The Supreme Court asked the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Thursday to respond to a plea seeking directions to them to restore 4G internet in the Union Territory in view of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.
A bench of Justices N V Ramana, R Subhash Reddy and B R Gavai issued notices to them and sought their reply within a week on the plea filed by 'Foundation for Media Professionals' which has assailed an order of the J&K administration on March 26 that restricted to the internet speed to 2G only in the UT.
Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the petitioner, contended that in view of the ongoing lockdown it is very necessary to enhance the technology and connectivity in the Union Territory.
He said that the virtual classes of students, whose schools are shut due to the lockdown, can only be done through enhancement of technology and better connectivity.
The bench said it is issuing notice which may be served through e-mail on standing counsel of the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Centre.
The plea filed through advocate Shadan Farasat, while seeking restoration of 4G internet services, alleged that the action of the Government was violative of Articles 14 (right to equality), 19 (freedom of speech) and 21 (right to life) of the Constitution.