Manipur HC Directs State Govt To Offer Limited Internet Access In Designated Areas

The Manipur High Court recently directed the State authorities to offer limited internet services to the public at specific locations under their control within the State.

A division bench of Justice Ahanthem Bimol and Justice A Guneswar Sharma passed the order in response to a series of public interest litigation (PIL) petitions seeking the restoration of internet services in Manipur.

Following instances of violent clashes within the State, the authorities had imposed a shutdown on internet services.

However, considering the difficulties faced by the public, the Court ordered the State authorities to provide limited internet access in designated areas.

“Taking into consideration the hardship faced by the public specially with regard to the ongoing admission process of the students in the State and to enable the public for carrying out their urgent and essential services, the State authorities are directed to provide limited internet service to the public in some designated places under the controlled of the State authorities,” the order reads.

The bench further directed various internet service providers to submit an affidavit addressing the feasibility of offering limited internet services to the public while blocking social media access and addressing the State’s concerns regarding law and order. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for 23^rd June, 2023.

Since May 3, Manipur has been under an indefinite internet ban due to the outbreak of violence in the State. This ban was implemented following a Manipur High Court order that instructed the State government to consider including the Meetei/Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe list. The clashes between tribal and non-tribal communities intensified as a result, leading to loss of life.

On June 9, the Apex Court declined to urgently list a petition challenging the internet shutdown, citing that the Manipur High Court was already handling the matter. The Supreme Court believed that there was no need to duplicate the proceedings.

In a related development, the Supreme Court declined to urgently list an interlocutory application filed by the Manipur Tribal Forum concerning the State’s violence. The vacation bench noted the seriousness of the law and order issues but stated that the case would be heard when the Court fully resumes its normal functioning after the summer break.