SC tells panel to decide on J&K 4G restoration

NEWDELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday tasked a high-level committee of civil servants with deciding on the restoration of 4G mobile internet in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), responding to a petition that argued the absence of highspeed connectivity had hindered access to latest information and advisories on Covid-19 pandemic.

The committee, which will comprise the secretary of the ministry of home affairs, secretary of the ministry of communications and the chief secretary of J&K, was directed to examine the arguments made by the petitioner, Foundation for Media Professionals, which had cited the detrimental effect of restrictions on mobile internet during the pandemic.

“The Special Committee is directed to examine the contentions of, and the material placed by the petitioners as well as the respondents. The aforesaid Committee must also 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,” the bench headed by justice NV Ramana said.