The Ministry Of Communications on November 22, 2024, issued the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024. These rules have superseded the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017.
The foremost provisions are as stated:
• The directions to suspend any telecommunication service or any class of telecommunication services under clause (b) of sub-section (2) of section 20, shall only be issued by suspension order, and for reasons to be recorded in writing by a competent authority:
Provided that where, due to unavoidable circumstances, it is not feasible for a suspension order to be issued by the competent authority, such suspension order may be issued by an officer not below the rank of a Joint Secretary to the Central Government, who has been duly authorised by the competent authority:
Provided further that a suspension order issued under the first proviso to sub-rule (1) shall be subject to its confirmation by the competent authority, within twenty-four hours of issuance of such order, failing which the suspension order shall cease to exist.
• Each authorised entity shall designate a nodal officer for every service area, or State or Union territory, to receive and implement the suspension order.
• Any suspension order shall be communicated in writing or through a secure electronic communication, to the nodal officer, by an officer not below the rank of Superintendent of Police.
They shall come into force on November 22, 2024.
[Notification No. G.S.R. 724(E)]
