Haryana Suspends Mobile Internet Services in Faridabad Ahead of Demolition Drive

The Haryana Government has ordered the temporary suspension of mobile internet services, bulk SMS services, and all dongle services in a designated area of Faridabad district to maintain public peace and law and order during a demolition drive scheduled for May 30.

The order, issued by the Department of Home Affairs under Section 20 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, follows concerns raised by the Deputy Commissioner of Faridabad regarding a possible disturbance during the demolition operation in the NIT Zone.

According to the government notification, authorities apprehend that the demolition could lead to tension, agitation, public unrest, damage to property, and disruption of public order. Officials have also expressed concern over the potential misuse of social media and mobile internet platforms for spreading misinformation, rumours, and inflammatory content that could mobilize crowds and escalate tensions.

To prevent such situations, mobile internet services, including access through mobile data, dongles, and other wireless internet devices, have been suspended within a one-kilometre radius of the NIT Zone in Faridabad. The suspension came into effect at midnight on May 30 and will remain in force until 11:59 PM on the same day.

The government clarified that voice calls on mobile networks will continue to function normally. Essential communication services such as banking-related SMS alerts, individual SMS services, mobile recharge facilities, broadband internet, and leased-line internet connections for homes and businesses have also been exempted from the restrictions to minimize inconvenience to the public and ensure that commercial and financial activities remain unaffected.

Officials stated that the temporary restrictions are aimed solely at preventing the misuse of communication networks that could threaten public safety or disrupt the demolition process. Service providers have been directed to ensure immediate compliance with the order.

The state government emphasized that the measure is preventive in nature and has been implemented in view of the prevailing situation and intelligence inputs regarding possible disturbances. Authorities warned that any violation of the order or attempts to circumvent the restrictions would attract legal action under applicable laws.

The suspension highlights the increasing use of temporary internet shutdowns by authorities during sensitive operations where there is a perceived risk of unrest or misinformation spreading through digital platforms. Security personnel and administrative officials are expected to remain deployed in the affected area throughout the demolition exercise to maintain order and ensure the operation proceeds smoothly.

Residents have been advised to cooperate with authorities and rely on official sources for information during the period of restrictions. The government has assured that services will be restored once the situation is assessed as normal and the demolition drive concludes without incident.