New Delhi, October 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Centre has defended its decision to suspend mobile internet services in parts of central Delhi during the October 10 protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, telling the Supreme Court that the temporary restriction was necessary to prevent a possible disturbance of public order.
In a counter-affidavit filed before the apex court, the Union government denied wilfully disobeying the court’s directions and sought the discharge of the contempt notice issued to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan over the restrictions imposed during the protest.
The Centre has also sought a modification of the Supreme Court’s order to allow internet services to be suspended in situations where such action becomes necessary, subject to compliance with the law and applicable statutory safeguards.
The dispute arose ahead of a demonstration organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on October 10 against the Election Commission of India and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Delhi Police had denied permission for the proposed gathering, citing the short notice given by the organisers. The authorities subsequently imposed security restrictions across parts of the national capital.
According to the Centre’s affidavit, the internet shutdown followed a request from Delhi Police, which apprehended a possible law-and-order situation during the demonstration. The government said the suspension remained in force from 10 p.m. on October 9 to 10 p.m. on October 10, covering a four-kilometre radius around Raisina Hill.
The Centre argued that the decision was a preventive measure taken in response to the prevailing circumstances, particularly after the organisers indicated their intention to proceed with the protest despite the denial of permission.
The Supreme Court had intervened on October 9 over restrictions affecting public transport ahead of the demonstration. It directed the authorities to ensure there was no complete prohibition on the movement of Delhi Metro trains and other trains entering the national capital, while permitting necessary regulation to maintain public order.
The court also stressed that security measures should not cause undue hardship to the public and directed that decisions concerning transport services be communicated widely to help commuters make alternative arrangements.
A contempt petition was subsequently filed alleging non-compliance with the court’s directions. During a special hearing on October 11, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) chairperson D. Thara, seeking their responses.
The Centre’s affidavit also cited Delhi Police’s experience during a similar episode on July 20, 2026, as part of its justification for imposing preventive restrictions ahead of the October 10 protest.
The government has maintained that the internet suspension was a proportionate response to the anticipated security situation and did not amount to wilful disobedience of the Supreme Court’s directions.
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