Delhi HC to hear plea against internet suspension near student protest site
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Delhi High Court has agreed to urgently hear a petition challenging the suspension of internet services within a 1.5-km radius of Jantar Mantar, where student protesters are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam irregularities. The internet shutdown was imposed under the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, citing public safety concerns.
Background
Student protests began with a sit-in hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on June 6, 2026, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), formed after CJI Surya Kant's 'cockroach' remark. The movement escalated after activist Sonam Wangchuk's forcible removal, leading to a march to Parliament on July 20, where protesters toppled barricades. Clashes on July 23 prompted further internet suspension.
Key facts
Delhi High Court agreed to hear a plea against internet suspension within 1.5 km of Jantar Mantar on July 24, 2026.
Internet services were suspended from 4pm to midnight on July 23, extended to 12 noon on July 24, under the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024.
Government cited public safety and prevention of public emergency as reasons for the suspension.
Student protesters demand Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over examination irregularities.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) was formed after CJI Surya Kant's 'cockroach' remark; it led the protest.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike and forcible removal on July 19 galvanized the movement.
On July 20, tens of thousands marched to Parliament, toppling barricades and leading to Parliament complex sealing.
Clashes between protesters and security personnel occurred on July 23.
The petition was mentioned before a bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia.
The court agreed to hear the matter at 2:30pm on July 24.
Prelims pointers
- Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024
- Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
- Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)
- CJI Surya Kant
- Sonam Wangchuk
- Dharmendra Pradhan - Union Education Minister
- Delhi High Court - Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya
- Fundamental Rights - Article 19 (freedom of speech) and Article 21 (right to internet as part of right to life)
Mains angles
- GS2 Polity: Examine the balance between public order and fundamental rights, especially freedom of speech and access to internet.
- GS2 Judiciary: Discuss the role of judiciary in reviewing executive actions like internet shutdowns under temporary suspension rules.
- GS3 Internal Security: Analyze the use of internet shutdowns as a tool for maintaining public order and its implications.
- GS2 Governance: Evaluate the government's response to student protests and the demand for accountability in education sector.