The Fact News Service
Chandigarh, December 9
A legal memorandum has been submitted to the Haryana government by Advocate Hemant Kumar, raising concerns over a recent order suspending mobile internet services in parts of Ambala district.
The order, issued under the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, has come under scrutiny for citing outdated regulations that were superseded by the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024.
On December 6, 2024, the Haryana Home Department, under the authority of Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Dr. Sumita Misra, ordered the suspension of mobile internet services in select areas of Ambala district from 12:00 PM on December 6 to 11:59 PM on December 9, citing public safety concerns.
However, Advocate Hemant Kumar has pointed out that the referenced rules from 2017 were replaced on November 22, 2024, through a Gazette notification by the Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications.
Legal Representation Submitted to Authorities
In his memorandum, Advocate Kumar addressed key government officials, including Chief Secretary Vivek Joshi, Advocate General Baldev Raj Mahajan, and Legal Remembrancer Ritu Garg, urging immediate corrective action.
“The suspension order should reflect the currently applicable Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, instead of the now-defunct 2017 rules,” stated the memorandum. “This is essential to maintain the majesty of law and ensure administrative actions align with updated regulations.”
Significance of Compliance
The updated rules, which came into force on November 22, 2024, provide a revised framework for temporary suspension of telecom services in situations involving public emergencies or safety.
Non-compliance with these updated rules could invite legal challenges and questions about the validity of the suspension orders.
Call for Prompt Action
Advocate Kumar has requested the Haryana government to take immediate cognizance of the matter and amend the order to reflect the updated legal framework.
“Acknowledgment of this oversight and swift action would underscore the government’s commitment to lawful governance,” he wrote in the memorandum.
The memorandum also emphasized the importance of acknowledging this communication to ensure transparency and accountability in addressing the issue.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Haryana government regarding the concerns raised.
