Jammu and Kashmir internet restrictions: Centre requests SC to not hear case on 5th Aug

The Centre on Tuesday requested the Supreme Court to not hear Jammu and Kashmir internet restrictions case on 5th Aug as last year on the same date, Article 370, which granted a special status to the Union Territory, was abrogated.

New Delhi:Attorney General KK Venugopal and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta asked the Supreme Court on Tuesday to not hear the petitions challenging internet restrictions in Jammu & Kashmir on 5th August as the date is of 'special significance'.

Last year on 5th August, Article 370, which granted a special status to the UT, was abrogated and officials of the J&K government and Home department won't be available for the hearing in the top court.

The bench led by Justice NV Ramana was hearing a matter pertaining to the restoration of 4G in the UT.

Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the petitioner, contended before the court today that the governor has made statements in the media regarding restoration of 4G services and has also said that recommendation has been sent for it. However, the centre through its affidavit had said that the situation is not suitable yet to restore 4G services there.

The affidavit filed by the centre categorically says that for now, the committee says internet should not be restored but we leave it to the Union Territory to take a decision. If the head of the IT is saying 4G should be restored they should do it, added Ahmadi.

AG and SG expressed their wish to go through the statements and reply to the long rejoinder submitted by the petitioners.

Court had initially given the next date of hearing as 5th August but changed it to 7th August later when the AG and SG requested for it.