Internet shutdowns are ordered under the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, earlier was telegraph act 1885.

Who can order it?

• Central Level: The Union Home Secretary.
• State Level: The State Home Secretary.
• Maximum Duration: A single shutdown order cannot exceed 15 days. (However, authorities often issue “successive orders” to extend this).

What more needs to be known?

• Anuradha Bhasin vs. Union of India (2020) case. SC ruled that: Shutdowns must be a “measure of last resort
• Fundamental Right: Freedom of speech and trade over the internet is protected under Article 19.
• Every order must be reviewed by a committee (Cabinet Secretary at the Centre / Chief Secretary at the State).
• IT Act, 2000 (Section 69A) Powers to block specific websites/content (used for URL blocking).

Source: The Hindu