Unprecedented Internet Suspension in Punjab Raises Concerns

The Union government’s invocation of a British-era law to suspend mobile Internet in select districts of Punjab ahead of the farmers’ march to Delhi has sparked concerns about freedom of expression and government overreach. Unlike the usual practice where State governments issue such orders, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued directives under the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules, 2017.

This marks the first instance of the Union government blocking Internet outside of Delhi, raising questions about its jurisdiction in State matters. The move, justified by citing public emergency and safety concerns, has drawn parallels to similar actions during the Citizenship Amendment Act protests and the farmers’ agitation in Delhi.

Additionally, the suspension of journalist Mandeep Punia and news portal Gaon Savera’s accounts on X (formerly Twitter) further underscores apprehensions about censorship and press freedom. As tensions escalate at the Punjab-Haryana border, with clashes reported between farmers and police, concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and civil liberties intensify.