CALCUTTA HC STAYED ON THE ORDER PASSED BY THE STATE GOVERNMENT REGARDING INTERNET SHUTDOWN IN THE STATE

A Bench of Chief Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj of Calcutta HC stayed the order passed by the Calcutta government to shut down internet services in 7 districts of West Bengal between March 7 and March 16. 

The decision was taken by the State Government to prevent mass cheating in the upcoming State board exams. The same was challenged by Ashlesh Biradar of Internet Freedom Foundation of India (IFFI). The Petitioner argued that the notification was against SCourt's judgment in Anuradha Bhasin v Union of India, and violates the fundamental right under Article 19(1)(g) [freedom to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade or business. Moreover, such restriction is against the children's right to education.

Advocate General SN Mookherjee submitted that the order was not only passed u/s 144 CrPC but also under Rule 2(1) of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules, 2017.

 AG further said a review committee meeting was scheduled for Thursday and sought time to file a reply to the petition.

The bench adjourned the matter to Thursday and directed for a stay on the order.