New Delhi: The Supreme Court bench of Justices NV Ramana, Subhash Reddy and BR Gavai today asked Attorney General KK Venugopal to explain why 4G internet has not been restored in the valley, despite a court order. The AG asked for time to reply and the court set August 7 as the next date of hearing.
The bench was hearing a contempt petition by the Foundation of Media Professionals, seeking immediate restoration of 4G in the Union Territory of J&K.
The contempt petition has been filed to bring the court’s attention to the wilful 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 said: “There’s a media statement by the Governor of J&K regarding restoration of 4G internet. He has also said that recommendation has been sent to restore internet.”
Ahmadi said that the counter affidavit filed by the Centre categorically says that for now the committee says internet should not be restored, ‘but we leave it to the Union territory to take a decision.’ If the head of the IT is saying 4G should be restored they should do it.”
The bench then asked the AG to respond. The AG asked for time to file a detailed response.
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Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the UT, said that he has received the rejoinder affidavit and will file reply to it.
-India Legal Bureau