SRINAGAR — The Supreme Court on Friday directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to seek instructions from the Centre on the possibility of resuming high speed Internet services in some parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The bench, comprising Justices NV Ramana, BR Gavai and Subhash R Reddy, was hearing a contempt petition filed by Foundation of Media Professionals, seeking immediate restoration of 4G in Jammu and Kashmir, India Legal reported.
“What is the basis of the decision that has been taken? Is there a possibility that in some areas 4G Internet services can be restored? Is there anything that can be done?” the Bench asked.
In response, Mehta said that directions for a review of the matter are being complied with. He pointed out that J&K Lieutenant Governor had since been changed.
“We need time to get instructions and file a response,” said Mr. Mehta, according to news gathering agency IANS.
The top court told Mehta there is no question of further adjournments on the matter, and said that the Attorney General must be present on the next date of hearing with the Centre’s stand on this issue.
The contempt petition was filed to bring the Court’s attention to the willful failure of government officials in complying with the directions of the Supreme Court, despite 29 days having elapsed since the judgement was delivered on May 11, 2020.
Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the petitioners, submitted that during the previous hearing, the SG had sought time to go through the rejoinder filed by the petitioners submitting that they have followed the court’s directions. However, they have not responded yet.
The Bench, however, said that it was not saying anything at the moment, since the petitioners have relied on the statement of the Governor, but now the Governor has changed.
The bench further said that it will decide whether there is contempt or not after hearing from the Centre.
The Bench thus posted the matter for next hearing on August 11 and asked the Attorney General to be present on the next day of hearing.
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