The Delhi High Court will on Friday hear a public interest litigation (PIL) against internet shutdown around Jantar Mantar, where the CJP is protesting against alleged examination irregularities. The PIL was mentioned for urgent listing before a bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia by the counsel for the petitioner. "This is a PIL against internet shutdown at Jantar Mantar," the lawyer said, urging the bench to take up the matter at 2.30 pm. "Alright," the bench responded. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has been protesting in the heart of Delhi since June 20, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak.
On Thursday, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs directed telecom service providers to suspend mobile internet services within a 1.5-kilometre radius of Jantar Mantar from 4 PM to midnight. The suspension reportedly affected areas beyond the protest site, with mobile data services also disrupted up to the Mandi House Metro station, nearly two kilometres away. Commercial activity in Connaught Place was also curtailed. Shops, offices and restaurants were asked to close by 6:30 PM following an advisory issued by the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA). The association said the advisory was issued pursuant to telephonic instructions from the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), citing the prevailing situation arising out of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led protest. Establishments were requested to comply to avoid any untoward incident or damage to property.