HC-NIC
C/WPPIL/191/2015
ORDER
was not permissible, because if we consider the notification, it
is for alleged misuse of social media. As per the learned
counsel, certain social media sites could be blocked, even if the
purpose was to be achieved by exercise of the power, like
Twitter, Face Book, WhatsApp etc. but complete blockage of
access to internet through mobile could not be said as
warranted in law. As per the petitioner, except the broadband,
all internet facilities on mobile phones were blocked, hence
such would not even meet with the minimal restriction to the
fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 19(1) of the
Constitution. It was submitted that even if the exercise of
power under Section 144 of the Code has lived the life, such
would not make the petition infructuous nor it can be said to be
a mere academic exercise.
When a fundamental right is
breached and even if challenge is at a later stage, the Court
would not decline examination of the challenge merely on the
ground that the notification has lived the life. It was also
submitted that if such action is found to be bad in law and
declared as illegal, in the recent future, when the apprehension
has been voiced by the petitioner, such power may not be
exercised
again
which
may
result
into
the
breach
of
fundamental right. It was submitted that whenever alleged
breach of
fundamental right is brought before the Court, it
would be for the government officials to satisfy this Court that
circumstances did exist and they remained within the bounds of
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Created On Thu Sep 17 08:11:45 IST 2015