Cuttack: In an effort to maintain law and order and curb the spread of false and inflammatory messages, the Odisha government has imposed a 24-hour suspension of internet and social media services in select areas of Cuttack city.
This decision comes in the wake of a violent clash that erupted during the Durga Puja idol immersion procession in Cuttack’s Dargha Bazaar area on October 3, which left four people injured, including Cuttack Deputy Commissioner of Police Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo.
The order was issued by Satyabrata Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government, Home Department. Citing concerns raised by the District Administration in their letter No. 1049/Res., dated October 5, 2025, the government highlighted the misuse of internet platforms to spread provocative, false, and inflammatory messages that threaten public order.
“Whereas, messaging platforms like Whatsapp, Facebook, X and other such media etc. have the potential for the anti-social elements to circulate false, provocative and inflammatory messages, thereby leading to disturbance of public order and peace in the Cuttack City,” the notification said.
The suspension will be effective from 7 pm on October 5 to 7 pm on October 6, 2025. It covers the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) area, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) area, and the 42 Mouza region within Cuttack district.
The government invoked Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, alongside Rule 2(1) of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency/Public Safety) Rules, 2017, to enforce this order in the interest of maintaining public peace and order.
