J&K restrictions: SC orders review of internet suspension within a week

Freedom of speech and expression includes right to the internet within Article 19 of the Constitution of India, said the apex court

The Supreme Court of India on Friday ordered immediate review of internet suspension in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, while pronouncing its verdict on a batch of pleas, including that of Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad challenging the restrictions imposed in the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) following abrogation of provisions of Article 370.

Restrictions on fundamental rights cannot be done by arbitrary exercise of power, said Justice Ramana while reading out the verdict. Freedom of speech and expression includes right to internet within Article 19 of the Constitution of India, said the apex court. SC also ordered restoration of internet services in all institutions providing essential services like hospitals, educational centres. The Bench included Justice R Subhash Reddy and Justice B R Gavai.

In August 2019, the Modi government moved to amend Article 370 of the Constitution, which provided a special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, and also proposed the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh. The Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act took place on October 31, 2019.