Read our initial explainer on the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022. We highlight how the bill represents a missed opportunity for legislative reform to bring the Indian telecom sector into the 21st century.
Gauhati HC refused to grant interim relief in a petition seeking directions to the Government of Assam to not suspend internet services on 28th August 2022. However, the Government of Assam has assured the Court it will not suspend internet services on 11th September 2022.
Calcutta HC disposed of petition challenging an internet shutdown order issued by the State of West Bengal. The Court observed that all state authorities are bound by the Telecom Suspension Rules and the directions of the Supreme Court in Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India
No state suspends internet services more than Rajasthan. These suspensions violate fundamental rights of the residents of Rajasthan and cause irreparable economic damage.
Indian law requires governments to be reviewed by a committee of high-level government officials. We have written to the Chairperson of the Review Committee, i.e. the Chief Justice of Rajasthan urging greater scrutiny of shutdown orders.
Since our last report for the month of February, IFF has filed 33 RTI requests and 17 first appeals. In this post, we give you an overview of the requests filed and an analysis of the responses we have received from the different public authorities.
Calcutta HC has stayed an internet shutdown order dated 03.03.2022 issued by the State of West Bengal. The HC was of the view that the order was not issued by a competent authority. The order was stayed in a petition filed by Ashlesh Biradar. IFF provided legal support.
In response to an RTI Application, the State of Rajasthan has stated that their review committee does not meet or review internet shutdown orders. This is contrary to Rule 2(6) of Telecom Suspension Rules, 2017. We have filed a first appeal seeking clarity from the State.
The submission to United Nations analyses the legal basis of internet shutdowns in India, the instances of disruptions, their impact on human rights and the efforts by the Indian Government to improve internet connectivity.
At a hearing dated January 31, 2022, IFF's intervention application challenging the Telecom Suspension Rules, 2017 has been allowed by the Gauhati High Court, and IFF has been impleaded in the case. IFF is now allowed to assist the Court with oral and written submissions in the proceedings.