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In Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020), the Supreme Court applied the proportionality test to internet shutdowns. Which of the following is the CORRECT sequence of proportionality test steps as applied in this case?
- Balancing → Necessity → Rational connection → Legitimate aim
- Legitimate aim → Rational connection → Necessity → Balancing
- Rational connection → Legitimate aim → Balancing → Necessity
- Necessity → Balancing → Legitimate aim → Rational connection
Answer: Legitimate aim → Rational connection → Necessity → Balancing
Anuradha Bhasis (2020) proportionality test steps for digital rights: (a) Context: Challenge to internet shutdowns in Jammu & Kashmir following Article 370 abrogation; issue of balancing digital free speech with national security, (b) Proportionality test steps applied: (i) Legitimate aim: Restriction must pursue valid public interest (national security, public order, prevention of crime), (ii) Rational connection: Means must be suitable to achieve aim (e.g., shutdowns may prevent misuse but must be evidence-based, not speculative), (iii) Necessity: No less restrictive alternative available (e.g., targeted restrictions, content blocking vs. blanket shutdown), (iv) Balancing: Benefits of restriction must outweigh harm to free speech, economic activity, access to information, (c) Applications: (i) J&K internet shutdown case: Court directed publication of orders, periodic review, time-bound restrictions, (ii) Digital governance: DPDP Act, 2023 operationalizes privacy principles with consent, minimization, security safeguards, (iii) Algorithmic accountability: Emerging jurisprudence on AI bias, transparency in automated decision-making, (d) Rationale: (i) Calibrated balancing: Proportionality enables nuanced assessment of rights restrictions, not absolute prohibition or unlimited state power, (ii) Rights protection: Ensures restrictions justified, not arbitrary; core rights protected against disproportionate intrusion, (iii) Democratic legitimacy: Enables state to pursue legitimate aims while protecting individual rights through calibrated review, (e) Illustrates sophisticated judicial review: Proportionality test enables courts to balance rights vs. state interests; ensures restrictions are justified, necessary, balanced, not arbitrary or overbroad.