India, July 24 -- The Delhi high court on Friday agreed to urgently hear a petition challenging the suspension of internet services within a 1.5-km radius of Jantar Mantar, where student protesters have been demanding Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over irregularities in examinations.

On Thursday, the government directed service providers to suspend the services in Central Delhi from 4pm until midnight under the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024. The government maintained the suspension was necessary in the interest of public safety and to avert a public emergency. It said the measure aimed to maintain public order and prevent the incitement of offences. The suspension was extend...