Hearing On Pleas Seeking Restoration of 4G Internet In Jammu and Kashmir [Live-Updates From Supreme Court]

Solicitor General Continues, says landlines are traceable. "Cannot be misused for any anti national activities [in #JammuAndKashmir]. Mobile phones are easily used. They can be thrown away. "

Bench asks SG how long the will restrictions last?

SG: That, Review Committee decides.

SG Tushar Mehta: "There are other areas in the country [apart from #JammuAndKashmir] where there is either no internet or only 2G is available. There is no information of someone dying of #COVID19 because they didn't have #internet access!"

Justice Ramana: Mr Ahmadi is saying, restrictions are affecting Right to Health & Right to Life.

Justice Ramana: How are you taking care of the #COVIDー19 situation with reference to these restrictions in #JammuAndKashmir?

SG Tushar Mehta: Health services are working.

SG Tushar Mehta: We started with a complete lockdown, then opened movement, then landlines, then 2G internet. Decisions being made according to officials at the ground level. Orders [passes for restricting internet speed in #jammuandkashmir to 2G] are not mechanical.

Justice Ramana: Are you saying that orders [restricting internet to 2G in #JammuAndKashmir are passed after review ?

SG: The orders have been reviewed by Committee. After the abrogation of #article370, situation has completely eroded.

Justice Ramana to SG Tushar Mehta:

"You have passed orders every 7 days [for reviewing the situation in #JammuAndKashmir]. Where is the review committee order? Order must indicate that review committee has considered it."

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta now apprising the Court.

Reads the affidavit in reply filed by the Government.

Justice Ramana: "Purpose of the review committee is to see whether there is need for review and have to decide [restrictions] on basis of material present...."

"Matters of policy cannot be interfered with by the court [such as restriction of Internet in #JammuAndKashmir]. It must be left to the Government" AG KK Venugopal argues.

Justice Ramana: "So, according to you, we should not hear the issue at all?"

"Such matters cannot be made subject of evidence before the court of law or discussed in public. Sovereignty of India & State is seriously affected due to #terrorist activities. Political stability, social stability, territorial integrity are all a part of national security" AG