Fundamental Rights (Internet Shutdowns & Article 19) क्या है?
ऐतिहासिक पृष्ठभूमि
मुख्य प्रावधान
6 points- 1.
Article 19(1)(a): Guarantees freedom of speech and expression, which the Supreme Court has interpreted to include the right to disseminate and receive information, implicitly covering access to the internet.
- 2.
Article 19(1)(g): Guarantees freedom to practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business, which is significantly impacted by internet shutdowns, affecting livelihoods and economic activities.
- 3.
Article 21: Guarantees right to life and personal liberty, which the Supreme Court has broadly interpreted to include the right to privacy, right to education, and potentially access to the internet as a means to livelihood and education.
- 4.
Reasonable Restrictions: Article 19(2) allows for reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech and expression on specific grounds such as sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.
- 5.
Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020): The Supreme Court ruled that internet access is a fundamental right under Article 19 and any suspension must be temporary, necessary, and proportionate. It also mandated that such orders must be published and subject to judicial review.
- 6.
Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017: These rules govern the procedure for suspending telecom services, including internet, requiring orders to be issued by a Secretary to the Union or State Government and reviewed by a committee.
दृश्य सामग्री
Internet Access: A Fundamental Right & Its Restrictions
This mind map illustrates the constitutional basis for internet access as a fundamental right, the permissible restrictions, the landmark Supreme Court judgment, and the regulatory framework governing internet shutdowns in India.
Internet Access & Fundamental Rights
- ●Constitutional Basis (Part III)
- ●Reasonable Restrictions (Article 19(2))
- ●Landmark Judgment
- ●Regulatory Framework
- ●Concerns & Debates
Internet Shutdowns in India: A Snapshot (2021-2025)
This dashboard presents key statistics on internet shutdowns in India, highlighting the scale and trend of these disruptions. The data for 2024 and 2025 are projections based on observed trends, reflecting India's continued high ranking globally.
- Total Shutdowns (2021)
- 106
- Total Shutdowns (2022)
- 84
- Total Shutdowns (2023)
- 115
- Projected Shutdowns (2024)
- 95 (Est.)
- Projected Shutdowns (2025)
- 85 (Est.)
- Primary Reason for Shutdowns
- Public Order
India consistently leads global internet shutdown counts. This figure reflects the number of documented instances.
A slight decrease, but still a significant number, often justified by public order concerns.
A rebound in shutdowns, indicating persistent challenges in balancing security and digital rights.
Estimated based on trends and increased scrutiny post-Anuradha Bhasin, but still high.
Continued high numbers projected, reflecting ongoing challenges in managing public order in a digitally connected society.
The most common justification cited by authorities for imposing internet suspensions.
हालिया विकास
4 विकासIndia has seen a high number of internet shutdowns globally, often justified on grounds of public order and national security.
Post-Anuradha Bhasin judgment, there's increased scrutiny on the legality and proportionality of shutdown orders.
Concerns raised by national and international human rights organizations regarding the impact of shutdowns on daily life, economy, education, and democratic participation.
Ongoing debate on balancing digital rights with the state's imperative to maintain law and order and national security.