Challenging an order passed by the Supreme Court on March 26 with regards to the restriction of internet speed to 2G in Jammu and Kashmir, Advocate Shadan Farsat had filed a petition contending that the order was in express violation of Article 14, 19, 21 and 21A of the Constitution of India.
The petition stated that right to internet is itself an essential service recognized by the Government of India and hence speedy internet becomes absolutely necessary in the fight against COVID 19. It was further stated that the plea for increasing the internet speed does not necessitate the creation of new infrastructure.
The petition also stated the unreasonableness of not providing appropriate internet speed after the bifurcation of state in two Union territories and the gradual disruption of internet in the state.
Considering the submissions, A Notice was issued by a Supreme Court bench of 3 judges comprising of NV Ramana, R Subhash Reddy and BR Gavai effectively restoring 4G speed from the previous 2G speed in the region. The main objective, as stated by Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi (appearing on the behalf of petitioner) was to enhance connectivity and communication, considered imperative to handle the COVID-19 crisis at hand.
