MHA Orders 6th Mobile Internet Shutdown Around Jantar Mantar as CP Shuts Early

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued orders to telecom service providers on Thursday, July 23, suspending mobile internet services across a 1.5-kilometer radius around Jantar Mantar from 8:00 AM until midnight. This marks the sixth targeted telecom suspension directive issued for the area since July 17 amid the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student demonstrations over exam paper leaks.

According to official directives issued under the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, the Home Secretary cited public safety, preventing public emergencies, and curbing potential incitement of offences as reasons for the blackout. The suspension was initially ordered until 4:00 PM before being formally extended through midnight.

Impact on Mandi House and Connaught Place

While the directive formally applies to a 1.5 km radius surrounding Sansad Marg and Jantar Mantar, network disruptions spread as far as Mandi House—nearly two kilometers away—and surrounding commercial districts. Airtel customers in the vicinity received official SMS notices confirming that services were halted per government orders.

Local commercial activity faced severe disruptions throughout Thursday afternoon and evening:

• UPI & Payment Failures: Small roadside vendors, cafes, and parking attendants were unable to process digital UPI transactions, forcing businesses to operate strictly on cash.
• Trader Advisory: The New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) issued an early closure advisory, instructing shops, offices, and restaurants across Connaught Place to shut down by 6:30 PM following verbal security inputs from the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).
• Delhi Police Clarification: Amid online rumors of an impending midnight police operation, Delhi Police issued a formal statement on X clarifying that no overnight crackdown on the Jantar Mantar protest site was planned.

What we can verify

• The Ministry of Home Affairs officially issued internet suspension directives covering a 1.5 km radius around Jantar Mantar until midnight on Thursday, July 23. — The Indian Express
• Mobile network outages extended to Mandi House and central commercial hubs, impacting app-based transport and UPI digital payments. — National Herald
• Delhi Police officially posted on social media denying rumors of an intended midnight crackdown on demonstrators at Jantar Mantar. — National Herald

What remains unverified

• Total economic loss suffered by commercial businesses and daily wage sellers across Connaught Place and Mandi House remains [unverified] pending formal post-event trader assessments.