PIL demands free calling, data, DTH and streaming services during COVID19 lockdown

Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 17

Citing psychological health as a ground, a PIL filed in the Supreme Court has sought directions to telecom service providers Amazon Services and others to give free and uninterrupted calling, data, and streaming services during COVID19 lockdown.

“The humans are social and emotional beings who require social interactions, various modes of entertainment to keep their psychological well-being in good form,” petitioner advocate Manohar Pratap contended.

He said such a move was needed as movement of all individuals had been restricted since the nationwide lockdown came into effect on March 25 to prevent spread of the pandemic.

Maintaining that the companies were unlikely to provide free communication and entertainment services to people during lockdown, the petitioner said it would result in injury to the psychological health of the public at large, leading to gross violation of their right to life and liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Pratap wanted the court to ask telecom service providers such as Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio and those in the business of streaming services to provide uninterrupted communication and entertainment services to people who were required to remain in self-isolation and self-quarantine.

Appreciating the steps taken by the government to deal with the issues arising out of the pandemic and the resultant lockdown, Pratap pointed out that no step had been taken to address the mounting psychological pressure on citizens who were forced to remain indoors. 

Many people were stranded at various places away from their families, he said, adding that it was imperative for the government to take measures to provide free and unlimited calling facilities to citizens during the COVID19 crisis.

Describing social interaction and entertainment as basic human need, the petitioner submitted that entertainment through satellite services, including DTH services and streaming facilities such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, will help to lower psychological stress caused by long confinement due to COVID19 lockdown extended till May 3.