Home Ministry Order Details October 2 Jantar Mantar Internet Shutdown

India's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) ordered a 12-hour suspension of mobile internet services in and around Delhi's Jantar Mantar protest site on October 2. The services were halted from 9 am to 9 pm within a 1.5 km radius, during a gathering where protesters demanded the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner over alleged electoral roll irregularities. Details of the shutdown order, issued under the Telecommunications Act, were obtained by MediaNama on October 6.

The MHA cited public safety, public order, prevention of public emergency, and incitement to offences as grounds for the suspension, with the approval of the Union Home Secretary. At the time, police had imposed prohibitory orders in the New Delhi district, and approximately 700 protesters were detained.

The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) criticized the shutdown and the lack of public disclosure. The organization stated that the public was unaware of who directed the shutdown, on what grounds, over what area, or for how long. IFF referenced a Supreme Court ruling requiring that internet suspension orders be published and restrictions be proportionate and time-bound.

This marked the second internet shutdown around Jantar Mantar within three months. A previous shutdown in July occurred during protests concerning irregularities in the NEET examination, which led to the resignation of the then Union Education Minister. Authorities have also taken steps against alternative communication applications, including requesting the removal of BitChat from app stores.