In the context of internet shutdowns in India, consider the following statements:
1. The Telegraph Act of 1885 provides the primary legal basis for internet shutdowns in India.
2. Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure has been replaced by Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita for imposing internet restrictions.
3. The Anuradha Bhasin case judgment mandated that internet restrictions must be permanent to be considered lawful.
4. The United Nations declared internet access as a fundamental human right in 2020.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct, while 3 and 4 are incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Telegraph Act of 1885, specifically the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules, 2017, provides legal basis for internet shutdowns.
Statement 2 is correct; Section 144 of CrPC has been replaced by Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita for such restrictions.
Statement 3 is incorrect; the Anuradha Bhasin judgment stated that internet restrictions must be temporary, not permanent.
Statement 4 is incorrect; the UN declared internet access a fundamental human right in 2016, not 2020.
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct, while 3 and 4 are incorrect.
Statement 1 is correct as the Telegraph Act of 1885, specifically the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules, 2017, provides legal basis for internet shutdowns.
Statement 2 is correct; Section 144 of CrPC has been replaced by Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita for such restrictions.
Statement 3 is incorrect; the Anuradha Bhasin judgment stated that internet restrictions must be temporary, not permanent.
Statement 4 is incorrect; the UN declared internet access a fundamental human right in 2016, not 2020.