Officials Apologise in Delhi Protest Restrictions Case

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar have apologised to the Supreme Court in a contempt case over restrictions imposed ahead of an October 10 protest in Delhi. Both officials denied wilful disobedience of the court’s directions, while Mohan defended a temporary cellular-internet shutdown and asked the court to clarify when such suspensions may be permitted. In an affidavit, Mohan said cellular internet service was suspended from 10 p.m. on October 9 to 10 p.m. on October 10 within a four-kilometre radius of Raisina Hill. He said the Delhi Police had requested the measure and that it was considered lawful and proportionate to the situation. Wi-Fi and broadband services were not affected, according to his affidavit. Mohan asked the court to modify its October 11 order to allow internet suspensions when necessary, provided they comply with the law and applicable safeguards. His apology and request do not amount to a court finding on whether the authorities breached its directions. Kumar also tendered an unconditional apology in a separate affidavit, while maintaining that police had not deliberately violated the court’s orders.