SC Declines Urgent Listing Of Plea Challenging Internet Ban In Manipur

The Supreme Court on Friday declined the urgent listing of a petition challenging the internet ban in violence-hit Manipur.

"What's the need to duplicate the proceedings, let it come before the regular bench," Justice Aniruddha Bose said.

The plea filed by Chongtham Victor Singh and Mayengbam James said the shutdown was grossly disproportionate in interfering with the constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression and the right to carry on any trade or business using the constitutionally protected medium of the internet.

The plea stated that the measure has had a significant economic, humanitarian, social, and psychological impact on both the petitioners and their families, PTI reported.

The petition contended the residents of the state experienced feelings of "fear, anxiety, helplessness, and frustration" as a result of the shutdown, and have been unable to communicate with their loved ones or office colleagues.

"Continued suspension of the internet for the purpose of preventing rumor-mongering and the spread of misinformation does not pass the threshold prescribed by the Telecom Suspension Rules 2017," the plea said.

The Manipur government on Tuesday extended the ban on internet services till June 10. The suspension of mobile data services, including broadband, has been extended till 3 pm on June 10, an order issued by Commissioner (Home) H Gyan Prakash said.

The ban was imposed on May 3.