HC refuses to entertain PIL seeking telcos don’t bill for unused Net, calls during lockdown

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court Friday refused to entertain a plea seeking directions to telecom firms and internet service providers (ISPs) not to charge offices, shops or business establishments which were “compulsorily closed” due to COVID-19 lockdown. A bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Yogesh Khanna, hearing through video conferencing, said the Supreme Court has already dealt with a similar issue and the high court is not inclined to entertain the plea.

Advocate Amit Sahni, appearing for the petitioner, did not press the plea and withdrew it.

The counsel said due to the compulsory lockdown, people are unable to go to the workplace and, therefore, the telcos / ISP should not charge for lockdown period as the public was under compulsion not to avail services.