SC tells govt. to review orders curbing basic rights in J&K

It asks for publication of all orders on restrictions and review of Net suspension.

- Krishnadas Rajagopal

The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the government to review “forthwith” any existing orders that restrict basic rights and free movement in Jammu and Kashmir.

The court upheld the freedoms of free speech, expression and trade or business on the Internet as fundamental rights to be constitutionally protected. It, however, refused to express any views on whether the very access to the Internet is a fundamental right or not.

The top court directed the government to review orders suspending Internet services in the erstwhile State instantly. Any order suspending the Internet found to violate the law should be revoked at once, it ordered.

It further instructed the government to consider restoring government websites, localised/limited e-banking facilities, hospital services and other essential services in areas in the Union Territory, where it was otherwise not thinking to do so immediately.