The Delhi Police has ordered a 24-hour suspension of mobile internet services across a 4-km radius around the Janpath-Kartavya Path crossing ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The restriction will take effect at 10 pm on Friday, October 9, and remain in force until 10 pm on Saturday, October 10, according to an order issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police’s office.

The directive, addressed to telecom operators Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Reliance Jio and MTNL, cites approval from the Union Home Secretary under the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, and the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

Police authorities have maintained that the measure is necessary to preserve law and order during the planned demonstration.

The decision comes hours after the Supreme Court questioned restrictions on metro services and incoming trains ahead of the protest. The court cautioned authorities against imposing sweeping curbs, remarking, “You can't use a sledgehammer to kill a fly.”

Several Central Delhi Areas To Face Internet Curbs

The suspension will affect parts or all of several prominent areas in the capital, including Connaught Place, Mandi House, Pragati Maidan, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, Barakhamba Road, Khan Market, Lodhi Road and Jangpura.

A similar shutdown was imposed during the CJP’s July protest at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak controversy. That restriction covered a 1.5-km radius and lasted several days, according to the supplied report.

The earlier suspension disrupted the uploading of protest videos to social media platforms, including YouTube, and affected those documenting the demonstration. News coverage was also reportedly delayed.

The latest order expands the restricted area to a 4-km radius around the designated crossing.

Metro Gates Shut, Several Trains Cancelled

The internet suspension follows a series of security measures announced ahead of Saturday’s demonstration.

Authorities had said entry and exit gates at 57 Delhi Metro stations, including Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk and Kashmere Gate, would remain closed from 9 pm on Friday.

More than 60 trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4 am and 2 pm on Saturday were also reported to have been cancelled. The affected services included trains arriving from other states.

These measures prompted a legal challenge over their impact on commuters and access to public transport.

Supreme Court Questions Sweeping Restrictions

The Supreme Court, hearing a petition challenging the restrictions on metro and rail services on Friday, said authorities could regulate movement but should not effectively shut down public transport.

The bench emphasised that transport facilities were essential for people across age groups and that commuters had a right to access basic services. It also distinguished between imposing restrictions and enforcing a complete closure.

The court said law enforcement agencies could take steps to prevent uncontrolled movement, but such measures should not leave the public without viable transport options.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the government had to balance the right to protest with its responsibility to protect public safety and maintain order.

The internet suspension was ordered later on Friday as preparations continued for the CJP demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.