Govt Orders Suspension Of Internet Services in New Delhi Amid Protests

The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs has authorized a 24-hour suspension of mobile internet services in New Delhi, following ongoing protests targeting the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar. The shutdown, set to commence at 10 PM on October 9 and end at 10 PM on October 10, will affect a 4-kilometer area around Janpath-Kartavya Path. This decision aligns with the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, prioritizing public safety under the current circumstances.

Simultaneously, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has advised major social media platforms to combat unlawful, false, or manipulated content related to the protests. According to PTI, this directive includes taking prompt action against illicit posts, labeling synthetic media reflecting current events accurately, and ensuring rapid cooperation with law enforcement agencies as per the IT Rules, 2021.

In response to the situation, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced that 57 Metro stations would close at 9 PM, citing security concerns. Authorities have also restricted liquor vendors and erected barricades throughout the capital, while central police personnel have been increased in deployment. Previously, during the NEET protest, the Delhi Police had approached app-based aggregators to manage activities in central Delhi.

As of 2026, India has witnessed 31 internet shutdowns, according to the Software Freedom Law Centre’s Internet Shutdowns Tracker. The ongoing suspension of internet services in New Delhi is the latest development in a series of measures taken to curb unrest and maintain order amidst the protests.