SFLC.in Withdraws Jantar Mantar Internet Shutdown PIL In Delhi High Court
The Software Freedom Law Centre, India (SFLC.in) on Monday, July 27, 2026, withdrew its Public Interest Litigation from the Delhi High Court challenging the suspension of mobile internet services around Jantar Mantar in central Delhi. A bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia dismissed the petition as withdrawn after mobile internet services were restored in the area following the end of a month-long political agitation.
The internet shutdown was lifted after the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) called off its protest on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The CJP had been demonstrating at Jantar Mantar since June 20, 2026, seeking government accountability over the NEET paper leak and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest ended after Pradhan stepped down from his ministerial post and the Union government accepted the party's other demands.
Prior to the withdrawal, SFLC.in had petitioned the court to quash orders issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on July 17, 20, 22, and 23. These administrative directions had cut off all mobile internet technologies within a radius of approximately 1.5 kilometres from Jantar Mantar. The petitioner noted that six separate suspension orders were issued over a span of seven days.
In its plea, the legal services organisation argued that the temporary suspension of telecommunication services was one of the most extraordinary coercive powers conferred upon the executive. The organisation stated that the internet blackout interfered with fundamental freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution, including free speech, peaceful assembly, the right to practice any trade or profession, and the right to life and liberty under Articles 19(1)(a), 19(1)(b), 19(1)(g), and 21.
Terming the suspension orders illegal, arbitrary, and unconstitutional, SFLC.in asserted that the authorities failed to demonstrate any public emergency or present reasons showing why a blanket suspension was necessary or proportionate. The petition highlighted that officials invoked Section 20(2)(b) of the Telecom Act alongside the Suspension Rules, 2024, citing public safety and emergency prevention, but did not consider less restrictive alternatives before cutting off connectivity.
The plea further alleged that the Ministry of Home Affairs issued the orders without independent application of mind, reflecting a mechanical exercise of statutory power inconsistent with administrative law standards. Following the restoration of internet services in central Delhi over the weekend, SFLC.in informed the bench that it wished to withdraw the challenge, leading to the formal dismissal of the petition.
