RAJASTHAN: Today, the Petition was filed in the Supreme Court of India in which the petitioner is challenging the guidelines to shut down the Internet services in the 11 districts of the Rajasthan from February 25-28 during the exam session.

 The Petition was filed by Vishal Tiwari, Advocate at Rajasthan High Court. The plea was submitted before the bench of CJI DY Chandrachud and Justices Krishna Murari and PS Narasimha. During the trail the petitioner has mentioned that judicial work was also hampered as a result of the shutdown.

 He submitted:  

This is not the first time that the Rajasthan government stopped internet services with the excuse of preventing or minimising malpractices during competitive exams.

 The Apex Court of India has agreed to hear the matter after a Holi Break.

 In September 2022, the Supreme Court sought the Central government's response in a plea challenging internet shutdowns to prevent cheating in exams.

 Further, the petitioner submitted that shutdowns by various states were arbitrary and unlawful, and caused massive economic losses. He also added that the Right to internet access is part of the Right to Information the and Right to Health.

 In this matter, the Petitioner said –

"The restriction on such a right by the Respondents in the form of imposing internet shutdowns affects the ability of citizens to access information related to COVID-19 and affects the ability of health personnel to disseminate the information."

ANURADHA BHASIN CASE:

 In this case, the Supreme Court of India held that “internet shutdowns can be resorted to only as a drastic measure, to be adopted in exceptional circumstances.”

 Supreme Court further held that various procedures should be followed by the government before the shutdown the Internet Services

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