Karnataka High Court Issues Notice On Plea By Mangalore Bar Association Flagging Lack Of Mobile Network In Court Due To Jammers In Nearby Prison

The Karnataka High Court recently issued notice to the state government on a petition filed by the Mangalore Bar Association, questioning the installation of jammers in the district jail resulting in the blocking/interruption of the telecommunication channels and internet facility within the district court premises, which is within 1 Km away from the prison.Justice Suraj Govindaraj in his order said, “Learned AGA is granted a week's time to obtain instructions and make his submission. He is also directed to place on record a technical report as regard the mobile signal strength within the premises of the prison at different locations and from the prison to the court, as also in the court at different locations to ascertain what is the strength of the signal at different locations and the technical report will also specify if the jamming signals from the jammers have any adverse impact on the mobile signals in the court.” Senior Advocate P P Hegde for petitioners argued, “Since March advocates are suffering, the jammer installed in district jail, does not allow mobile or telecommunication services work. Repeated representations by the general public and the petitioner have been made but no action is taken. Advocate cannot receive or make calls no data network is there, advocates cannot receive any documents on the phone.” He contended that the jammer was installed to ensure that prisoners are not able to use the mobile phone inside illegally, but i am informed that they (prisoners) are freely using the mobile's, inside it is working properly but outside it is not. The government counsel submitted that objections are ready and he would file it during the course of the day. The bench said that it may also happen that there would be a problem at the mobile service provider's end, and thus a technical report should be called for. Following which, it passed the order. The plea seeks to declare that the action of respondents in installation of jammers in prison resulting in blocking/interruption of the telecommunication channels and internet facility within the district court premises at Mangalore and other areas outside the precincts of the prison is arbitrary and illegal and consequently direct the respondents to remove the such jammers/devices which affect the communication channel in the district court complex and restore the internet services forthwith. Further, to remove all the obstacles/obstructions/interference and ensure the availability of internet services/connectivity in the district court complex to enable the petitioners no.2,3 and other members of petitioner no.1 association to access the uninterrupted and quality internet services within the precincts of the District court complex at Mangalore. By way of interim relief, it is sought to remove the jammers affecting the communication and internet services in the precincts of the district court complex, Mangalore, forthwith in the interest of justice and equity.Case Title: Mangalore Bar Association & Others AND State of Karnataka & OthersCase No: WP 13624/2025Click Here To Read/Download Order

Karnataka High Court Issues Notice On Plea By Mangalore Bar Association Flagging Lack Of Mobile Network In Court Due To Jammers In Nearby Prison

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