Schools move court
The Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir has moved to Supreme Court for the restoration of 4G services as their business establishments have taken a hit due to the continued curbs.
The Association has challenged the December 11, 2020, order of the central government restricting internet speed in Jammu & Kashmir to 2G on the ground that it violated Articles 14 (right to equality) 19 (1)(a) (right to freedom of speech and expression and 21 (right to life and personal liberty of the Constitution.
The petitioner submitted that it was constrained to move the Supreme Court after more than 500 days of continuous internet restrictions which had become a routine and permanent character in Jammu and Kashmir.
This is the second petition on the issue since January 10, 2020, when the top court declared access to the internet a constitutionally guaranteed right under Article 19 (1)(a) of the Constitution.
The verdict had come on a petition filed by Kashmir Times Executive Editor Anuradha Bhasin. The top court had also held that freedom to carry on trade or profession through the internet was a fundamental right under Article 19 (1)(g) of the Constitution.
Foundation for Media Professionals had in March last year approached the Supreme Court challenging the restrictions on internet speed in Jammu and Kashmir on the ground that patients, doctors, and the general public were unable to access the latest information and advisories on COVID19.
