The Supreme Court on Tuesday called for the publication of the review committee’s orders concerning internet shutdowns in Jammu and Kashmir, Livelaw reported. 

Hearing a petition filed by the Foundation for Media Professionals against an alleged violation of the court’s May 2020 judgment in another case related to internet curbs, the top court came down heavily on the government. “Review (committee) orders are not meant to be put in the cupboard. You publish! You have to,” said the bench of Justices BR Gavai and Sanjay Karol. 

The court adjourned the matter by two weeks.

An internet shutdown was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir as part of a communication blackout ahead of the dilution of Article 370 in August 2019. Subsequently, in May 2020, hearing a plea filed by journalist Anuradha Bhasin over the internet curbs, the top court had directed the government to form a special committee – comprising the ministry of home affairs secretary, the department of communication secretary and the UT chief secretary – to assess the necessity of internet restrictions. 

The court had also directed that the committee’s review of the internet curbs ordered under Rule 2(2) of the Telecom Suspension Rules be published. 

The top court bench observed, “The applicant has submitted that though this court in the case of Anuradha Bhasin held that even review orders must be published, the same is not being done.” 

Newslaundry earlier reported that three new laws introduced by the Modi government give it sweeping powers over journalism, internet, and entertainment. Read here.

This report was published with AI assistance.