NEW DELHI: Union home secretary Govind Mohan tendered unconditional apology to the Supreme Court in his affidavit responding to contempt notices but said suspension of cellular internet services for a day, from 10 pm on Oct 9 to 10pm on Oct 10 pm in the 4 km radius of Raisina Hills, was needed to prevent disturbance to public order and for maintenance of peace.In the affidavit filed late on Wednesday night, the home secretary said the Delhi Police’s request for suspension of cellular internet services “was found to be a proportionate measure, having regard to the magnitude of the situation and the need to prevent any disturbance of public order in the national capital.”On Oct 11, a day after the protests were foiled by Delhi Police, the SC had issued contempt notices to the home secretary, Delhi Police Commissioner and DMRC chairperson for alleged violation of its earlier order.“The suspension was confined to cellular internet services and did not extend to non-cellular internet services or telecommunication services such as wi-fi and broadband,” Mohan said in his four-page affidavit responding to Oct 11 SC notice to him on contempt petition. On Oct 11, the SC had directed that “internet facilities should function unhindered”.
He said suspension of internet services for a limited period and within a defined geographical area, coupled with statutory safeguards, is considered a recognised measure to maintain public order in appropriate circumstances.
The home secretary requested the SC to modify its Oct 11 order “to the extent necessary to permit the suspension of internet services in situations of necessity, strictly in accordance with law and subject to applicable statutory requirements and safeguards”.