Today, On 10th December, The Centre informed the Supreme Court that it had directed state chief secretaries to comply with the Anuradha Bhasin case ruling on internet shutdowns. The petition, which raised concerns about shutdowns used to prevent exam cheating, argued that such measures disrupt economic activities. The petitioner suggested that alternative methods could be employed to curb cheating without affecting public services. The court is currently addressing these concerns.
New Delhi: The Centre informed the Supreme Court that it had sent letters to state chief secretaries, urging them to adhere to the law established by the apex court regarding internet shutdowns.
A bench consisting of Justices Vikram Nath and P.B. Varale was updated on the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Anuradha Bhasin case, which stated that indefinite restrictions on internet services are illegal and that any orders for internet shutdowns must meet the criteria of necessity and proportionality.
During the proceedings, a petition presented to the bench, alleging that internet services were being shut down in several states to prevent cheating during exams.
A representative for the Centre stated,
“We have issued specific letters to the chief secretaries that there is a judgement of Anuradha Bhasin which lays down the law; please follow that law. Please ensure that it is not used outside the legislative parameters that have been provided.”
The Centre’s counsel mentioned that a counter affidavit had been filed in the matter.
Advocate Vrinda Grover, representing the petitioner, described the situation as particularly intriguing, noting that various states were imposing internet shutdowns to combat exam cheating.
Emphasizing that such shutdowns negatively impact economic activity in a digital India. She argued,
“There are multiple other ways in which cheating can be prevented,”
Grover pointed out that the Anuradha Bhasin verdict clearly outlined the constitutionally permissible circumstances for imposing internet shutdowns.
The Centre’s counsel indicated that Solicitor General Tushar Mehta would represent the government in this case.
The bench scheduled the next hearing for January 29, allowing parties to file additional documents and affidavits in the interim.
Previously, on September 9, 2022, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Ministry of Communications, requesting an affidavit to determine whether there was a standard protocol in response to the petitioner’s concerns and how well that protocol was adhered to and implemented.
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