Supreme Court refuses to interfere with Manipur High Court order on limited restoration of internet in the state

The Supreme Court of India has declined to intervene in the limited internet restoration in the violence-affected state, Manipur, as per the orders of the Manipur High Court. The Chief Justice of India, Dipak Misra-led bench, has granted the Manipur government the liberty to approach the High Court and apprise them of the difficulties in implementing the order.

Photo: suprise court (photo source social media)

Supreme Court rejected the plea :

On Monday, the Supreme Court rejected the plea to interfere with the Manipur High Court's order regarding the limited restoration of internet services in the violence-stricken state. The bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, directed the Manipur government to proceed with their concerns in the High Court and emphasized that the High Court is already examining the matter. The petition is scheduled for a hearing at the end of this month.

Representing the Manipur government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta expressed concerns about the possibility of punitive action against officials for not complying with the High Court's orders. However, the apex court reassured Mehta, saying, "We are always here," and granted the state government the freedom to approach the High Court.

Opposition to Manipur High Court order :

Earlier this month, the Manipur High Court had directed the state government to conduct physical verification to assess the feasibility of providing internet services on mobile phones while ensuring the security of citizens' lives and property. The court's detailed report suggested that internet service could be provided through fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connections, and the 12-member expert committee informed the court that internet service could be delivered through either broadband connection or through Internet Leased Line (ILL) or FTTH. The service could be ensured by "securing the static IP of any router or system through the Wi-Fi/Hotspot by blocking the VPN with effect from the rooter/system," the court's report stated.

At the local level, the court also recommended measures such as removing VPN software from social media websites and preventing the installation of new software by users, along with physical surveillance by relevant authorities.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court of India has refrained from intervening in the Manipur High Court's directive regarding the limited restoration of internet services in the state. The Manipur government has been given the freedom to express their concerns about implementing the order to the High Court, and the matter is set for further hearings. The High Court had previously recommended various measures to restore internet services while ensuring the security of citizens' lives and property. This development underscores the delicate balance between maintaining law and order and preserving communication in regions affected by violence.

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