NEW DELHI – India’s Ministry of Home Affairs approved 24-hour mobile internet shutdown in one of the capital’s most sensitive areas ahead of new protest by Cockroach Janta Party.
A fresh order issued by Delhi Police Special Cell directs that all mobile internet services be cut within a four-kilometre radius of the intersection of Janpath and Kartavya Path, the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi. The blackout begins at 10 pm on October 9 and runs until 10 pm on October 10.
The directive leaves no room for exceptions. Telecom companies have been told to suspend “all types and technologies” of mobile internet in the designated zone.
The order names the country’s biggest operators: Airtel, Jio, Vodafone Idea and MTNL. All have been instructed to implement it immediately.
Home Ministry has approved the shutdown under the Telecommunications Act 2023 and its associated rules, the law that now governs such suspensions.
Indian authorities also deployed thousands of police and paramilitary personnel in Delhi ahead of a Saturday protest by the Cockroach Janta Party, which is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the removal of approximately 130 million names from voter lists.
Several long-distance trains have been cancelled, while 57 metro stations were scheduled to close from Friday night. Election Commission’s data shows that the deletions included people who had relocated, could not be traced or had died. Opposition parties allege the revisions may have affected election results and disproportionately impacted Muslim voters and other minorities, while the BJP and the commission deny electoral manipulation.
The youth-led movement, which gained prominence through protests over examination paper leaks, has vowed to continue its campaign. The controversy comes ahead of state elections in at least seven Indian states in 2027, including BJP-governed Uttar Pradesh. Delhi Police say the organisers lack permission for Saturday’s rally and could face legal action if rules are violated.
Cockroach Janta Party starts fresh protests in India, demands CEC Kumar’s resignation
