The Supreme Court on Friday, January 10, directed the Jammu and Kashmir government to review all restrictive orders related to the suspension of the internet in the region within a week.
"Internet suspension without any particular duration and indefinitely is a violation of Telecom Rules," the court said.
A three-judge SC bench, comprising Justices N V Ramana, R Subhash Reddy and B R Gavai, had on November 27 reserved judgment on a bunch of petitions challenging the constitutionality of Kashmir following the abrogation the special status granted to the erstwhile state of J&K through Article 370.
The Supreme Court in its verdict observed that the use of internet enjoys constitutional protection as tool, which is under the ambit of freedom of speech and expression and also enables people to carry on with their respective profession.
On Section 144 of the CrPC, the apex court said it cannot be used to curb liberty, and this section can be used only where there is a likelihood of incitement of violence and danger to public safety.
(With IANS inputs)
