The petition challenges the suspension of internet services around Jantar Mantar
July 24, 2026: The Delhi High Court on Friday agreed to urgently hear a petition challenging the suspension of internet services within a 1.5-km radius of Jantar Mantar, where students have been protesting and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities. The matter was mentioned before a Bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, which agreed to take it up later in the day after the petitioner’s request for an urgent hearing.
The internet suspension was initially ordered by the government on Thursday from 4 pm to midnight under the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, citing public safety and the need to maintain law and order. Authorities later extended the suspension until 12 noon on Friday. Similar restrictions had also been imposed earlier this week following large-scale student marches towards Parliament and clashes between protesters and security personnel. Internet users in the affected areas received official notifications regarding the temporary shutdown.
The ongoing protest movement intensified after activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike and his removal from Jantar Mantar. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) called for a march to Parliament following Wangchuk’s prolonged fast, drawing thousands of students and young professionals. The organisation, which gained significant traction on social media, has been leading demonstrations demanding accountability over the alleged paper leak issue and the resignation of the Education Minister.