SFLC.in statement about SC judgment on Internet Shutdown in Kashmir

Jan. 10, 2020, 4:45 p.m.

SFLC.in welcomes the judgment pronounced today by the Supreme Court in Anuradha Bhasin v Union Of India(W.P(C) no. 1031 of 2019) wherein the Court has directed that shutdown orders must adhere to the principle of proportionality and must be temporary in nature. SFLC.in maintains the only internet shutdown tracker in India and has been trying to raise awareness among citizens in general and policymakers in particular about the need to prevent Internet shutdowns.

In the present age, Internet is a medium that is necessary for citizens to meaningfully exercise their fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression, right to education and right to life. SFLC.in has always argued for considering right to internet access as a fundamental right and the High Court of Kerala had upheld this contention in Faheema Shirin v. State of Kerala (WP(C) 19716/2019) while holding that right to access internet is a part of right to education and right to privacy.

To read the full statement, visit: https://sflc.in/statement-about-sc-judgment-internet-shutdown-kashmir