SC asks J&K to review orders imposing curbs within a week, says access to Internet fundamental right

The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Jammu and Kashmir administration to review within a week all orders imposing curbs in the Union Territory while holding that access to Internet is a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Constitution.

A five-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 verdict came on 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.

"Suspending internet should be reviewed forthwith. Such suspension can only be for a limited time period and is subject to judicial review," said Supreme Court on petitions challenging the restrictions imposed in Jammu and Kashmir following the scrapping of provisions of Article 370.

"Suspension of free movement, Internet and basic freedoms cannot be an arbitrary exercise of power," said the court.