Internet Shutdowns: Framework, Drivers & Implications

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The Union government suspended mobile internet across parts of Central Delhi during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP’s) ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest.

Internet Shutdowns in India

Global Ranking: India ranked 2^nd globally with 65 shutdowns in 2025.
Frequent Regions: Jammu & Kashmir and Manipur recorded the most frequent and prolonged internet shutdowns.
Global Share: India accounted for 920 of 2,102 global shutdowns (2016–25), nearly 44% of the total.
Economic Cost: India ranked 9^th globally for disruption duration, incurring $179.8 mn losses in 2025.

Judicial Safeguards

Anuradha Bhasin v. UoI (2020): Supreme Court protected online speech under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(g), declaring indefinite shutdowns impermissible. Shutdowns must be necessary, proportional, and used as a last resort.
Faheema Shirin v. State of Kerala (2019): Kerala High Court declared the right to the Internet a fundamental Right under Article 21.
Press Freedom: Supreme Court recognised press freedom as a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) in Bennett Coleman (1972) and Indian Express Newspapers (1984).

Legal Framework for Internet Shutdowns

Legal Basis: Section 20(2)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024 govern internet shutdowns.
Order Requirements: Every shutdown order must specify reasons & geographical area affected.
Permissible Grounds: Shutdowns may be imposed for public emergency, sovereignty, security, foreign relations, public order, or incitement.
Competent Authority: Union/State Home Secretaries issue orders; Joint Secretaries may act only during urgent emergencies.
Duration Limit: Shutdowns are capped at 15 days, with Review Committee scrutiny within five days.
Service Compliance: Telecom providers must appoint State/UT nodal officers to implement shutdown orders.

Key Drivers of Internet Shutdowns

Conflict Management: 125 global shutdowns (2025) were conflict-driven; India imposes shutdowns during communal violence and border tensions.
Political Control: 64 shutdowns globally were linked to protests and political instability, restricting mobilisation and public dissent.
Human Rights Concealment: 70 shutdowns (2025) coincided with human rights abuses, including blackouts in Myanmar, Sudan, Gaza, and Iran.
Information Control: Authorities blocked 94 social media platforms and 14 LEO satellite internet services across 40 countries to curb communication.

Arguments For and Against Internet Shutdowns in India

Support Internet Shutdowns	Oppose Internet Shutdowns
Public Order: Prevents mobilisation during riots, limiting violence and restoring law and order swiftly.	Rights Curtailed: Restricts Articles 19(1)(a) & 19(1)(g), limiting speech, business, and information access.
National Security: Disrupts terrorist communication during border conflicts and counter-insurgency operations, strengthening national security.	Economic Losses: India lost US$179.8 million (2025) due to internet shutdowns and disrupted commerce.
Rumour Control: Restricts fake news and hate speech, reducing panic and communal violence during crises.	Service Disruption: Interrupts education, healthcare, banking, e-governance, and emergency communication for millions of citizens.
Legal Backing: Permitted under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 for sovereignty, security, and public order.	Democratic Concerns: 65 shutdowns (2025) made India the highest among democracies, raising accountability concerns.
Temporary Stability: Provides authorities critical time to restore peace during exceptional emergencies and violent disturbances.	Global Reputation: India accounted for 920 of 2,102 global shutdowns since 2016, attracting international criticism.

Implications of Internet Shutdowns

Civil Liberties: Restricts Articles 19(1)(a) & 19(1)(g), curbing free speech, information access, and digital participation.
Economic Disruption: Top 10 countries, including India, lost over US$7.69 billion in 2024 due to internet shutdowns.
Emergency Response: 75 shutdowns continued into 2026, disrupting disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and emergency communications.
Democratic Accountability: 94 platform blocks across 40 countries weakened media freedom, transparency, and public oversight during crises.
Digital Divide: Internet shutdowns disrupted education, businesses, banking, & essential digital services.

Way Forward

Last Resort: Enforce the Anuradha Bhasin (2020) principles of necessity and proportionality, using shutdowns only in exceptional circumstances.
Legal Oversight: Ensure Telecommunications Rules, 2024 are strictly followed, with published orders, five-day Review Committee scrutiny, and judicial oversight.
Targeted Restrictions: Replace blanket shutdowns with content-specific blocking under the IT Act, 2000, and targeted law enforcement measures.
Digital Resilience: Protect LEO satellite internet, emergency communication networks, and critical digital infrastructure, considering 14 global LEO blocks (2025).
Rights-Based Governance: Align shutdown policies with Articles 19(1)(a), 19(1)(g) and SDG 16, balancing security with constitutional freedoms and transparency.

“Connectivity is the lifeline of democracy.“ India must balance national security with digital freedoms through lawful, proportionate, and transparent governance.

Reference: The Hindu

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 760

Q. Internet shutdowns, though justified on grounds of national security and public order, raise significant constitutional and governance concerns. Critically examine the legal framework governing internet shutdowns in India and suggest measures to balance security with digital rights. (250 Words) (15 Marks)

Approach

Introduction: Write a contextual introduction about the internet shutdowns in India.
Body: Write about the legal framework governing internet shutdowns in India, also mention the constitutional and governance concerns, and suggest measures to balance security with digital rights.
Conclusion: Emphasise lawful, proportionate, and transparent internet restrictions to balance national security, constitutional freedoms, and democratic accountability.