Internet Shutdowns in India: National Security or Human Rights Violation?
🔹 Introduction In recent years, India has seen an alarming rise in internet shutdowns, especially in regions witnessing unrest or violence. One of the most debated cases was the Manipur internet suspension, which lasted for months. This raises a fundamental constitutional question — can the government cut off internet access indefinitely in the name of security? 🔹 What Happened in Manipur? In early 2023, due to ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities, the Manipur government imposed a blanket internet ban across the state. What was intended as a temporary measure for maintaining peace extended for over 140 days, affecting education, work, communication, and access to health services. 🔹 Legal Basis of Internet Bans Internet bans in India are governed by: •Section 144 of the CrPC – empowers the state to issue orders in urgent cases of nuisance or danger. •Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 – allows t...
