the The Haryana government has ordered temporary suspension of mobile internet services, bulk SMS services and all dongle services in a certain area of Faridabad district in view of the retrenchment drive scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 30.
According to the order issued by the Home Affairs Department of the Haryana government, the measure has been taken to maintain public order during the demolition drive.
The order states that mobile internet services, including 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, bulk SMS services and dongle services will be suspended within a 1 km radius of the notified location in NIT area, Faridabad district, and the suspension will remain in force from 12:30 am to 10 pm on May 30.
“Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred on me under Section 20 of the Communications Act, 2023, which shall be read together with Rule (3) of the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, 1, Additional Secretary Home-1, Haryana hereby suspends mobile internet services (2G/3G/4G/5G), bulk SMS (excluding banking and mobile recharge) and all ‘dongle services etc.’ That provided on mobile networks except for voice calls within a radius of one kilometer from the location (latitude 28.39448 and longitude 77.28622) of NIT area in Faridabad district, all telecom service providers in Haryana are directed to ensure compliance with this order,” the order signed by Additional Chief Secretary Vandana Desodia said.
The decision was taken after inputs from Additional Director General of Police, Haryana CID and Deputy Commissioner, Faridabad, which raised concerns about tension, public unrest, damage to public and private property, and possible disruption of peace during the demolition drive.
The government says the restrictions aim to prevent the spread of misinformation
the The Haryana government said the restrictions were imposed to prevent the spread of misinformation and rumors through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, X and messaging services that could be used to mobilize crowds or agitators.
“In order to stop the spread of misinformation and rumors through various social media platforms, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc., on mobile phones and SMS to facilitate and mobilize mobs of agitators and protesters who can cause huge loss of life and damage to public and private property by indulging in arson, vandalism and other types of violent activities,” the order said.
However, the order clarified that voice calls will still work. Individual SMS, banking-related SMS, mobile phone recharge messages, broadband internet services, and leased lines for homes and businesses were also excluded from the suspension.
It also added that the temporary restrictions are limited to a one-kilometre radius in the NIT area of Faridabad district, and will remain in force from 12.30 am to 10.00 pm and have been imposed as an emergency precautionary measure to maintain public order.
