Government Opposes Uniform Guidelines for Internet Shutdowns

The Union government has opposed a plea in the Supreme Court seeking guidelines to limit internet shutdowns, arguing that such “advance rulings” are impractical and that each suspension must be challenged individually.

A bench of justices Vikram Nath and PB Varale heard the petition, filed by the Software Freedom Law Centre (SFLC) in 2022, which highlights the economic, social, and legal fallout of arbitrary shutdowns and calls for clear restrictions.

Advocate Vrinda Grover, representing SFLC, argued the issue is of public importance, pointing to frequent internet shutdowns during exams like high stake tests and recruitment exams.

She contended these measures are disproportionate, causing economic harm and violating citizens’ fundamental rights.

Advocate Kanu Agrawal, representing the Centre, cited the 2020 Anuradha Bhasin case ruling, stressing that states must follow its principles of proportionality, periodic review, and publishing suspension orders, and no sweeping directives can be issued.