Pakistan, not Covid-19, key to 4G ban in Kashmir, says Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Monday formed a high-powered committee to examine the ban imposed on 4G Internet in Jammu and Kashmir but refused to direct its removal.

It advocated “a delicate balancing” between the imperatives of national security and citizens’ fundamental rights, keeping in mind the rising militancy in the region and Pakistan’s “information warfare”.

The panel, headed by the Union home secretary, will examine the restrictions and suggest their area-wise removal, if feasible, after talking to the petitioners and representatives of the Centre and the Union Territory administration.

A January 10 judgment by the same bench, on petitions from journalist Anuradha Bhasin and others, already mandates the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir to review every week all the restrictions imposed since August 5 on communications and movement.