Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024

On 22-11-2024, the Ministry of Communications notified the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024 to bring transparency and procedural safeguards to the process of suspending telecommunication services. The provisions came into force on 22-11-2024.

Key Points:

1. Directions to suspend any telecommunication service can only be issued by suspension order.

   Exception:

   • In cases where it is not feasible for a suspension order to be issued by the competent authority then it can be issued by an officer not below the rank of a Joint Secretary to the Central Government (‘CG’).

   • Such suspension order will be subject to its confirmation by the competent authority, within 24 hours of issuance failing which the suspension order will cease to exist.

2. All suspension orders need to be published stating the reasons for such orders.

3. All suspension order should be limited to:

   • Addressing the specific reasons;

   • Define geographical area and type of telecommunication service required to be suspended;

   • Specific duration which does not exceed 15 days.

4. The suspension order should be forwarded to the review committee within 24 hours of the issuance.

5. A nodal officer will be designated by each authorized entity for every service area/ State/ Union territory to receive and implement suspension order.

6. Every suspension order should be communicated electronically to the nodal officer by an officer not below the rank of Superintendent of Police.

7. Review Committees:

   • A review committee will be constituted by the CG consisting of:

     • Cabinet Secretary as Chairperson;

     • Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs as Member;

     • Secretary, Department of Telecommunications as Member.

   • A review committee will be constituted by every State Government consisting of:

     • Chief Secretary of the State as Chairperson;

     • Secretary Law or Legal Remembrance In- Charge, Legal Affairs as Member;

     • Secretary to the State Government, other than the Home Secretary as Member.

   • Review committees concerned will meet within 5 days of issuance of any suspension order and record its findings.