INTERNET SHUTDOWN - POLITY

News: SC turns down plea for urgent hearing on Manipur internet ban

 

What is in the news?

       Recently, the Supreme Court said that it has found no reason to step in and urgently entertain a petition challenging the continued Internet “ban” in Manipur.

 

Provisions and process of the internet ban in India:

       Internet shutdown orders are governed under the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.

       The Government can temporarily shut down telecom services in a region on grounds of public emergency.

       The Information Technology Act 2000 allows for website blocking to maintain sovereignty, integrity and national security.

       The 2017 rules provide that the internet shutdown in a region should be up to 15 days at once.

       To implement the above provisions, written order from the officers above joint secretary in the Union Government.