Supreme Court rejects plea to restore 4G internet in J&K, forms 3-member team to look into issue

New Delhi, May 11: The Supreme Court on Monday constituted a three-member committee to look into the demand for allowing 4G mobile internet in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Secretary of Union home ministry, chief secretary of J&K and secretary of the ministry of communication will make up the three-member team, as per the SC’s directions, The Hindustan Times reported.

The petitioners have argued that 4G speed was essential for healthcare, education, trade and business in the union territory during this hour of crisis due to coronavirus.

Officials in Jammu and Kashmir contend that restoration of 4G services could give rise to anti-national activities and militancy. Responding to the petition for restoration of 4G services, the Jammu and Kashmir administration, on April 30, told the top court that right to access the internet is not a fundamental right and the degree of access for exercising free speech or for carrying on any trade or business can be curtailed.

In a judgment passed on January 10, the apex court had held that access to information and the freedom of trade and commerce via the internet are fundamental rights under the Constitution of India. It had, therefore, ordered the central government and J&K administration to periodically review the orders restricting Internet services in J&K.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/supreme-court-forms-3-member-team-to-look-into-j-k-4g-mobile-internet-case/story-fVKvYaioZBMJ5f7c5ajeBM.html