Advocate Chongtham Victor and proprietor of M/s MK Enterprise James Mayengbam approached the apex court stating that their lives and livelihood have been severely affected by the state-wide internet shut-down that was imposed on May 3 and remains in effect till today.
TFM Report
An advocate and another citizen from Manipur filed a petition before the Supreme Court against the Government of Manipur’s clampdown on internet. The petition pleads for an interim direction to restore internet services in Manipur, except in those areas where there is a surge in violence and unrest.
Advocate Chongtham Victor and proprietor of M/s MK Enterprise James Mayengbam approached the apex court stating that their lives and livelihood have been severely affected by the state-wide internet shut-down that was imposed on May 3 and remains in effect till today.
The imposition of the impugned internet shutdown was a response to reported incidents of violence during rallies organised by volunteers and youth protesting the demand for inclusion of the Meitei/Meetei community within ST category. These clashes escalated into widespread arson, violence and killing across the state, which justified a temporary and time-bound shutdown of the internet.
However, despite the gradual return to normalcy in many places, the state-wide internet shutdown order issued by the state government on May 3 and 4, was mechanically extended on May 7, May 11, May 16, May 21 and May 26 effectively resulting in an indefinite shutdown of the internet.
The petition also stated that there has been a complete blockade of internet access across the state for more than 24 days, causing significant harm to the rights of the users and other residents. Not only have they experienced fear, anxiety, helplessness and frustration as a result of the shutdown, but they have also been unable to communicate with their near and dear ones, office colleagues, straining personal, professional and social relationships.
Additionally, the people have been unable to send their children to school, access their bank accounts, receive or send payments, obtain essential supplies and medicines and more bringing their lives and livelihood to a standstill.
To prevent damage to the petitioner’s right to life, trade and commerce and speech and expression, the petitioners sought a restoration of the internet in Manipur, except those in which there continues to be unrest and violence.