Mangaluru: The Mangaluru Bar Association has urged the authorities to immediately resolve problems caused by the mobile phone jammer installed at Mangaluru Central Prison, alleging that the system has disrupted mobile connectivity in and around the court premises for nearly two years.

Association president Jagadish K. Shenava said the connectivity problems were affecting advocates, litigants, court staff and members of the public, besides educational institutions, hotels, residential facilities and business establishments located in the surrounding areas.

According to the association, the jammer may have been installed as a security measure to prevent unauthorised mobile phone use inside the prison. However, its operation should not adversely affect people and institutions outside the prison premises, it said.

Court functioning affected by poor connectivity

Shenava said the mobile jammer has severely affected communication within the court premises and nearby areas.

Advocates, litigants, court employees and members of the public depend on mobile communication for urgent calls, information exchange and other routine activities. The association said persistent connectivity problems were making such communication difficult and were affecting the smooth functioning of court-related activities.

The problem is particularly significant in a court environment, where advocates and litigants may need to communicate urgently with clients, colleagues and other stakeholders.

The association maintained that a solution to the prison’s security concerns should not create difficulties for the judiciary or ordinary citizens using facilities in the surrounding area.

Students and businesses also affected

The connectivity problems have reportedly extended beyond the court premises.

Students, teachers and staff of educational institutions located near the court are also facing difficulties due to poor mobile signals, the Bar Association said.

Hotels, lodges and other commercial establishments in the vicinity have similarly been affected. According to the association, poor connectivity is creating difficulties in customer service and day-to-day business operations.

Residential facilities in the area have also reportedly experienced problems, making the issue one that extends beyond the legal fraternity.

The association has therefore called for a technically sound system that restricts mobile signals within the prison premises without causing widespread disruption in surrounding areas.

Association questions present security solution

The Bar Association acknowledged that prison security is an important concern and that preventing unauthorised mobile phone use inside correctional facilities is necessary.

However, it questioned whether disrupting mobile connectivity across a large area outside the prison is an appropriate response.

The association also pointed to a recent police inspection during which around 10 mobile phones were reportedly recovered from the prison.

According to the association, the recovery of the phones highlights the need to strengthen security measures inside the facility rather than relying on a system that affects the entire surrounding area.

The association said the failure to prevent mobile phones from being used inside the prison should not result in ordinary citizens, courts, educational institutions and commercial establishments losing access to reliable mobile communication.

Earlier memorandum submitted to minister

The Mangaluru Bar Association had previously met the district in-charge minister and submitted a memorandum seeking a solution to the issue.

The minister, according to the association, had assured the delegation that the matter would be brought to the attention of the Home Minister and resolved.

However, Shenava said the problem continues to remain unresolved despite the assurance.

The prolonged nature of the issue has now prompted the association to set a deadline for action and warn of a protest if the connectivity problems are not addressed.

Protest warning ahead of Cabinet meeting

The association welcomed the State government’s decision to hold a Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru on September 18 as part of efforts to give greater priority to the development of the coastal region.

However, it said it was ironic that discussions on developing Mangaluru as a major city were being held while a key part of the city continued to face persistent mobile connectivity problems.

Shenava warned that if the issue is not resolved by September 14, advocates will stage a protest during the Cabinet meeting scheduled to be held in Mangaluru on September 18.

He said all advocates of the Mangaluru Bar Association would participate in the protest under his leadership.

The proposed protest is intended to draw the government’s attention to the impact of the jammer and seek an immediate technical solution.

Call for scientific and balanced solution

The Bar Association has demanded an immediate review of the existing jammer system and implementation of a scientific and technically appropriate solution.

The association wants the authorities to ensure that mobile signals are effectively restricted within the prison premises while allowing uninterrupted connectivity in the court, educational institutions, businesses and residential areas outside the facility.

“Prison security is extremely important. At the same time, the government has a responsibility to find a balanced solution that does not affect the smooth functioning of the judiciary, public communication, educational institutions and commercial activities,” Shenava said.

He urged the government to take the issue seriously and initiate immediate action.

With the proposed Cabinet meeting bringing senior members of the State government to Mangaluru, the association hopes the long-pending issue will receive attention at the highest level. The coming days will determine whether a technical solution is found or advocates proceed with their proposed protest on September 18.