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Delhi Police has ordered a 24-hour suspension of mobile internet services across a four-kilometre radius around the Janpath-Kartavya Path crossing ahead of a planned Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The restrictions are scheduled to run from 10 pm on October 9 to 10 pm on October 10, 2026, following a request considered by the Union Home Secretary.

The decision comes hours after the Supreme Court questioned the authorities over restrictions on the Delhi Metro and trains entering the national capital in connection with the protest. The court's sharp observation, "you can't use a sledgehammer to kill a fly", brought renewed scrutiny to the scale of the measures being taken ahead of the demonstration.

Delhi Police Directs Telecom Operators to Suspend Services

An order issued on Friday evening by the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police was addressed to Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Reliance Jio and MTNL, asking the operators to implement the suspension immediately.

The order cites sub-rule (1) of Rule 3 of the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, read with Section 20(2)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

It directs the suspension of mobile internet services across all technologies within a four-kilometre radius of the Janpath-Kartavya Path crossing for the specified 24-hour period.

The affected area includes parts or all of Connaught Place, Mandi House, Pragati Maidan, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, Barakhamba Road, Khan Market, Lodhi Road and Jangpura.

The restriction could disrupt routine activities for residents, commuters, businesses and visitors. Mobile internet users may face difficulties accessing online services, making digital payments, sharing information and uploading videos during the suspension.

The supplied order concerns mobile internet services. It does not, by itself, establish that every form of internet connectivity, including fixed-line broadband, will be disconnected.

Supreme Court Questions Restrictions Around the Protest

The internet suspension follows a wider set of measures linked to the planned CJP demonstration. The Supreme Court questioned the government over restrictions affecting Delhi Metro services and trains coming into the capital, raising concerns about whether the response was proportionate to the situation.

The court's remarks have added to the debate over how authorities balance public order with the ability of citizens to travel and participate in demonstrations.

Police have maintained that restrictions are necessary to preserve law and order. However, the decision to cover a four-kilometre radius has raised questions about the impact on people who may have no connection with the protest.

The order also brings back memories of the CJP's earlier agitation at Jantar Mantar in July over the NEET paper leak controversy. During that protest, mobile internet services were reportedly suspended for several days across a smaller radius of 1.5 kilometres.

According to the supplied report, the earlier restrictions affected protesters and people documenting the demonstration, including those attempting to upload footage to social media platforms and YouTube. Reporting by mainstream media outlets was also delayed.

The expanded radius in the latest order means that the potential disruption could extend well beyond the immediate protest site.

Key Takeaways

• Duration: Mobile internet suspension is scheduled from 10 pm on October 9 to 10 pm on October 10, 2026.

• Coverage: The restriction applies within a four-kilometre radius of the Janpath-Kartavya Path crossing.

• Reason: The order comes ahead of the CJP protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

• Legal scrutiny: The Supreme Court questioned restrictions on metro services and trains entering Delhi, highlighting concerns over the scale of preventive measures.

What Happens Next?

The immediate question is how the suspension will affect protesters, journalists, commuters and businesses across the designated area. The authorities' stated objective is to maintain law and order, but the practical consequences will depend on how broadly the restrictions affect everyday communications.

The episode also renews questions about the use of internet shutdowns during public demonstrations, particularly when restrictions extend into commercial and residential neighbourhoods.

Whether the authorities will explain the need for the expanded coverage, and whether further judicial scrutiny follows, remains to be seen.

Do you think internet shutdowns are justified during protests, or should authorities rely on more targeted security measures?

Disclaimer: This report is based on the supplied news material and quoted order details; readers should consult official police notifications and court records for independent verification.