Haryana Government Suspends Mobile Internet Services in Select Areas of Ambala District Amid Tensions

In an effort to maintain public order and prevent the spread of misinformation, the Haryana government has ordered the temporary suspension of mobile internet services and bulk SMS in specific areas of Ambala district. The decision was made following concerns raised by law enforcement and district officials about potential disturbances linked to protests organized by farmer groups, including a “Delhi kooch” call.

The Haryana Home Department, under the leadership of Home Secretary Dr. Sumita Misra, issued an order under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, citing the risk of public unrest, property damage, and threats to public safety. The order affects mobile internet services (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, CDMA, GPRS) and bulk SMS services, excluding those related to banking and mobile recharges. Internet services provided through broadband and leased lines are exempt from the suspension.

The order specifically applies to the villages of Dangdehri, Lohgarh, Manakpur, Dadiyana, Bari Ghel, Lharsa, Kalu Majra, Devi Nagar, Saddopur, Sultanpur, and Kakru in the Ambala district. Authorities emphasized that the suspension was necessary to curb the potential misuse of mobile internet services for spreading false rumors and inflammatory content via social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter. Such actions could lead to mob mobilization, causing violence, arson, and damage to public and private property.

The Haryana government, through this temporary measure, aims to prevent any escalation of tensions and safeguard public peace. The suspension of services is set to last from December 6, 2024, starting at noon, until December 9, 2024, at 11:59 PM. The authorities also stressed that the suspension would not affect voice calls or essential services like banking SMS, which are crucial for the day-to-day needs of residents.

This action comes in the wake of concerns raised by the Additional Director General of Police (CID) and the Deputy Commissioner of Ambala about the potential for disruption to public services and law enforcement during the ongoing protests. The Home Department’s proactive approach aims to balance the need for public safety with minimal disruption to daily life.

This order, passed ex-parte due to the urgent situation, mandates compliance by all mobile service providers in Haryana. Any violation of the order will lead to legal consequences under relevant laws.

The Home Department has directed relevant authorities to ensure immediate implementation of the order and to ensure it is widely publicized. The order has been communicated to key officials, including the Chief Secretary, the ADGP/CID, the Director of Public Relations, and the Superintendent of Police, Ambala.