NEW DELHI — Authorities have ordered the suspension of mobile internet services within a four-kilometre radius of the Janpath–Kartavya Path crossing in New Delhi for 24 hours from 10 pm on Friday, October 9, ahead of protests planned by opposition parties and other organisations on Saturday.
The restriction will remain in force until 10 pm on October 10 as part of preventive security measures ahead of demonstrations called by the Congress-led INDIA bloc and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), according to The Times of India.
A notification issued by Delhi Police said the Union Home Secretary had approved the suspension of mobile internet services across all technologies within the designated area. The order cited the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, read with the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
The decision comes amid heightened security arrangements in the national capital ahead of demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities relating to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Supreme Court questions transport restrictions
The internet suspension follows a separate controversy over restrictions imposed on public transport ahead of the proposed demonstrations.
The Supreme Court on Friday expressed concern over plans to close entry and exit points at 57 Metro stations and cancel several trains bound for New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana stressed that security measures must remain proportionate and should not bring essential public transport to a complete halt.
The court directed authorities to ensure that Metro trains and other railway services continued operating under regulated arrangements so that commuters did not face undue inconvenience.
The bench said the authorities could take preventive and regulatory measures to address security concerns but should avoid imposing restrictions beyond what was necessary.
The Chief Justice emphasised the principle of proportionality, cautioning against using excessive measures to prevent potential disturbances.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, assured the bench that he would consult the government and the concerned authorities on the restrictions.
The court also called for timely public advisories on traffic diversions, barricades and alternative routes to help commuters plan their journeys.
Train cancellations, Metro curbs
Railway services have also been affected by security-related measures ahead of Saturday’s demonstrations.
North Western Railway announced cancellations affecting services connecting Delhi with Haryana, Rajasthan and other areas. A report by The Times of India put the total at 22 trains cancelled across October 9, 10 and 11, while noting that regular services on several routes would continue to operate.
Delhi Metro had separately announced the closure of entry and exit points at 57 stations from 9 pm on Friday as part of the security arrangements.
The Supreme Court’s directions, however, called for Metro and railway movements to continue under regulated conditions rather than a complete prohibition. The authorities were asked to reassess the restrictions in light of the need to balance public safety with the daily transport requirements of residents.
The cancellations and restrictions have raised concerns over the inconvenience likely to be faced by commuters travelling to work, educational institutions, hospitals and other destinations across the National Capital Region.
Protests over electoral-roll revision
The proposed demonstrations are part of a wider opposition campaign against the Election Commission’s handling of electoral-roll revision.
The INDIA bloc and CJP have demanded Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, alleging irregularities in the SIR process and raising concerns about electoral transparency.
Delhi Police reportedly denied permission for the CJP’s proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar, citing short notice and restrictions imposed to maintain law and order.
Security arrangements have consequently been tightened around central Delhi, including barricading and deployment of police and paramilitary personnel.
The mobile internet suspension is scheduled to remain in force until 10 pm on October 10. The Supreme Court’s separate intervention has called for transport restrictions to be proportionate and for essential public transport to continue operating in a regulated manner.
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