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

Ahmadi: There's a difference.

When there is no lockdown & govt restricts internet, it's an Article 19 issue.

But during a #lockdown due to a #Pandemic, if the government imposes internet the health issues also have to be balanced.... It's an Article 21 issue. 

Bench: Numbers are not in dispute. But it's a legal question of balance. There are health concerns and security concerns in #JammuAndKashmir . Govt is raising security concerns.

Ahmadi: .....the argument of Govt. that on a broadband connection you can access 4G is virtually useless in J&K. If in someone's house you have a connection... because of social distancing, someone else cannot come to the house and use the broadband connection.

Bench: The specific stand taken in the affidavit is that there are more than 1 lakh broadband connections in J&K. Total number of broadband connections in J&K account for less than 1% of the total internet connections.....

Ahmadi continues, "I'm only raising this argument because govt. counter affidavit says that you can access vert many things even on 2G."

Bench: "The Govt is saying that the people can rely on the landline broadband connection."

Ahmadi reading a report which says 2G internet takes more than 50% more time to load information than 4G.

J. Ramana: 4G is very fast compared to 2G. No one is disputing that.

Ahmadi: Govt affidavit has denied it. They say there are a lot of activities which you can do on 2G.

"If today you want to see a youtube video, consult a doctor, even if you want to access the court, the VidYo app for an SC hearing, everything requires a 4G network connection" Ahmadi

Bench to Ahmadi: We have seen the Govt affidavit. It says issues are being taken care of. Need not go through every affidavit in such minute manner over video call.

"Doctors say that practicing medicine during #pandemic needs 4G. Ahmadi now reading out a report which quotes "across the world, doctors are trying to consult with patients online to reduce contact"

"Restrictions of Internet speed in #JammuAndKashmir violates rights under Article 19 and also 21 of the Constitution because it has a bearing on the "Right to Access Healthcare through the Internet" - Ahmadi submis