Defending the Centre’s move to impose restrictions on internet and mobile services in the Kashmir valley, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that the same has been imposed to prevent the spread of fake news across the country..“The country will be flooded with fake news from across the border if internet is restored in Kashmir“, he said..Mehta’s remark came during the hearing in the case concerning the media and communication blackout in Kashmir. The petitioners argued that today was the 57th day of internet restrictions in Kashmir and that the matter involved a larger question of fundamental rights of the people..Citing the previous instance of a similar blackout imposed in the State of Jammu & Kashmir in 2016, Mehta said that when Burhan Wani was gunned down by the Army, internet services were suspended in the interest of national security..“Constantly this ’57 days’ is being cited. In 2016, when a terrorist was gunned down, internet remained shut for 3 months for the safety of the people. Where were these people then?“.Mehta further argued that these concerns over 57 days of blackout were being raised for serving vested interests..“If the internet services are restored, there will be a barrage of WhatsApp messages coming from across the border.“.Raising questions on the fundamental rights and right to liberty of the people of Kashmir, the petitioners objected to the submissions made by Mehta. This prompted Justice BR Gavai to say that the personal liberty of people needs to be balanced against the concerns of national security..The case is being heard by a three-judge Bench of Justices NV Ramana, R Subhash Reddy and BR Gavai..[Read Order].Bar & Bench is available on WhatsApp. For real-time updates on stories, Click here to subscribe to our WhatsApp.
