To restrict communication about the proposed ‘Dilli Chalo’ march on February 13, the Haryana Government had ordered the suspension of mobile internet services in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa districts of Haryana under the apprehension that the farmers’ march to Delhi will pose a danger to public life and property and took this decision to withdraw internet restriction as a preventive measure and  people’s access to readily available means of communication, now In view of the plea filed at the Punjab & Haryana High Court, it is for the Court to now decide whether the measure undertaken by the government is right and in accordance with the constitutional provisions, depriving citizens of their right to information and communication, thus impeding their right to assemble and protest peacefully. The petitioner has also underlined that the obstructive actions, including internet shutdown, violates citizens’ fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 19(1)(a) and 21 of the Constitution of India regarding the right to freedom of speech and expression, the right to assemble peacefully and the right to life and personal liberty.

During the hearing in the court, the actions of the Haryana government authorities  regarding the suspension of mobile internet services and bulk SMS in several districts in the state, further exacerbate the situation depriving the citizens of their right to information and communication, the plea noted. The road blockade in addition to the imposition of the Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in Ambala and Kaithal districts, the petitioner stated, the suspension of telecommunications services not only curtails the democratic rights but also hinders day-to-day activities including access to essential services and communication but also causing severe loss to the people in every sector such as Trade and Industry, Transport,  families and communities, the petitioner added.