India Home Ministry: internet shutdown apology was a formality, no contempt of court

India's Union Home Ministry said its "unconditional apology" to the Supreme Court over recent internet shutdowns was a procedural formality, insisting all actions were lawful. The Home Secretary's affidavit revealed Delhi Police requested the shutdowns and that the October 9 order was marked "Top Secret".

• Ministry: apology is a mandatory first paragraph in contempt affidavits
• Delhi Police requested the shutdowns to maintain order after July 20, 2026 protests
• The October 9 order was marked "Top Secret" and surfaced only after ANI published it
• Shutdowns covered a 4-km radius near Janpath–Kartavya Path and 500 m around eight sites