenging the suspension of mobile internet services in parts of central Delhi has been withdrawn before the Delhi High Court after connectivity was restored following the conclusion of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest.

The plea was filed by the Software Freedom Law Centre, India (SFLC.IN), which had challenged the Centre’s decision to suspend mobile internet services around the Jantar Mantar area during the prolonged agitation.

A bench comprising Delhi High Court Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia recorded the withdrawal of the petition after the counsel appearing for SFLC.IN informed the court that they had instructions to withdraw the matter. The court subsequently dismissed the petition as withdrawn.

In its plea, SFLC.IN had sought the cancellation of orders issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on July 17, 20, 22 and 23, which directed the temporary suspension of mobile internet services in parts of central Delhi.

The organisation argued that shutting down internet services was an extreme measure that affected fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution. It claimed that the suspension orders were issued without providing sufficient reasons to justify the need for such a broad restriction.

The petition stated that the authorities had invoked provisions under the Telecom Act and the Suspension Rules, 2024, citing public safety and prevention of emergency situations. However, SFLC.IN argued that less restrictive alternatives were not considered before imposing a complete mobile internet shutdown.

The organisation also alleged that the orders lacked independent assessment and appeared to be a routine exercise of administrative power rather than a decision based on a detailed evaluation of the situation.

The internet restrictions were imposed during the CJP’s month-long protest at Jantar Mantar, which began on June 20. The agitation demanded accountability over the NEET paper leak issue and sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Following Pradhan’s resignation and the conclusion of the protest on Saturday, mobile internet services were restored in central Delhi. With the restoration of services, SFLC.IN decided to withdraw its challenge before the High Court.

The withdrawal brings an end to the legal challenge over the temporary internet suspension, while the broader debate over the use of shutdowns during protests and public gatherings continues.