New Delhi: The Centre and Jammu and Kashmir administration told the Supreme Court on Thursday that a special committee has been set up as per the court’s directive on the issue of restoration of 4G internet services in Jammu and Kashmir.
A bench of Justices NV Ramana, R Subhash Reddy & BR Gavai refused to issue notice in the petition filed by Foundation for Media Professionals alleging contempt for the inaction of Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and Chief Secretary, U.T. of Jammu & Kashmir.
When the matter was called out, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta sought for an adjournment stating that a Committee had already been formed.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the J-K administration, also told the bench that the special committee has already been set up.
Ahmadi told the apex court that absence of 4G internet speed has affected the people there, including in online classes for students, medical facilities, e-commerce and online shopping.
Justice Ramana enquired as to why the decision taken by Special Committee was not in “public domain”.
Ahmadi: “Contempt is clear because they did not publish orders. They did not put it in public domain. Top Court passed order in Anuradha Bhasin in January.”
The Attorney General heavily refuted the claims of contempt as argued by Ahmadi and stated that he was ready to argue the case but would not do so on contempt simply because there wasn’t any. He added that he had not been supplied with a copy of the petition either.
High speed internet in JK has been suspended since August last year when the Centre had announced revocation of its special status and bifurcation of the state into two UTs .
The apex court was hearing a plea seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against the Union Home Secretary and Chief Secretary of J-K for their alleged “wilful disobedience” in complying with the court’s May 11 order.
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