Not just Jantar Mantar, mobile internet blocked at eight stadium-turned-detention centres across Delhi on Oct 10
The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs suspended mobile internet services around eight stadiums in Delhi used as temporary detention centers during protests. The move was justified as a measure to maintain public order and safety during demonstrations against the Chief Election Commissioner.
Why it matters
The use of internet shutdowns and mass detention centers raises significant questions regarding civil liberties and the management of political dissent in India.
It was not only areas around Jantar Mantar, but the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) ordered the suspension of mobile internet services within a 500-metre radius at eight other locations — makeshift detention centres — in Delhi for ten hours on October 10, citing concerns over public safety, public order and the need to prevent incitement to offences.
Delhi Police had converted multiple sports complexes and community centres across the city into temporary holding facilities as part of arrangements to prevent protesters from assembling at Jantar Mantar. Around 2500 protestors were detained from various locations and sent to the detention centres from where they were released later in the day.
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