Internet curbs lifted, may be imposed again: Haryana to HC

CHANDIGARH : The Haryana government on Monday told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that curbs on internet services in parts of the state, especially the areas bordering Delhi, were lifted on February 6 evening, and fresh restrictions could be imposed if the situation demands.

The government’s response came on the petition of Sandeep Singh, a Yamunanagar resident, who had sought directions to immediately restore the internet services that were stopped after the Republic Day violence in New Delhi.

The petitioner demanded an assurance from the state government that the curbs will not be imposed again. The government, however, told the court that it has powers to put such restrictions in place and such an assurance can’t be given as it may do so again if the need arises.

Even the Supreme Court has interpreted the issue of imposing curbs holding that curbs can be imposed by a state, but it must pass a speaking order, Haryana law officer Lokesh Sinhal said.

The HC bench of justice Fatehdeep Singh deferred the hearing for February 11 and the court also may examine whether such restrictions could be imposed by the state or not.

The petitioner had told the court that initially the Centre suspended internet services in the surrounding areas of the Singhu, Ghazipur, Tikri-mukarba chowk and Nangloi on January 26 but subsequently the state effected the same in 17 districts. The orders are being extended every now and then in violation of fundamental rights, he had argued.