The Supreme Court had said in its May 11 order that indefinite suspension of the internet is not permissible and that these curbs will have to follow principles of proportionality.
The Supreme Court has sought response from the Centre on a petition filed by a group of media persons. The petition accuses Centre of contempt for not conducting periodic review of its orders suspending telecom services in Jammu and Kashmir.
The apex court has given the Centre a week’s time to file its response.
Appearing for the Centre, Attorney General KK Venugopal denied there was any contempt. He told a three-judge bench, headed by Justice NV Ramana, that the special committee headed by Secretary, ministry of home affairs, is already in place as per the Supreme Court’s May 11 order.
Venugopal pointed out that since then, the committee met on two more dates and asked the Jammu and Kashmir administration to find out if relaxation is possible in restrictions in telecom services.
He also agreed to file a response within one week.
The Supreme Court had said in its May 11 order that indefinite suspension of internet is not permissible and that these curbs will have to follow principles of proportionality.
The Attorney General said that the situation is startling in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of increasing terrorist attacks. He agreed to place the minutes before the top court in a sealed cover.
The contempt plea was filed by Foundation for Media Professionals (FMP) which had filed an earlier petition questioning the suspension of telecom services that severely impeded normal life of people in the state.
The FMP had argued that communication shutdown makes it impossible for journalists to perform their duties.
