The Division Bench of the Manipur High Court, comprising Justice Ahanthem Bimol Singh and Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma in the case of Aribam Dhananjoy Sharma @ Paojel Chaoba & 2 ors Vs State of Manipur & 4 ors. has been informed by the State that in pursuance to the previous order of this Bench, the State has constituted 12 member Expert Committee for finding a solution to provide limited internet services to the public by blocking the social media network/websites.
The learned counsel appearing for the State submitted that ‘the object and purpose of constituting the committee is to entrust to them the task of finding a solution to provide limited internet services to the public by blocking the social media network/websites’.
He further submitted that the Members of the Committee are requested to have a joint meeting and to discuss and to find a solution with regard to the following issues :-
a) Whether it is feasible to provide limited internet services to the public by blocking the social media websites/platforms to mitigate the hardship faced by the public on account of the total ban imposed by the State Government on providing internet services in the State of Manipur;
b) Whether it is possible to block third party Private Virtual Network (PVN) servers to ensure providing of limited internet services to the public by blocking social media websites;
c) Any other way or solution for providing limited internet service to the public by blocking the Social Media Websites/platforms.
The Court showed its satisfaction with the constitution of Expert committee and instructed the Committee to submit a detail report in terms of the issues indicated herein above on or before the next date without fail.
The Court also directed the petitioner to submit representation to the Secretary (Home), Government of Manipur by giving the names of the institutions/centres where computer based examinations like NEET, CUET etc. are held so that the State Government can arrange for providing internet services in those institutions/centers to facilitate the students in the ongoing admission process.
The Court listed the matter on 06/07/23 for next hearing.
Case Details
Case:- PIL No. 25 of 2023
Petitioner - Aribam Dhananjoy Sharma @ Paojel Chaoba & 2 ors.
Respondent - State of Manipur & 4 ors
Judge: Justice Ahanthem Bimol Singh and Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma
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