New Delhi, Nov 23: The Supreme Court has issued notice to government on a petition alleging suspension of internet services at times in Jammu and Kashmir without compliance to the apex court’s directions.
The petition filed by Private Schools Association J&K (PSAJK) and Internet Foundation of India was heard by a bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice B V Nagarathna .
Advocate-on-Record Shadan Farasat, appearing on behalf of the Private Schools Association submitted that while 4G services have resumed in Jammu and Kashmir but the authorities continue to suspend internet services without complying with the directions in Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India, and that this affects the right to education in the particular area.
Subsequently the Court issued notice to on November 17 and directed government to file the reply within four weeks.
On 18.11.2022, the case was again listed for hearing. The counsel for the Union of India asked the Court to dismissal of the petition, contenting that scope was limited to restriction on 4G services, which have since resumed.
AOR Farasat, who appeared on behalf of the Association, submitted that the petition also questions the legality of subsequent orders which restrict internet services and that, in any case, the respondents could make their submissions by replying to the Petition, since notice has now been issued.
The Court agreed with Farasat’s submission and directed the Respondents to reply to the petition.
