Question : Invoking of Telecom Suspension Rules

(a) whether a database of communication shutdowns ordered by different State Governments despite such shutdowns being ordered by invoking Telecom Suspension Rules of 2017 framed by the Department of Telecommunication, is being maintained by the Government;

(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(c) whether the Government is aware that some States have frequently resorted to internet shutdowns while others have not resorted to it at all and if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

(a) to (c): ‘Police’ and ‘Public order’ are State subjects as per seventh schedule of the Constitution and the State Governments are empowered to issue orders for temporary suspension of telecom services to maintain law and order in the State or part thereof under the provisions contained in the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Pubic Safety) Rules, 2017. Centralized database in this regard is not maintained.

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