tl;dr
We were notified by our community that on April 27, 2023, the Commissioner (Home) of Manipur ordered an internet shutdown in two districts of Manipur for five days, because certain reported incidents of violence, and citing a possibility of false rumours and disinformation spreading through social media. Applicable Indian law requires that these orders must be reviewed by a committee of high-level government officials, to ensure that they are proportionate, lawful and necessary. We have written to the Chairperson of the Review Committee, i.e. the Chief Secretary of Manipur to review the order and consider on a day-to-day basis, whether the internet suspension needs to continue.
Why should you care?
Given the impact of internet shutdowns on fundamental rights in addition to health, education and commerce, it is essential that proper oversight is exercised over orders for internet shutdowns. The Review Committee established under the Telecom Suspension Rules is the only mechanism for oversight of internet shutdown orders, and if the Review Committee does not diligently oversee and review orders for internet suspension, there is a higher risk that the power to shut down the internet will be misused by governments, as a result of going completely unchecked.
Background
As notified to us by members of our community, that the State of Manipur has issued an internet shutdown in two districts, i.e. in the districts of Churachandpur and Pherzawl. The internet will be suspended for a period of 5 days beginning on April 27, 2023, pursuant to Order No. 1/1(3)/2008-H dated April 27, 2023 (“April 27 Order”).