India: Passed Indian Telecommunications Bill 2023 including emergency communications powers

On 20 December 2023, the Telecommunications Bill 2023, including emergency communications powers, was passed by the Lower House of Parliament. The Bill aims to establish a system to respond to public emergencies and situations in the interest of public safety. The government will be empowered to take temporary control of telecommunications services and networks to ensure efficient response and communication during such emergencies. Furthermore, a mechanism can be established to prioritise communications from authorised users or user groups who respond and assist in emergency situations. In accordance with prescribed procedures and subject to specified safeguards and written justification, certain communications may not be transmitted, intercepted, detained, or disclosed in intelligible form, or certain telecommunications services may be suspended. Press releases from accredited correspondents may only be intercepted or detained if their transmission is prohibited under these provisions. Under the Bill, such measures must be limited in time and carried out in a prescribed manner.