SC Directs Publication of Review Orders on Internet Services in JK

SC Directs Publication of Review Orders on Internet Services in JK

Asif Iqbal | February 23, 2024 | 06:47 PM IST | Courts & Law, Jammu Kashmir | Follow on Google News

SC Directs Publication of Review Orders on Internet Services in JK

SC Directs Publication of Review Orders on Internet Services in JK

The Supreme Court, on Friday, issued a directive to the Jammu and Kashmir administration, urging the publication of review orders by the special committee under the Union Home Secretary regarding the restoration of internet services in the Union Territory. The court emphasized that the review process should not be a mere formality and expressed the view that orders resulting from the review should be made public.

Review Orders Must Be Published, Asserts Supreme Court

A three-judge bench, comprising Justices B R Gavai, J B Pardiwala, and Sandeep Mehta, asserted that while the committee’s deliberations won’t be disclosed, the publication of orders is essential. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the J-K administration, acknowledged that the review order is an internal mechanism but stated there’s no impediment to its publication.

J-K Administration Faces Criticism for Non-Disclosure

Advocate Shadan Farasat, representing the petitioner Foundation for Media Professionals, criticized the J-K administration for not publishing review orders, pointing out that other states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, and Meghalaya, have adhered to the practice. Farasat argued that the failure to publish these orders contradicts the law and goes against the Supreme Court’s directive in the Anuradha Bhasin case and the Telecom Suspension Rules.

Internet Restrictions and Legal Mandates in Jammu and Kashmir

The Union government initiated tightened internet restrictions in J-K in 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370. Journalist Anuradha Bhasin approached the Supreme Court in 2020 seeking a review of the restrictions. The top court, in May 2020, had mandated the formation of a special committee to assess the necessity of internet restrictions in the region, emphasizing the need to balance national security and human rights.

The court highlighted the importance of not keeping review orders in the cupboard and urged the administration to publish them. In January 2020, the Supreme Court had affirmed the protection of freedom of speech and internet-related business under the Constitution, instructing the Jammu and Kashmir administration to promptly review the imposed restrictions in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdown.

SC Directs Publication of Review Orders on Internet Services in JK:In case of rectification of any error in article , Visit on Correction Policy & Register your Query:

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.