The Centre on Tuesday, 28 July, told the Supreme Court that it needs to verify Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor GC Murmu’s statement favouring the restoration of 4G internet services in Kashmir.
The administration of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir had told the Centre that it has no objection to restoring 4G internet services. It added that high-speed net connectivity would not pose any problem.
“We have been making (a) representation for this… I feel that 4G will not be a problem. I am not afraid (of) how people will use this. Pakistan will do its propaganda, whether it is 2G or 4G. It will always be there… But I don’t see an issue,” Murmu had told The Indian Express a couple of days ago.
High speed internet services in J&K have been suspended since August 2019.
The bench, comprising Justices R Subhash Reddy, BR Gavai and headed by Justice NV Ramana heard the plea seeking contempt proceedings against the government.
The petitioner claimed that the a special committee was not constituted to “immediately determine the necessity of the continuation” of limiting internet speed.
His comments come after an affidavit filed by the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Supreme Court on Thursday refuted the claim that the committee had decided not to relax the restrictions on internet usage any further.
The special committee comprises the Union Home Secretary, Department of Telecommunications Secretary and the Chief Secretary of J&K.
This affidavit was a result of the plea filed by the Foundation for Media Professionals at the Supreme Court. The plea mentioned that 4G services were essential amid the coronavirus pandemic for people to connect with doctors in case of emergencies. It also said that without high-speed internet services, schools have been facing problems in holding virtual classes for their students amid the lockdown.
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