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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 10/06/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (10-06-2025).

📝 Mains Question (GS Paper 2 – Governance | Fundamental Rights | Internal Security):

Q. Internet shutdowns are increasingly used by state administrations as a tool to manage law and order. Critically examine the constitutional, ethical, and practical implications of such shutdowns, with reference to recent events in Assam.

📘 Model Answer

Introduction

India leads the world in the number of internet shutdowns, often invoked for preventing unrest, curbing misinformation, or protecting exam integrity. A recent example is from Hailakandi district in Assam, where mobile internet was suspended for 24 hours during recruitment exams to prevent cheating. While the intent may be administrative efficiency, such actions raise concerns regarding citizens’ rights, digital dependency, and democratic oversight.

Legal and Constitutional Framework

Provision	Relevance
Section 5(2) of Indian Telegraph Act, 1885	Empowers government to suspend telecom services in public interest.
Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules, 2017	Regulates internet shutdowns; requires review within 24 hours.
Article 19(1)(a) & 19(1)(g)	Freedom of speech and trade – impacted by blanket shutdowns.
Anuradha Bhasin vs Union of India (2020)	Supreme Court upheld internet as a facilitator of fundamental rights and imposed proportionality and reasonability as essential checks.

Ethical & Practical Implications

✅ Positive Intentions

Prevents digital cheating, question paper leaks, and organized malpractice.
Maintains law and order in riot-prone or communally sensitive situations.
Used to control viral misinformation during emergencies or elections.

❌ Criticisms and Challenges

Concern	Explanation
Overreach of Executive Power	Many shutdowns are imposed without proper judicial review.
Economic Loss	Disrupts e-commerce, banking, small businesses reliant on UPI and internet.
Digital Divide Worsens	Students, online workers, and telemedicine users in rural areas suffer.
Erosion of Rights	Undermines free speech, right to information, and education.

Assam Context

Hailakandi (June 2025): Internet cut to prevent exam cheating, affecting thousands.
Past examples:
- HSLC paper leak (2023)
- Protests during NRC and CAA (2019–20)
Increasing use of shutdowns as first response rather than last resort.

Way Forward

A. Legal Reform & Transparency

Amend Telegraph Act or introduce a Digital Rights Law ensuring judicial oversight.
Mandate public notification and reasoning for all shutdowns.

B. Technology Over Blanket Bans

Use app-specific blocking or AI-enabled proctoring instead of full shutdowns.
Install network jammers in exam centres as targeted tools.

C. Rights-Based Approach

Implement principle of proportionality from Anuradha Bhasin judgment.
Create State-level Internet Review Boards for accountability.

Conclusion

Internet shutdowns must be seen as exceptional, not routine governance tools. In a digitally dependent society like Assam, the balance between security and liberty, and efficiency and empathy, must be carefully maintained. Adopting a rights-based, technologically adaptive, and legally transparent approach is the need of the hour to uphold India’s constitutional and democratic ethos.

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