Kerala Pioneers Internet as a Fundamental Human Right
In a groundbreaking 2019 verdict, the Kerala High Court established a precedent by declaring internet access a fundamental human right in the landmark case of Faheema Shirin vs. the State of Kerala. This decision aligns internet access with the fundamental right to education and privacy under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
The case involved Faheema Shirin, a third-semester BA student at Sree Narayanaguru College in Kozhikode, under Calicut University. Residing in the college hostel, Faheema found herself restricted by hostel rules that prohibited internet use during nighttime. Determined to challenge this limitation, she exhausted all dialogues with the college and hostel authorities to no avail, ultimately seeking justice through the court system.
The court’s ruling not only supported Faheema’s plea but also recognized the significance of internet access as essential for education and personal development, thereby reinforcing its necessity as a basic human entitlement.
Beyond this legal triumph, Kerala has shown progressive foresight in digital inclusivity, becoming the first Indian state to launch its own internet service provider, Kerala Fibre Optic Network (K-FON). This initiative underscores Kerala’s commitment to ensuring internet accessibility for all, marking a significant leap toward digital equity in the region.
Kerala’s bold steps in acknowledging and facilitating internet access set a pioneering example for the rest of the nation, highlighting the evolving landscape of digital rights in the modern world.
Original Story https://www.pratidintime.com/watch-tower/repeated-internet-blockade-an-infringement-to-fundamental-right
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Publish Date: 2024-10-26 15:30:00
