In 2020, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) issued several orders slowing down internet speed to 2G from 4G. Subsequently, the Union Territory has frequently been suspending the internet, without complying with directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India, (2020) 3 SCC 637. With legal assistance from IFF, the Private School Association of J&K (Association), an association of over 3800 schools, approached the Supreme Court challenging these orders, highlighting how the frequent suspension of internet services affects the right to education of students. Advocate on Record, Mr. Shadan Farasat appeared on behalf of the Association. On October 17th, 2022, a bench led by Justice Gavai of the Supreme Court heard Mr. Farasat, and directed the Home Department of J&K to provide their response within 4 weeks.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://internetfreedom.in/supreme-court-decides-to-hear-a-challenge-against-internet-shutdown-orders-in-j-k-in-a-petition-by-the-private-school-association-of-j-k/