Delhi internet shutdown draws scrutiny amid protests over electoral rolls
Indian authorities suspended mobile internet services across part of central New Delhi ahead of protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The restrictions, which lasted 24 hours, came amid mass detentions and legal challenges over the authorities’ response to demonstrations concerning alleged voter-list irregularities.
A 24-hour mobile internet shutdown in central New Delhi has brought renewed scrutiny to India’s use of connectivity restrictions during public protests. The suspension ran from 10 pm on 9 October to 10 pm on 10 October 2026, covering an area within a four-kilometre radius of the Janpath–Kartavya Path crossing.
The restrictions were imposed ahead of a planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar. Reports said Delhi Police ordered the shutdown with approval from the Union Home Secretary, citing the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024. A smaller internet suspension had also been imposed around Jantar Mantar during protests on 2 October.
The demonstrations centre on allegations that the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has removed eligible voters. The youth-led Cockroach Janta Party, alongside student groups and opposition parties, has called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign. The Election Commission denies the allegations. Police refused permission for the 10 October protest, while hundreds of people have reportedly been detained since the demonstrations began.
The response has attracted wider human rights concerns. The UN human rights office expressed concern over reported detentions involving demonstrators, protest organisers, civil society representatives, lawyers and journalists.
The dispute also reached India’s Supreme Court. At an urgent hearing on 11 October, petitioners raised allegations of a complete internet shutdown, metro station closures and the detention of around 7,000 people. The Solicitor General told the court that internet services had been restored and denied that anyone had been illegally detained.
The court directed that internet facilities should function without hindrance, that people’s freedom of movement be ensured, and that there should be no illegal detention, particularly of peaceful and unarmed assemblies outside areas covered by prohibitory orders. The case was scheduled to return to court on 13 October.
The shutdown raises questions about the relationship between public order measures and constitutional freedoms. Article 19 of India’s Constitution protects freedom of speech and expression, as well as the right to assemble peacefully, subject to permitted restrictions. In Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020), the Supreme Court recognised that freedom of expression through the internet is constitutionally protected and held that internet suspensions must be necessary, proportionate and time-bound.
