Hazaribagh district in Jharkhand state, India experiences 24 hour internet shutdown

According to a news report, mobile broadband and fixed broadband users in Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand state in India experienced disruption of Internet services on 7 February 2022. According to the report, locals in the district confirmed that they received a communication from their internet services providers that the shutdown was based on government orders, although no official order has been sighted. Local internet users shared their frustrations due to the impact of the shutdown. The report made reference to the 2020 judgement of the Supreme Court of India which recognized the internet as a strategic tool for the ‘exercise fundamental rights of speech and expression or profession and trade guaranteed by the Constitution’. The judgment notes that any restriction to the internet, among other things ought to be undertaken keeping in mind factors such as proportionality, necessity etc.