Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Internet Shutdown in Central Delhi Amid Student Protests
The government has ordered an internet shutdown in parts of central Delhi, especially around Jantar Mantar where students are protesting.
This shutdown affects mobile data and other services, making it hard for people to use digital payments, make calls, or access the internet.
The government says this is to stop misinformation and violence, but many people, including those not involved in the protests, are affected.
The order was initially supposed to last till 4 PM but was extended to midnight.
This is not the first time such a shutdown has happened, and people are upset because the government has not made the order public, which they say is against the law.
Government ordered internet shutdown in central Delhi around Jantar Mantar due to student protests.
Shutdown initially till 4 PM, later extended to midnight, affecting a 1.5 km radius including Mandi House.
Impacted services include mobile data, digital payments, app-based transport, and communication.
Public and activists argue shutdowns disrupt daily life and are unaccountable without published orders.
Previous similar shutdown occurred on July 20, 2024, with the order still not made public.
- Who
- Government authorities and students protesting
- What
- Internet shutdown in central Delhi
- When
- Thursday, with an initial order till 4 PM and later extended to midnight
- Where
- Central Delhi, particularly around Jantar Mantar and Mandi House
- Why
- To curb misinformation and prevent violence during protests, according to the government
Government's Perspective
Public and Activists' Perspective
Purpose of Internet Shutdown
Government's Perspective
The government argues that internet shutdowns help curb misinformation and prevent violence during protests.
Public and Activists' Perspective
Public and activists argue that such shutdowns disrupt everyday life, affect essential services, and are unaccountable without published orders.
- Location
- Central Delhi, particularly around Jantar Mantar and Mandi House
- Duration
- Initially till 4 PM, later extended to midnight
- Impacted Services
- Mobile data, digital payments, app-based transport, communication, navigation
- Affected Areas
- Radius of around 1.5 kilometres around Jantar Mantar, extending to Mandi House
- Previous Shutdown
- Similar shutdown on July 20, 2024
- Legal Context
- Supreme Court directed that internet suspension orders must be published with reasons