If 4G internet can be restored partially in Jammu and Kashmir, SC asks Centre

The apex court has directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to ask the Centre whether 4G internet service can be partially restored in parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The Supreme Court was hearing a petition challenging 4G restriction in the Union Territory which has obstructed education, business and other services across the valley.

New Delhi:The Supreme Court on Friday asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to enquire with the central government on whether 4G internet can be restored in any part of Jammu and Kashmir.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Foundation for media professionals challenging 4G restriction in the Union Territory which has obstructed education, business etc in view of the lockdown, wherein everything is dependent on the internet.

The petitioner had also filed a contempt petition against the government for not setting up a review committee as per the top court's directions to assess the ground situation and decide upon restoring 4G in the UT.

SG Mehta opposed it and said that the orders have been complied with and review committee has been assessing the situation. In the last hearing, the petitioner had also cited LG's speech which indicated restoration of 4G but nothing happened.

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Today, the SG informed the apex court that the former LG had given a press interview but now that the LG has been changed he will have to take instructions and then file a response based on that.

The petitioner expressing discontent over this was asked by the court to wait for two more days.

Judges said that he relied upon the statement of the governor and hence they won't oppose him but as the governor has been changed he should wait for two more days.

The court further informed SG Mehta that the matter would not be adjourned for more hearings and asked for the Attorney General to be present in the next hearing and appraise the court of the Centre's stand in this regard.

The matter is scheduled to be heard on 11 August 2020.

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