Delhi High Court to Hear Challenge to Jantar Mantar Internet Shutdown

The Delhi High Court agreed to urgently hear a Public Interest Litigation on July 24 challenging the Indian government's decision to suspend mobile internet services around Jantar Mantar. The shutdown was implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs following protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party, which demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

On Thursday, the government ordered a suspension of services within a 1.5-kilometre radius of the site from 4 PM to midnight. However, disruptions reportedly extended up to two kilometres, impacting the Mandi House Metro station. In response to the unrest, the New Delhi Municipal Council Smart City Limited advised the New Delhi Traders Association to close shops and offices in Connaught Place early.

The petition, supported by Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, argues that the restrictions are arbitrary and violate fundamental rights. A Division Bench consisting of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia scheduled the hearing for 2:30 PM on Friday.