The government has ordered telecom companies to shutdown internet services in parts of central Delhi, particularly in areas surrounding Jantar Mantar, the site of the ongoing students’ protests. Mobile data services in areas as far as the Mandi House metro station, nearly two kilometres away from the site have also been impacted.
In an order, the Ministry of Home Affairs said that it was issuing the suspension order in “the interest of public safety and averting public emergency… and for preventing incitement to the commission of any offence”. Mobile data services have been directed to be cut within a radius of 1.5 kilometres around Jantar Mantar. A senior industry executive said that the internet suspension was initially issued to be valid till 4 pm on Thursday, but was later extended to midnight.
Internet connectivity remained patchy, and in many cases absent in various parts of central Delhi since the early hours of Thursday. Users, who aren’t participating in the protests, but happened to be in the area for work, were also impacted. Thousands who had gathered to participate in the protest were unable to make calls or messages.
A message received by an Airtel user, and reviewed by The Indian Express, near the Mandi House area on Thursday morning read: “Dear customer, as per Government directive, internet services have been temporarily stopped in your area. Inconvenience caused is regretted. Team Airtel.” To be sure, the Mandi House area is not the epicentre of the protests, and houses a number of businesses.
Authorities in India have repeatedly resorted to targeted internet shutdowns during protests and other law-and-order situations, arguing that they help curb misinformation and prevent violence. However, such suspensions also disrupt everyday life for people, affecting digital payments, app-based transport, communication, navigation, and access to essential online services, while imposing costs on businesses and daily wage earners.
Hotels in the area, which charge a fee to park vehicles, were telling people that they would only accept cash payments. A number of shopkeepers in the area complained that they were unable to accept payments through UPI. Impacted users were unable to make or receive calls through platforms like WhatsApp, and normal phone calls were also proving to be inconsistent due to network congestion near the protest site.
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