Letter to Bihar Government regarding Internet Shutdowns

SFLC.in sent a letter to the Bihar Government  with reference to the internet shutdown imposed in various districts of the state. The order numbered C/C.I.Misc-4013/2017-01 Home Deptt. Cont. Room/Patna was issued on 17 June 2022 imposing a shutdown in Kaimur, Bhojpur, Aurangabad, Rohtas, Buxer, Nawada, West Champaran, Samastipur, Lakhisarai, Begusarai, Baishali and Saran. Further, it was reported that internet was suspended in 8 more districts- East Champaran, Sheikhpura, Darbangah, Muzafarpur, Gaya, Madhubani, Khagaria and Jehanabad and the suspension continued till 20 June 2022. However, no order has been found for this extension of internet shutdown.
The letter voices concern on an extremely unfortunate event. It has been reported that a B.Tech student at Chandigarh University, residing at Kaimur district of Bihar failed to appear in his online examination due to sudden shutdown of the internet services. Due to this the student committed suicide. The student was said to be under stress because of lack of access to internet which then caused the inability to appear in examination. This event brings to light the graveness of impact internet shutdowns can have on residents of an affected area. This also highlights the importance of government responsibility while deciding to shutdown the internet.

The letter sent to the Bihar Government can be accessed below: