Temporary suspension of mobile internet near Jantar Mantar to prevent unrest

In a bid to curb potential disturbances, the central Home Ministry instructed telecom operators to disable mobile internet services in a 1.5 km radius around Jantar Mantar for eight hours on Thursday, from 4 p.m. to midnight. The measure is authorised under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the accompanying 2024 rules governing temporary service interruptions.

The decision was taken after repeated attempts by senior officials to open a dialogue with the students protesting the alleged NEET paper leak. Sources say the government has approached the protestors at least four times in the last day, offering a platform for discussion.

The ministry’s spokesperson emphasized that the internet blackout is a temporary security precaution, not a punitive action. Emergency call services and government communication channels will remain functional, ensuring that public safety is not compromised.

Analysts note that such targeted shutdowns are increasingly used in India to manage law‑and‑order challenges during large‑scale demonstrations, balancing the need for order with citizens’ right to information.