In a landmark judgment, the Manipur High Court has issued a directive to the State Government to lift the mobile internet ban in areas that have not been affected by recent violence. This nuanced decision comes amidst an extended internet suspension that was slated to continue until November 8, due to ethnic conflicts between the Meitei and the Kuki-Zo tribal community.
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The bench, presided over by Chief Justice Mr. Siddharth Mridul and Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui, carefully considered the situation.
“Having heard the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the parties and in view of the express contents asseverated in paragraph 4 of the said order dated 5th November, 2023; the State of Manipur is directed to open and operationalize mobile towers, on a trial basis, in all those District Headquarters which have not been affected by violence and thereafter, if found feasible, extend the services to other areas where the law and order situation, so permits,”
the Court ordered.
This directive aims to restore connectivity in districts that remain peaceful, ensuring that citizens in these areas are not unjustly deprived of internet access due to the unrest in other parts of the state. The Court further clarified that in districts only partially affected by violence, mobile towers in the unaffected areas should be operationalized immediately.
In a move towards greater transparency, the High Court has also directed the government to publish all orders related to the suspension of internet services on its official website. This is to ensure that the public is kept informed about the measures being taken and the reasons behind such decisions.
The Court’s order was passed on an application filed by the Commissioner (Home) of the Manipur government, which had also stated that the government would open mobile towers on a trial basis in district headquarters not affected by violence. Special State counsel M Rarry for the Manipur government presented a copy of the order to the Court, which led to the directive being issued.