Supreme Court refuses to order restoration of 4G internet services in Jammu and Kashmir

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to order restoration of 4G mobile internet services in Jammu and Kashmir and ordered the setting up of a high-powered committee to decide on this after accounting for the situation on the ground.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to restore 4G internet connectivity in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. A three-judge Bench, headed by Justice NV Ramana, said the court had to ensure national security and human rights were balanced.

The SC bench headed by justices NV Ramana, Subhash Reddy and BR Gavai directed the Centre to constitute a "special committee" to examine whether 4G internet can be restored in the Union Territory.   

"This court has to ensure that national security and human rights are balanced. We do recognise that the Union Territory has plunged into a crisis. At the same time, the court is cognizant of the concerns related to the ongoing pandemic and hardships," said Justice NV Ramana, while hearing the case at the Supreme Court on this day (quoted DNA).

Among the petitions were that of Freedom for Media Professionals (FMP) and Private Schools Associations Jammu and Kashmir, which had challenged the present 2G internet connectivity and claimed that it was not sufficient for the Valley.

During the May 4 hearing, AG Venugopal had told the apex court that the orders that have been passed had specifically stated that restrictions of internet speed are required for national security