MHRC seeks status report on net shutdown
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 08 2023:
Following a corn-plaint filed by one Kam-mingthang Hangshing from Aizawl, Mizoram through HRCNet Portal on behalf of the people of Churachanpur district for restoring internet ser-vice in the district, the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has sought status report on internet shutdown from the government of Mani-pur on or before June 15.In its observation on the complaint, the commis-sion acknowledged that internet plays a vital role in the modern day of life, more so when the young generation of the coun-try, who are working from home through internet, and also the students, who would appear in the examination through online, may face severe effect without internet.
"As is known, the fundamental rights guaranteed under the constitution of India are non-absolute.
This is where the concept of reasonable restriction in Article 19 of the Constitu-tion of India does appear.
We are not in favour of the shutdown of the internet service in the state of Ma-nipur," the commission said.
It further observed, "It would be proper in our part to ask the authority as to whether internet can be restored in the State of Manipur keeping balance between the security of the state and the interest of the citizen/people in-cluding the student and elderly people" .
Citing media reports regarding a petition filed in the Supreme Court against internet ban in the state, the commis-sion maintained that it has to wait for the deci-sion of apex court on the petition, but at present, it is only issuing notice to the chief secretary and commissioner (home) of the Government of Mani-pur directing them to file their responses by way of status report, which is returnable on or before June 15 .
The commission also directed Kammingthang Hangshing to appear in person before the Com-mission to substantiate his contention regarding internet not being shut down in Imphal by way of submitting the document.
"We do not know why the complainant asked for restoration of internet only for Churachandpur and not for whole state.
A true citizen /country lover will not think only for a particular area or community but for the state as well as nation," it observed.
The commission stat-ed that the commissioner (home) may consider if internet service can be restored in the state for providing benefit to the citizen keeping balance the security of the state and right to freedom of expression, and listed the matter for June 15 .