Delhi Internet shutdown during CJP protest: Where does the law stand? | Explained
The Cockroach Janata Party organized a protest in Delhi demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over NEET examination paper leaks. Authorities responded by imposing an Internet shutdown in parts of Central Delhi, drawing criticism from digital rights organizations.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between government security measures and the fundamental right to digital access and peaceful protest in India.
The story so far: Mobile Internet services were shut down in parts of Central Delhi during the Chalo Sansad protest organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Thousands of people, led by the CJP, gathered on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following repeated instances of examination paper leaks in connection with the administration of the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET), among other demands. The Internet shutdown, which remained in place until the evening, drew condemnation from the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) and the Software Freedom Law Centre, India (SFLC).
Reportedly, signal jammers had been deployed to disrupt access to the Internet during the protest. Protesters faced difficulties uploading videos and using navigation apps.
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