Jurist Manipur High Court orders India state government to whitelist phone numbers for mobile internet access following ban

[Dadparvar]

The Manipur High Court on Friday directed the government of that Indian state to selectively enable mobile internet services based on whitelisted phone numbers, addressing a controversial ban on internet access amid ethnic violence in the state. The court also urged the government to ensure mobile internet access for the public.

Allowing a two-week period, the High Court mandated the state government to present a report outlining their approach during the next hearing, set to take place on August 31. The Supreme Court of India has previously expressed concern about severe instances of sexual violence against women during the sectarian turmoil in Manipur. In response, the Supreme Court has ordered the formation of a committee consisting of three former High Court Judges. The committee’s role is to assess and facilitate relief for the survivors.

A bench comprising Justice Ahanthem Bimol Singh and Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma remarked:

we are of the considered view that the State authorities, specially, the Home Department should consider for devising mechanism/methods for providing internet services through mobile phones by whitelisting the mobile numbers on case to case basis and in a phase-wise manner. Accordingly, the State authorities are directed to consider this aspect and to submit a report on the next date.

The direction of whitelisting marks a partial stride in revamping internet services within the conflict-ridden area. Earlier, authorities had approved the use of broadband connections, albeit with limitations such as static IP addresses. Mobile internet access, social media and VPN services continue to remain suspended.

The government has enforced this ban since May 3rd. The extended duration of these restrictions has raised concerns about the limited flow of information surrounding human rights violations throughout the conflict.

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