Srinagar, Aug 7: Answer whether any area is open for restoration of 4G, asked the Supreme Court to the Centre on Friday, while adjourning the contempt petition filed by Foundation for Media Professionals (FMP) over the non-constitution of Special Committee to review the ban on 4G speed internet in J&K.
A Bench of Justices NV Ramana, R. Subash Reddy and BR Gavai heard the matter and asked Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of of Jammu and Kashmir, whether it was possible to restore 4G internet services in some areas.
The SG, however, sought for an adjournment as a new LG had been appointed yesterday in Jammu and Kashmir, with GC Murmu resigning and taking over as the CAG.
The Bench, while noting that they could not speak for the ground situation there, asked the SG whether 4G services could be restored in certain areas. To this, the SG responded that the new LG had taken over and some developments had ensued which were required to be ascertained.
At this juncture, Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing on behalf of the Petitioner, submitted, “SG appears for UT of J&K, and AG for the Centre. On the last date of hearing, SG had said that he does not even want to file a Reply. AG said that he does not want to file a Reply. Now today, the submission for replying has come from the Union.”
Justice Ramana noted this and stated, “I understand you have waited for a while; wait for another two days.” Justice Reddy informed the Counsels that the question here was solely about contempt. As the SG was appearing for the Centre, he sought for adjournment till Tuesday as it was a minor issue. Justice Ramana allowed the same, but he informed the SG that he should not go strictly by contempt and should prepare an answer about whether any area was open for the restoration of 4G internet services. Accordingly, the matter has been adjourned to August 11. The Bench has made it clear that no further adjournment shall be granted on that date. (Agencies)
