4G ban to be lifted in Jammu and Kashmir after August 15 on trial basis: Centre to SC

The Centre has told the Supreme Court that 4G internet services can be allowed on a trial basis in one district each of Jammu and Kashmir divisions after August 15.

Attorney General K K Venugopal submitted before a bench, presided over by Justice N V Ramana, that the central committee would review the outcome of trial after a two-month period. The impact would also be examined by the state level committees periodically, at least once in seven working days.

He, however, clarified that any opening on the trial basis should not be in any area adjoining the International Border or Line of Control.

"The area should have low intensity of terrorist activities and minimum spillover effect on neighbouring areas," he said.

Taking his submission into consideration, the bench closed a contempt petition against the top officials of the Union government and the Jammu and Kashmir administration.

Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the NGO 'Foundation for Media Professionals' submitted that the decision is a step forward. He, however, insisted on making public the decision of the review committee.

The court asked the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir administration to file its reply within two weeks, including that on a plea to review the decision every five days.

An affidavit filed by the Union government in the contempt petition pointed out that the special committee, which held its meeting on August 10, concluded that given the current security scenario, both in Jammu and Kashmir and in neighbouring areas, "the overall situation is still not conducive to lifting the limited restrictions on high speed internet through mobile devices while allowing broadband and 2G across the board".

However, the Special Committee was of the view that the present situation would permit a "carefully calibrated easing of some restrictions in limited and specified geographical areas which are comparatively less sensitive from national, internal, and border security and public order standpoint, subject to strict monitoring and periodical review".

The government also maintained that internet speed-related restrictions were not posing any hindrance to Covid control measures, access to education programmes and business activities.

"There is adequate access to internet through broadband services available over landline to business and health care institutions," it said.