NEW DELHI: Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that access to 4G internet is not a fundamental right and that such high-speed internet services could not be provided in Jammu and Kashmir because of its misuse by terrorist groups backed by Pakistan to spread rumour and panic, even during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Responding to a bunch of PILs seeking 4G internet to facilitate treatment of patients by doctors and to help virtual classes by private schools, the Centre said, "right to access the internet is not a fundamental right and thus the type and breadth of access for exercising the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) and/or to carry on any trade or business under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution through the medium of internet can be curtailed."
It however said that the government has taken adequate measures to protect the academic concerns of students and parents. It said the DD Channels in J&K are telecasting tele-classes daily and that private radio channel, Radio-Mirchi, is conducting audio classes for two hours daily.
The Centre said while the world is fighting a war against an unprecedented pandemic which everyone hopes will be over sooner than later. But, unfortunately J&K is also on a continuous war with terrorists, aided, abetted and encouraged from across the border. "It is to be noted that post August 2019 constitutional developments, Pakistan handlers, either directly or indirectly, have increased activity on social media intending to and aiming at disturbance of peace in the region, inciting violence and abetting terror activities," it said.
Keeping in mind the sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the State, public order and attempts to incite offence through spread of rumour, the J&K administration has taken a decision nap provide 2G internet services, which is good enough for carrying out trade and download study material.
"Current discourses of social media campaigns infer that Pak handles are aiming to incite violence amongst College and University students. Increase in internet speed is verily apprehended to lead to swift uploading and posting of provocative videos and otherRead More – Source
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