'Restrictions In J&K Need To Be Reviewed From Time To Time': SC Tells State Govt

The Supreme Court on Thursday told the Jammu and Kashmir government that they may impose restrictions in "national interest" but it has to be "reviewed from time to time."

 A bench headed by Justice N V Ramana, which was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the restrictions imposed in the state following the scrapping of its special status, was told by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that they were reviewing restrictions on a daily basis.

"The restrictions are being reviewed daily. In around 99 per cent area, no restrictions are there," Mehta, who was appearing for the state administration, told the apex court.

The bench, also comprising R Subhash Reddy and B R Gavai, asked Mehta about the restriction on the Internet in the state.

Mehta, representing the J&K government, told the Supreme Court that internet restrictions are imposed on the state as it has "cross-border implications."

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on November 5 the pleas challenging the imposition of restrictions in J&K following the abrogation of provisions of Article 370.

The petition raised the issue of physical restrictions and communication blockade in the state following the abrogation of provisions of Article 370.

The court had on October 16 asked the Jammu and Kashmir administration to place before it orders on the basis of which communication restrictions were imposed in the state. It had questioned the administration on the delay in placing orders and notifications imposing communication the restrictions.

The apex court had referred to media reports on mobile services been restored in the valley, to which counsel for one of the petitioners had said only postpaid mobiles were operational, but the SMS services was stopped by authorities.

(inputs from agencies)