Supreme Court agrees to hear appeal against limited internet restoration in Manipur on July 17

On July 14, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the Manipur government’s plea against the state High Court order for limited internet restoration.

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The Manipur government, represented by advocate Kanu Agarwal, made an urgent reference to Chief Justice of India D. State’s pending suit before Chandrachud.

Advocate General Tushar Mehta, while filing such a request for an urgent hearing on July 10, had said that the “situation in the state is changing very fast” and the Supreme Court may be 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: “In the case of Fiber To The Home (FTTH) connections, internet service may be provided by the Home Office on a case-by-case basis” ensuring compliance with the requirements. Warranties recommended 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 prohibiting installation of new software by any user and physical monitoring by relevant authority/officials”.