Thread by @NetShutdowns

On 25 May 2022, an internet shutdown that lasted for about 7 days was imposed in #Konaseema district of #AndhraPradesh. @SFLCin filed an application under the RTI Act, 2005 on 26 May 2022, to seek information related to the shutdown. (1/7)
#LetTheNetWork
sflc.in/7-day-long-int…

Acc to the order provided by the government of Andhra Pradesh in their reply, suspension of the internet was issued to prevent disruption of public order. The reply also clearly reflects that there was no end date for the internet shutdown. (2/7)
#InternetShutdowns #KeepItOn

The reply states that the order was not duly published as per the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in Anuradha Bhasin Vs Union of India. However, no reasons were provided for this non-compliance. (3/7)

#LetTheNetWork

In the reply, the notification for Review Committee is dated 2 June 2022. This implies there was no Review Committee before 2 June 2022.
This is in contravention of rule 2(2) of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017. (4/7)

The reply brings to light multiple deficiencies in the action taken by the government in following the procedure laid down by the law. Non-compliance with the procedural safeguards results in a violation of fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution.
(5/7)
#DigitalRights

We have written a letter to the #AndhraPradesh government highlighting the deficiencies and requesting them to follow the law laid down by the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
(6/7)
#KeepItOn

To help @SFLCin continue resisting internet shutdowns in India, support us by making a donation at: sflc.in/donate

(7/7)