New Delhi: The Supreme Court bench comprising of Justice NV Ramana, Justice R Subhash Reddy and Justice BR Gavai issued notice to the Jammu & Kashmir government on a PIL seeking restoration of 4G internet speed in the newly formed union territory.
Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi argued that "in view of the lockdown, it is extremely necessary to enhance technology and connectivity in J&K". Supporting his argument further, he said that the virtual classes of students can only be done through enhancement of technology.
Nobody appeared from the government side today and the bench issued notice and sought the reply of the government within one week.
The petitioner, Foundation for Media professionals, had cited in their petition that the internet speed is restricted to 2G in the state which is outdated and not useful currently when corona crisis is ongoing and flow of information is important for the citizens.
"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 fall out of the virus, and limit its spread and impact," read the petition.
The plea said that at this time when the number of cases in J&K has already reached 33 with 2 deaths, blocking information is completely unreasonable, illegal and unconstitutional. Further reading the plea said that right to the internet connectivity has been repeatedly recognised as a necessity by the government.
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