Punjab challenges Centre's internet ban in three Districts

The Centre recently suspended mobile internet services in three districts of Punjab - Patiala, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib - from February 12 to 16, citing concerns over public emergency and law-and-order issues based on Intelligence Bureau reports. This action was taken under the Telegraph Act 1886, a law dating back to British colonial times.

Punjab Government's objection

The Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government strongly objected to the Centre's decision, expressing discontent during a meeting between Union ministers and farm leaders. They argued that the Centre bypassed the elected state government by invoking special powers without consultation.
According to state government officials, there is no provision in the law requiring the Centre to inform the state before suspending internet services. This move by the Union government is considered a rare occurrence, as law and order typically fall under the jurisdiction of the state. The use of special powers outside the National Capital under the Telegraph Act 1886 is deemed unusual.

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The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued orders under the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, on February 12. The ban affected areas under the jurisdiction of 11 police stations in the aforementioned districts.

Impact and duration

The ban on mobile internet services lasted from 18:00 hours on February 12 to 23:59 hours on February 16, 2024. The affected regions included specific areas in Patiala, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib districts.

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In a separate notification, mobile internet was also temporarily suspended in certain areas of Bathinda, Mansa, and Barnala districts, although reports suggest that the ban lasted only a few hours in some locations. The order cited the need to maintain public safety and avert potential public emergencies as reasons for the suspension.