A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed by Ehtesham Hashmi in the Supreme Court of India challenging the constitutional validity of the internet shutdowns in the country. In 2019, more than 100 instances of internet shutdowns took place in India, making it a new record for our country.
In the plea Hashmi has prayed that the Apex Court lay down guidelines in order to prevent “arbitrary Internet Shutdown” by government authorities under the
Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017. “Internet shutdown and suspension of communication services restricts an individual’s right to voice its opinion and receive information, without access to information freedom of speech and expression is meaningless. It not only restricts freedom of speech and expression but also other ancillary rights flowing from it”, the plea read.
He also contended that such shutdowns undermine the freedom of speech and expression and therefore leads to a breakdown of the constitutional machinery. The acts of the government are violative of
Articles 19 and
21 of the
Constitution of India, 1949. The petition was filed by Advocate Akbar Siddique. In a recent judgement by Supreme Court delivered by a full bench of Justices NV Ramana, R Subhash Reddy, and BR Gavai, internet was declared as being a part of
Article 19 (1) (a) of the Constitution. Furthermore, the court opined that indefinite suspension of internet is inpermissible and that the suspension can only be temporary. Author: Nandini Gandhi
Union Law And Communication Minister Clarifies That Right To Internet Is Not A Fundamental Right In Itself
Executive
Feb 08, 2020
Lawstreet News Network
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Mr. Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Law and Communication Minister cleared the misconception regarding Right to Internet being a fundamental right. Addressing a query during Question Hour on 6 February, 2020 Union Minister said that the country’s security was equally important. He said that the decision to shut internet services is taken by local authorities, as it is a state subject, taking into consideration the law and order situation.“The Supreme Court has clearly stated that no lawyer...
Internship Opportunity @ Internet Freedom Foundation, Delhi
Internship
Oct 13, 2018
Lawstreet News Network
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Internet Freedom Foundation was originally a group of volunteers who worked on the SavetheInternet.in campaign and joined together to incorporate an organisation set up to support research regarding the online freedoms and rights of Indian citizens, and advocate for a free and open internet. Some volunteers are much more active than others and are contributing to the creation of IFF.InternshipsDepending on our capacity and need, over the year we will keep a limited number of interns from...
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