GK Question

polity hard true_false

Following the Anuradha Bhasin judgment (2020), government orders suspending internet services must be published, subject to judicial review, and satisfy the proportionality test under Article 19.

  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020): SC held: (a) Freedom of speech (Article 19(1)(a)) and profession (Article 19(1)(g)) extend to internet medium, (b) Internet shutdown orders must be published for transparency and judicial review, (c) Restrictions must satisfy proportionality test: legitimate aim, rational connection, least restrictive alternative, balancing of interests, (d) Indefinite shutdowns impermissible; periodic review required. Applied to J&K case; guides future shutdown decisions. Establishes digital rights as part of fundamental rights framework; important for e-governance, digital economy, free speech in digital age.

Topic Digital Rights - Internet Shutdowns
Exam Relevance Digital rights and fundamental freedoms question critical for UPSC Mains and current affairs exams