Delhi has recorded more internet shutdowns than anywhere else in India this year, and the latest came during protests over the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation.
The restrictions have put internet blackouts back in the spotlight, and the debate grew louder after the Supreme Court said, “Internet facilities should function unhindered”.
The second wave came in October, during protests over the CEC’s resignation. Unlike in July, the October shutdowns were not confined to Central Delhi but spread across several parts of the capital, including Bawana, Nangloi, Nizampur and Daulatpur. The latest restrictions in Delhi show that internet shutdowns remain part of the government’s response to major protests, even as their overall use declines.
Between 20 and 25 July, internet services were suspended five times, all in Central Delhi. Most of the shutdowns lasted between eight and 24 hours, according to SFLC. Globally, India recorded 65 internet shutdown incidents in 2025, second only to Myanmar, which reported 95, according to data shared by Access Now.
Together, Delhi and Manipur accounted for nearly half of all shutdown incidents recorded in the country this year, according to SFLC data.
