Human beings have been ravishing every resource that is and was present to them. However, now the tables have turned, the exploiters have been repaying for their deeds. The unique novel virus has been discoursing for the entire human race. It has not only disrupted the routine of life but has also, without intent, infringed many rights that we took for granted so far.
In the words of the UN secretary-general, António Guterres, “coronavirus pandemic must not be used as a pretext for authoritarian states to trample over individual human rights or repress the free flow of information.”
Therefore, the main question that I would address is that what all rights of the people are being infringed due do the suspension or unavailability of internet access in times when it is a necessity and also address what has become the condition of employees working from home.
The Constitution of India is like a growing fabric that keeps on expanding as and when the society gets diverse and developed. In the same context, Art-19(1)(g) has expanded and also made the perusal of occupation through the internet fall into the ambit of fundamental rights. Nevertheless, several states and cities in India have either faced suspension of the internet for a long time or have no access at all.
Technology is acting as a wheel for change and has now emerged to be an integral part of everyday lives. The Constitution of India has laid down several laws related to technology, whose most important aspect is the ‘INTERNET.’ During the pandemic, it has not only been a source of entertainment but has also become a necessary tool for the people working from home, which helps in adding up in the nation’s economy.
During the cyber curfew in Jammu and Kashmir, this issue has received wide coverage. It has also fallen into the scope of the human intellect, which has made the people aware of the productive use of the internet. Kerala,[1] in 2017 was the first state to give the internet the status of basic human rights. According to a report furnished by Statista,[2] the penetration of the internet among Indians in 2020 has come up to 50% from a mere 4% in 2007. Though there has been a significant leap in the percentage according to the population of India and the topographical positioning of Indian states and villages, the number is just like a pin in the hay.
As the internet has become an integral part of people’s everyday lives in the current scenario, every meeting, work, and documentation is perused through this medium. Although, it is also seen that many industries and companies have been shut down either due to lack of raw material or are in huge debts as the employees are not able to perform without the availability of fast internet connection.
[1] Sherya Singhal v. Union of India
[2] https://www.statista.com/statistics/792074/india-internet-penetration-rate/
Aishwarya Says:
I have always been against Glorifying Over Work and therefore, in the year 2021, I have decided to launch this campaign “Balancing Life”and talk about this wrong practice, that we have been following since last few years. I will be talking to and interviewing around 1 lakh people in the coming 2021 and publish their interview regarding their opinion on glamourising Over Work.
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