Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has defended the temporary suspension of cellular internet services in the vicinity of Raisina Hills, Delhi, calling it a "proportionate measure" to maintain public order. This defense was presented in a four-page affidavit filed late on Wednesday night, addressing the Supreme Court's contempt notices.
Mohan offered an unconditional apology to the Supreme Court for any perceived breach of its earlier directions, but firmly stated that the shutdown, which lasted from 10 pm on October 9 to 10 pm on October 10 within a four-kilometre radius, was essential to prevent disturbances during planned protests.
Request to Modify Court Order
The Home Secretary has also requested the Supreme Court to modify its October 11 order, which had directed that "internet facilities should function unhindered." Mohan argued that suspending internet services for a limited period in a defined area, with statutory safeguards, is a recognized method for preserving public order in critical situations.
He urged the court to allow such restrictions when necessary and in accordance with the law, stating that the Delhi Police's request for the suspension was justified given the "magnitude of the situation."
Scope of the Internet Suspension
It was clarified that the restriction applied exclusively to cellular internet services. Non-cellular internet services, such as Wi-Fi and broadband, along with other telecommunication services, remained operational during the 24-hour period.
The Supreme Court had issued contempt notices on October 11 to Mohan, the Delhi Police Commissioner, and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) chairperson, following allegations that authorities had violated a previous judicial directive.
DMRC Denies Violation
In a separate affidavit, the DMRC denied violating the Supreme Court's October 9 order. The corporation stated that all 271 scheduled train trips were completed on October 10, though entry and exit restrictions were enforced at 45 out of 303 stations. Interchange services continued at 14 of these affected stations.
The DMRC reported approximately 3.2 million passengers on that day, a notable decrease from the typical 5.8 million on a second Saturday. However, the DMRC attributed this decline to commuters opting to stay home due to the protests, rather than a Metro shutdown. The DMRC also tendered an unconditional apology, noting that the October 9 order was passed ex parte and was not served to them.