Gogoi Ready To ‘Step Into' J&K

CJI seeks report on why people can’t approach J&K HC, says he’s willing to visit Srinagar if it’s required

- Aneesha Mathur

A ROUND 40 days after the abrogation of Article 370 and communication lockdown in J&K, the Supreme Court on Monday asked is this a shutdown or a breakdown of communication?

Justice SA Bobde is the senior most judge of the apex court and a member of the CJIled three-judge bench hearing the PILs over the communication restrictions.

“It’s not about just this paper not being published. They're talking about mobile, internet landline shutdown... We want to know if it is a shutdown or a breakdown? And if it's a shutdown who has done it?" observed Bobde.

The question was asked during hearing on a plea filed by Kashmir Times editor Anuradha Bhasin, who has alleged that media persons were being restricted from reporting in the “sensitive” areas.

The plea has also raised concerns regarding the long shutdown of internet, mobile and landline services.

The Centre has denied the allegations.

Attorney General KK Venugopal told the bench that the plea was “wrong”, as several newspapers were being published from Srinagar.