The Supreme Court’s judgement in Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India is a step in the right direction but fails to provide immediate relief to Kashmiris who have already suffered immense hardship due to the 158 day communication shutdown.
We write to the MHA and the DOT on the urgent need for an advisory against disruptions of internet services.
Internet shutdowns are a pan-India problem and there is no conclusive evidence that they prevent violence. We urge the Central Government to consider issuing an advisory on the frequent use of internet disruptions.
Rajasthan internet shutdown orders continue to be issued by Divisional Commissioners who lack authority to suspend telecom services. Further, many orders were issued in circumstances which do not seem to satisfy the public emergency/public safety requirement under the law.
Part II of the Recap summarizes arguments made by the petitioners and the government about the constitutional validity of the communication shutdown and movement restrictions in Kashmir under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution.