While 4G services have since been restored in the Valley after being removed post the abrogation of Article 370, and later during the COVID-19 pandemic, the petitioners had pointed out,
“The restriction on internet access in Jammu and Kashmir has developed an indefinite and permanent character – continuing for over 500 days, making it the longest internet shutdown in any democracy ever by far.”
It was further contended that the government orders were in violation of the Supreme Court ruling in Anuradha Bhasin, in which it was held that bans or restrictions on internet services can only be limited and not indefinite.
Thus, the petitioners prayed for a declaration that the orders reducing the speed of internet services were illegal, unconstitutional, void, and violative of Articles 14, 19, 21, and 21A of the Constitution.
Source: Barandbench
