Overkill: The Manipur government’s decision to extend net shutdowns lacks merit

Source: The post is based on the article “Overkill: The Manipur government’s decision to extend net shutdowns lacks merit” published in The Hindu on 22nd June 2023

Syllabus: GS 3 – The role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges.

Relevance: About Internet shutdowns in Manipur.

News: The Manipur High Court granted limited Internet access in designated places in the State after a petition seeking the restoration of net access. This is because, citizens have been unable to access vital services such as e-commerce-related activities, except for those who can get exemptions from the shutdowns with government permission.

The Manipur HC also said that the government is merely using the shutdown as a substitute for enforcing law and order.

About rules governing internet shutdowns and Court intervention

According to Section 5(2) of the Telegraph Act, 1885 and Telegraph Rules, governments can explicitly seek to retain internet bans in case of a public emergency or in the interests of public safety.

The Supreme Court, in Anuradha Bhasin vs Union of India (2020), held that an indefinite suspension of Internet services was in violation of the law, as freedom of expression and the freedom to conduct commercial work via the Internet are fundamental rights. It also held that such suspensions should adhere to the “principle of proportionality and must not extend beyond necessary duration”.

How to tackle the situation in Manipur?

The situation in Manipur can be tackled effectively by a) restoring the confidence of all stakeholders, b) engaging with civil society actors in restoring inter-community dialogue, c) isolating the extremists and d) pursuing a step-by-step approach towards restoring peace and normalcy.  So, the government should stop focusing on the Internet shutdown.