The Karnataka High Court has taken up a petition filed by the Mangaluru Bar Association concerning interference in mobile and telecommunications services within and around the district court complex in Mangaluru. The petition stated that the mobile network disruption is allegedly caused by jammers installed in the nearby district jail. These jammers, meant to restrict mobile use by inmates, have reportedly affected the court premises and surrounding areas, creating difficulties for advocates, litigants, and court staff who rely on stable connectivity for their professional work.
Hearing the matter, the High Court directed the Additional Government Advocate to obtain detailed instructions from the concerned departments within a week. The Court also asked for a comprehensive technical report assessing the strength of mobile signals in different parts of the court and jail premises. This report must determine whether the jamming devices installed in the jail have an adverse impact on mobile and internet connectivity within a one-kilometre radius, including the district court complex.
The petitioners informed the Court that since early March, advocates and other court users have been facing persistent mobile network issues. They reported being unable to make or receive phone calls, access data services, or download documents during court proceedings. The petitioners emphasized that the issue has seriously affected the day-to-day functioning of the legal fraternity and the efficiency of judicial work, particularly since digital communication plays a vital role in the contemporary court system.
In response, the State counsel informed the bench that the government is aware of the problem and is in the process of preparing its official objections. The Court stressed the need for a careful balance between maintaining prison security and ensuring the smooth functioning of nearby public institutions. It observed that while the use of jammers is important to prevent unlawful communication from within jails, such measures must be implemented in a way that does not compromise the operation of essential public services, especially those linked to the administration of justice.
The Court further remarked that mobile connectivity and access to communication technology are essential components of an efficient judicial system. Judges, lawyers, and court officials frequently depend on online research, electronic filings, and virtual coordination for effective legal proceedings. Any disruption caused by external equipment such as signal jammers must therefore be immediately assessed and rectified to prevent delays and inconvenience.
The High Court has listed the matter for further hearing after the submission of the technical report. The case highlights the growing importance of digital infrastructure in the functioning of the judiciary and reinforces that technological issues impacting judicial premises must be addressed with urgency and precision to uphold access to justice and administrative efficiency.
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