Supreme Court reserves order on restoring 4G internet service in J&K

It was hearing a bunch of petitions seeking a direction to the Central government for restoration of 4G connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the 2G connectivity which was being provided in the valley is not sufficient to conduct classroom studies during this Covid lockdown.

While the Centre opposed restoration of 4G services, citing the security concerns, the petitioners pointed out difficulties faced by by doctors, students, other professionals in its absence.

The petitioners, during the later part of the hearing, requested the Apex Court to pass orders to the Centre to restore the services on a trial basis and block inflammatory social media handles. ''But 4G is a necessity,'' they said.

Solicitor General SG Mehta submitted to the Court that landlines are traceable. Thus, broadband cannot be misused for any anti national activities. Mobile phones are easily misused and can be thrown away.

The Apex Court asked for how long will these restrictions last? At this, the SG said it will be decided by the review committee.

Senior advocate, Huzefa Ahmadi, lawyer for one of the petitioners, told the Top Court that the Anuradha Bhasin judgment is not being followed. The verdict had said that there must be periodic review and orders must be reviewed within 1 week. There are no orders of the review committee which have been placed on record.
Advocate Ahmadi elaborated on how slow internet is an impediment for students and sought direction for restoration of 4G connectivity in the valley.
He further said that it's a matter of elementary knowledge that 2G can't be used for video.

After a detailed hearing from the petitioners, and the respondent, an Apex Court, bench, headed by Justice NV Ramana, said it will pass orders soon.