Jantar Mantar Internet Shutdown: Mobile Data Suspended for 8 Hours Amid Delhi Protests

The Union government ordered an eight-hour suspension of mobile internet services around Jantar Mantar in central Delhi as authorities tightened security during ongoing protests. According to the official order, mobile internet services were suspended from 4:00 PM until 12:00 AM within a 1.5-kilometre radius of Jantar Mantar, citing concerns related to public order and preventing the commission of offences.

The suspension affected users of major telecom operators and coincided with heightened security arrangements, traffic restrictions, and increased police deployment in the area.

Jantar Mantar Internet Shutdown: Why Was Mobile Internet Suspended?

The Ministry of Home Affairs directed telecom service providers to temporarily suspend mobile internet services around the protest site.

According to the official notification, the restriction was imposed under provisions of the Telecommunication Act, 2023 and the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, with the stated objective of maintaining public order during the protests.

Areas Affected by the Internet Suspension

The order covered a 1.5-kilometre radius around Jantar Mantar.

People in nearby areas reported disruptions to:

• Mobile internet connectivity

• UPI and digital payment services

• App-based taxi bookings

• Food delivery platforms

• Online business operations

Broadband and Wi-Fi services were generally not part of the suspension order, which primarily affected mobile data networks.

Impact on Commuters and Local Businesses

The temporary shutdown affected thousands of commuters, street vendors, restaurants, and shop owners operating near Connaught Place and central Delhi.

Several businesses that rely on QR-code payments reported reduced customer transactions, while app-based drivers experienced fewer bookings because mobile data services were unavailable.

Security Measures Around Jantar Mantar

Along with the internet suspension, authorities implemented several precautionary measures:

• Enhanced police deployment.

• Traffic diversions.

• Restrictions around sensitive locations.

• Increased monitoring near protest venues.

These steps were taken to manage public safety during the demonstrations.

What the Order Means

The suspension was temporary and limited to mobile internet services in the notified area and time period. Authorities stated that the measure was intended to support law enforcement and maintain order during the ongoing protests.

Conclusion

The Jantar Mantar Internet Shutdown highlights the significant impact that temporary communication restrictions can have on commuters, businesses, and digital services. While authorities described the measure as necessary for maintaining public order during the protests, the shutdown also disrupted everyday activities for residents and visitors in central Delhi. The restrictions remained limited in duration and geographic scope around the protest site.