Anuradha Bhasin Case
The case on internet shutdowns and the limits of state power.
🎯 Learning Objectives
- ▸ Understand the background of the Kashmir internet shutdown
- ▸ Analyze the Court's ruling on internet suspension
- ▸ Understand the relationship between internet access and privacy
The Shutdown
In 2019, the government suspended all internet services in Jammu & Kashmir. Journalist Anuradha Bhasin challenged this, arguing that it violated free speech and privacy rights.
The Ruling
The Supreme Court held that indefinite internet shutdowns are unconstitutional. The government must apply the proportionality test: the shutdown must be necessary and temporary, and there must be a mechanism to review it.
This case is crucial because in the digital age, internet access is essential for exercising freedom of speech and for privacy.
📖 Glossary
- Internet Shutdown
- The intentional disruption of internet access by a government or organization.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Internet access is protected under Article 19.
- Internet shutdowns must be temporary, proportionate, and subject to judicial review.
- The government must publish orders for shutdowns.
📚 Further Reading
- Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India — Supreme Court of India (2020)
Shilpi Kulshrestha
Shilpi is a corporate lawyer with over a decade of experience in data protection, company law, and regulatory compliance. She has advised 50+ startups and enterprises on DPDPA readiness, privacy gover...