The number of internet blackouts in India is on a rise over the last few years. Most of these orders for internet shut down are given under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which authorizes state governments to take action to curb unlawful assemblies or to prevent apprehended danger. A Special Leave Petition (SLP) challenging the use of this provision for restricting access to internet was filed earlier this year in the Supreme Court. However, the Apex Court dismissed the petition and upheld the power of state government under Section 144 to suspend internet services by stating that the use of such mechanisms becomes necessary for law & order situations.

In lieu of the ongoing increase in such instances, we have documented the internet blackouts in India along with the reasons for which such action was taken. Keep a watch on this page as we update it with instances of internet shut downs in the country.

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