NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to entertain a plea against the internet shutdowns imposed several times in Manipur since May 3, when the ethnic violence was sparked, saying the High Court was already looking into the matter.
A bench of Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and Manoj Mishra inquired of Shadan Farasat, the advocate appearing for two Manipur residents, why he did not appraoch the High Court where a division bench there is considering the matter.
In reply, the counsel submitted all the orders including the one related to a formation of an expert committee passed by the High Court has been placed. He offered that the HC was looking only looking at continuing with the ban.
The bench, however, maintained that the moment it issued any notice in the matter, the High Court would cease to look into the issue.
It was contended by the counsel that the issue of proportionality of measure has to be examined.
However, as the court showed did not show any inclination to examine the matter, the counsel said he preferred to withdraw the petition.
The petition was filed by Manipur residents Chongtham Victor Singh and Mayengbam James, contending that the internet shutdown was "grossly disproportionate" having affected the Manipur residents’ constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression, as well as the right to carry on any trade or business.
Their plea claimed that the measure has significantly impacted the economic, humanitarian, social and psychological aspects of the petitioners as well as their families.
It further contended that feelings of "fear, anxiety, helplessness, and frustration" were being experienced by the residents of the state as a result of the internet being shut down, and it was not possible for them to communicate with their loved ones or office colleagues.
"Continued suspension of the internet for the purpose of preventing rumour-mongering and the spread of misinformation does not pass the threshold prescribed by the Telecom Suspension Rules, 2017," the plea said.
So far, over 120 people have lost their lives and several hundred more were injured in the ethnic violence that continued in Manipur after clashes were started in the northeastern state on May 3, soon after a High Court judgement asking the government to consider granting Scheduled Tribes (ST) status to the majority Meitei community.
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