The Supreme Court of India today ruled that it is ok for districts and states to cut access to mobile internet for a limited time to prevent law and order problems in the country. It basically allows the State to use its curfew powers to block internet access during public agitation that can turn aggressive and disturb the public.

The case was first brought to the court’s notice by student activist Gaurav Sureshbhai Vyas who challenged the police’s right to ban internet services last year for 63 million users in Gujrat during the Patinder agitation as a way to check unfounded rumours.

Vyas’ petition also contended that a complete ban would restrict the [...]