PIL seeking restoration of 4G internet in J&K filed in SC

'Foundation for Media Professionals' has approached the Supreme Court seeking direction to the Centre to restore 4G speed mobile internet data services in Jammu and Kashmir amid the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic.

Delhi: A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court by Foundation for Media professionals seeking directions to be given to the Centre to restore 4G speed mobile internet data services in Jammu and Kashmir given the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic.

The petitioner has contended that doctors, patients and the general public were unable to access the latest information, guidelines, advisories, daily updates and restrictions on COVID-19.

"The advent of the COVID-19 global pandemic has fundamentally altered the existing situation. At present, the following facts exist: first, COVID-19 exists in India, and is highly infectious and communicable disease. Research into its origins and the best ways of tackling this disease this ongoing, and there is continuing flow of new information about how best to contain the fallout of the virus, and limit its spread and impact," read the petition.

The petition filed by advocate Shadan Farasat further stated, “The restriction in doctors, patients and the general public were unable to access the latest information, guidelines, advisories, daily updates and restrictions on COVID-19 pandemic.”

It also pointed out that blocking of information is completely “unreasonable, illegal and unconstitutional” at a time when the number of cases in J&K have already reached 33 with two deaths.

The plea further said that the right to internet connectivity has been repeatedly recognised as a necessity by the government.