PANEL TO EXAMINE CURBS ON 4G IN J&K

The Supreme Court on Monday directed setting up of a three-member committee headed by Union home secretary to examine the curbs on the 4G internet services in J&K and its fallout during lockdown while looking at the contentions advanced both by the petitioner, and respondents - the Centre and J&K.

Holding that the “fundamental rights of citizens need to be balanced with national security concerns”, a bench comprising Justice N.V. Ramana, Justice R. Subhash Reddy and Justice B.R. Gavai directed the Special Committee to examine the contentions and the material placed before the court by the petitioners, and the respondent - the Centre and the J&K.

The court asked the Committee also comprising Secretary Telecom and the Chief Secretary of J&K to examine the appropriateness of the alternatives suggested by the petitioners regarding limiting the restrictions to those areas where it is necessary and the allowing of faster internet (3G or 4G) on a trial basis over certain geographical areas.