Internet Shutdowns
Legal Framework and Concerns
Internet shutdowns in India are governed by Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017. The Supreme Court in Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020) held that freedom of speech and expression includes the right to access the internet, and that shutdown orders must be subject to review by a committee.
- The 2017 Rules require shutdown orders to be passed by the Home Secretary (state or Union), reviewed within five days by a committee chaired by the Chief Secretary
- India records more internet shutdowns than any other country globally — over 600 shutdowns between 2012 and 2023 according to Access Now data
- The Supreme Court in Anuradha Bhasin (2020) held that internet shutdowns cannot be indefinite and must be proportionate, necessary, and subject to judicial scrutiny
- Manipur has been among the states with the most frequent and prolonged internet shutdowns since May 2023
● Tracked since April 07, 2026 · last seen May 10, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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