Supreme Court tells Jammu and Kashmir govt to review internet ban within a week; full text of judgment
FirstpostIn a significant ruling, the Supreme Court on Friday said that access to Internet is a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Constitution and asked the Jammu and Kashmir administration to review within a week all orders imposing curbs in the Union Territory In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court on Friday said that access to Internet is a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Constitution and asked the Jammu and Kashmir administration to review within a week all orders imposing curbs in the Union Territory. A five-judge bench headed by Justice NV Ramana also asked the J-K administration to restore Internet services in institutions providing essential services like hospitals and educational places. The three-judge bench which also comprised justices BR Gavai and R Subhash Reddy said Section 144 CrPC cannot be used indefinitely to suppress freedom of speech and expression and difference of opinion. The bench said access to Internet is a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Constitution, subject to some restrictions and said freedom of press is a valuable and sacred right.