Delhi High Court Petition Challenges Repeated Internet Shutdowns at Protest Site

The Software Freedom Law Centre, India (SFLC.In), a legal services organisation, has approached the Delhi High Court against the suspension of mobile internet services in parts of Central Delhi. The petition was mentioned for urgent hearing on Friday, July 24, 2026, before a bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia. The court agreed to list the plea, but it could not be taken up during court hours due to certain defects.

The petition challenges orders issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on July 17, 20, 22, and 23, which directed the shutdown of mobile internet services within a radius of approximately 1.5 kilometres from Jantar Mantar, the site of an ongoing protest. SFLC.In has sought the quashing of these orders, arguing that they are illegal, arbitrary, and unconstitutional.

According to the petition, the temporary suspension of telecommunication services, including mobile internet, represents one of the most extraordinary coercive powers given to the Executive, as it interferes with fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution, including freedom of speech and expression and the right to carry on any trade or business.

The petitioner contends that the suspension orders do not disclose any public emergency nor provide reasons to demonstrate why a blanket suspension of mobile internet services was necessary or proportionate to any alleged threat. The plea notes that six separate suspension orders were issued over a span of seven days, raising questions about whether each exercise of statutory power was independently justified under Section 20(2)(b) of the Telegraph Act, which allows for such suspensions under certain conditions.

The case highlights the balance between maintaining public order and protecting constitutional freedoms. The Delhi High Court is expected to hear the matter on a future date.