Polity · 25 Jul 2026

Telecommunications Suspension Rules 2024

With reference to internet suspension in India, consider the following statements:

  1. The Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024 cap any single suspension order at a maximum of 15 days.
  2. Suspension orders under Section 20(2)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 require prior judicial authorisation before being issued.
  3. In Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020), the Supreme Court held that internet access is protected under Article 19 and that shutdown orders must be temporary and proportionate.
  4. The 2024 Rules replaced the 2017 framework, which had no defined geographic radius or duration cap for suspension orders.

How many of the above statements are correct?

AOnly one
BOnly two
COnly three
DAll four
This question is based on: The Reform Made the Blackout Smaller. It Didn't Make It Reviewable.
Take this in full test mode → Instructions for 25 Jul 2026
About this question

Why in news

A mobile internet suspension around Jantar Mantar under the 2024 Rules disrupted UPI payments nearly two kilometres beyond its declared 1.5-km radius, raising questions about whether "micro-geofencing" satisfies the Anuradha Bhasin proportionality standard.

Why for UPSC

This tests whether aspirants understand not just that safeguards exist, but precisely which safeguard (geographic/duration limits) exists versus which does not (prior judicial authorisation) - a nuanced, exam-realistic distinction.

Prelims summary

The 2024 Suspension Rules added a 15-day cap and geographic radius absent under the 2017 regime, but suspension orders still require no prior judicial authorisation, only post-hoc review - a key gap from Anuradha Bhasin's proportionality standard.

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