SC asks Manipur government to approach HC against restoration of internet in state

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Manipur government to approach the State High Court to review its decision to restore limited internet service.

Appearing Chief Justice of India D. Before a bench headed by Chandrachud, Manipur Advocate General Tushar Mehta highlighted the danger of misuse of social media that could trigger further violence in the troubled state.

“Any gossip can inflame the situation… Discretion should not be in the hands of people on the ground,” Mr Mehta said.

The court asked the state to approach the High Court and present the issues that may accompany the restoration of the Internet at this stage.

“You can bring to the Supreme Court the difficulties that may arise in connection with the restoration of the Internet … We are not going to go into the merits. Let the Supreme Court look into it,” Chief Justice Chandrachud directed the Advocate General.

Earlier in the hearing, the state had argued that “the situation in the state is changing very quickly” and the Supreme Court’s decision was premature.

On July 7, the Supreme Court had directed the state government to conduct physical tests to check the feasibility of providing internet service while ensuring the safety and property of citizens.

After hearing a number of PILs, the High Court division said: “For Fiber To The Home (FTTH) connections, internet service may be provided by the home department on a case-by-case basis” after ensuring compliance. the guarantees offered by the committee.

A 12-member expert panel had informed the court that Internet service can be provided through broadband, either through Internet Leased Line (ILL) or ‘FTTH’, providing “static IP, barring Wi-Fi/ Hotspots from any router or system, blocking social media sites and VPNs locally, removing VPN software from the system and preventing any user from installing new software and conducting physical monitoring by relevant authority/officials”.