Manipur HC directs state Govt to provide limited internet service to public, restricting social media platforms

The court order has come after many requests were filed by several individuals citing hardship faced by the public

Manipur, which has been without mobile internet connectivity for more than a month due to violence, perhaps restoring it under certain circumstances.

In a significant development, the Manipur High Court in an interim order yesterday directed the state government to provide limited internet services to the public in some designated places under the control of the State authorities.

The court order has come after many requests were filed by several individuals citing hardship faced by the public due to not having access to the internet service since May 4, 2023, after violent clashes broke out in the state on May 3.

The High Court took into consideration the difficulties the general public is facing, particularly with regard to the students’ ongoing online admissions process, and to enable the public to carry out their urgent and essential services.

The court ordered service providers Vodafone, Idea, Jio, BSNL, and Airtel to submit a brief affidavit outlining whether it would be feasible to offer the general public limited internet access by blocking social media websites while also protecting the state government’s safety to uphold law and order in the state to prevent any untoward incidents in the violence-hit state.

The order was issued by Justices Ahanthem Bimol Singh and A Guneshwar Sharma while hearing a bunch of Public Interest Litigations seeking restoration of internet services in the state on Friday. It was, however, made known Tuesday, advocates said.

The bench has set the next date of hearing for these cases on June 23 and in the meantime, the parties involved have been granted the liberty to exchange their affidavits as they see fit.

Over 120 people have died and at least 45,000 people uprooted in the violence that has rocked the state since May 3. at least 60,000 security forces have been deployed in the state.

Also Read: Manipur unrest: SC declines urgent hearing on plea seeking protection of Kukis by Army

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