SC Order on Jammu & Kashmir a ‘Big Jolt’ to Modi Govt: Congress

The SC verdict came in response to a batch of pleas challenging curbs imposed in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Supreme Court on Friday asked the J&K administration to review within a week all orders imposing curbs in the Union Territory.

(Photo: The Quint)

The Congress on Friday, 10 January, said the Supreme Court has given a big jolt to the Modi government's "illegal activities" by ruling that access to the internet is a fundamental right and that dissent cannot be oppressed by the imposition of prohibitory orders.

"SC delivers a first big jolt of 2020 to illegal activities of Modi Govt by stating the importance of the internet as a fundamental right. Double shock for Modi-Shah that dissent cannot be oppressed by imposing section 144. Modiji reminded that nation bows before Constitution and not him!" Surjewala said in a tweet.

The Congress' reaction came soon after the Supreme Court asked the Jammu and Kashmir administration to restore internet services within a week at essential institutions and noted that access to the internet is a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Constitution.

“SC recorded displeasure at Modi Govt’s refusal to show its orders and reminded them that internet ban is an extraordinary measure.”

"Modi-Shah now have a week to review internet restrictions and place the reasons before the public. No more 'sealed envelopes' to hide the truth in," Surjewala said in another tweet.

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday hailed the Supreme Court order on Jammu and Kashmir, saying the government had tried to mislead the people and this time the apex court did not come under any pressure.

“We welcome this judgement. This is the first time the SC has talked about how people of J&K feel. I would like to thank the SC for a very historic decision and the people from across the country were waiting for it, specially the people of J&K.”

Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress leader

A Rebuff to 'Unconstitutional, Arrogant' Stance of Govt: Chidambaram

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Friday, said the Supreme Court order on Jammu and Kashmir is a rebuff to the "unconstitutional and arrogant" stance of the central government and the J&K administration on restrictions imposed there, and asked former state Governor Satpal Malik to own responsibility and resign as Goa Governor.

He demanded that the entire team in J&K that designed and executed "the plan" be changed and a new set of administrators who respect the Constitution be appointed.

"The former Governor of J&K, Mr Satpal Malik, should own responsibility and resign from his present post of Governor, Goa," Chidambaram said in a tweet.