The Jharkhand High Court has issued a directive to the state government to provide a detailed response regarding the policies and provisions under which internet services were suspended for several hours during the day. This order came in response to a petition raised by Rajendra Krishna, the chairman of the Jharkhand State Bar Council, during a session presided over by justices Ananda Sen and Anubha Rawat Chaudhary.
The petition, triggered by a government notification that led to the suspension of internet services from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM on September 21, questioned the legal grounds of such an action, especially given its impact on daily life and business operations in the state. The government plans to continue similar suspensions on September 22 in light of the Jharkhand General Graduate Level Combined Competitive Examination (JGGLCCE).
During the proceedings, Rajendra Krishna emphasized the severe disruptions caused by the internet blackout, affecting banking, transportation, and other commercial activities. He argued before the court, questioning the feasibility of repeated suspensions if multiple examinations are scheduled within a short timeframe.
The High Court, while not preventing the government from proceeding with the planned suspension on September 22, has given the state four weeks to file a comprehensive reply.
