Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has submitted an unconditional and unqualified apology to the Supreme Court in contempt proceedings arising from alleged non-compliance with its directions concerning public transport services during the October 10 protest in Delhi. He has also requested the Court to modify its October 11 order to allow temporary suspension of internet services when necessary to maintain public order.
In an affidavit, Mohan defended the decision to temporarily suspend cellular internet services around Raisina Hill, stating that the restriction was imposed after examining a request from Delhi Police and considering the prevailing public order situation.
The matter is scheduled to be heard on Thursday by a Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi.
Home Secretary Explains Internet Suspension
According to the affidavit, Delhi Police had sought a one-day suspension of cellular internet services until 10 pm on October 10.
Mohan informed the Court that the proposal was examined in accordance with the law and considered proportionate in view of the circumstances and the need to prevent disturbances in the national capital.
The restriction remained effective from 10 pm on October 9 to 10 pm on October 10 and covered an area within a four-kilometre radius of Raisina Hill.
The Home Secretary clarified that the order applied exclusively to cellular internet connectivity. Other services, including Wi-Fi, broadband and non-cellular telecommunications, remained outside its scope.
He maintained that temporary internet restrictions, limited by duration and geographical coverage, could be imposed for public order purposes when statutory conditions and safeguards were satisfied.
Centre Seeks Modification of Supreme Court Order
Along with his apology, Mohan urged the Supreme Court to reconsider its October 11 directions to the extent necessary to permit lawful internet suspensions in exceptional circumstances.
He submitted that such restrictions should remain permissible where necessary, provided authorities comply with applicable legal requirements and safeguards.
The request seeks to preserve the government’s ability to impose geographically limited and temporary restrictions on internet services for maintaining public order.
Contempt Proceedings Against Senior Officials
The proceedings stem from allegations that authorities failed to comply with the Supreme Court’s direction against imposing a complete prohibition on Metro and train services in Delhi during the October 10 protest.
On October 11, the Supreme Court observed that the contempt petitioners had established a prima facie case concerning the alleged violation of its directions.
Following that finding, the Court issued notices to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Chairperson D Thara.
The contempt allegations relate to arrangements made in connection with the demonstration organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
The party had called the October 10 protest to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the electoral process.
The Supreme Court will now consider the Home Secretary’s affidavit and his request for modification of the earlier order when the matter comes up for hearing.
