Access to Internet a Fundamental Right, Says SC Asks J&K Admin to Review Orders Imposing Restrictions

New Delhi: The Supreme Court today ruled that access to Internet is a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Constitution and urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to review within a week all orders imposing restrictions in the Union Territory.

A three judge bench headed by Justice N V Ramana also asked the J-K administration to restore Internet services in institutions providing essential services like hospitals and educational places.

The bench, which also comprised justices B R Gavai and R Subhash Reddy, said that freedom of press is a valuable and sacred right.

Section 144 CrPC (prohibitory orders) cannot be used indefinitely to suppress freedom of speech and expression and difference of opinion, the bench said while adding that magistrates, while passing prohibitory orders, should apply their mind and follow doctrine of proportionality.

The apex court was hearing a batch of pleas which challenged curbs imposed in Jammu and Kashmir after the Centre’s abrogation of provisions of Article 370 on August 5 last year.