Kashmir Cyber Police takes cognizance of Fake News reports on Supreme Court hearing for restoring 4G speed in J&K

On the day when the Supreme Court was informed about how 2G internet speed in Jammu and Kashmir during COVID-19 pandemic was curtailing freedom of speech and expression, J&K police has taken cognizance of certain fake news reports on the Supreme Court proceedings.The fake news reports claim that the Supreme Court had given Jammu & Kashmir government 24 hours period to review its internet speed restriction order..Tahir Ashraf, Superintendent of Police, Incharge Cyber Police Kashmir confirmed the development to Bar & Bench.."There was a fake order being circulated purporting to be a proceeding of Supreme Court wherein it was stated that 24 hours time was given to the J&K Government to review data services. The original notice is different. So on reviewing this information, we registered an FIR."Tahir Ashraf.The cyber police station has maintained that "it received information through reliable sources that some miscreants with criminal intention had fabricated and circulated a document purporting it to be a record of proceedings of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India dated April 9, 2020 in the case titled Foundation of Media Professionals vs. Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and anr, in which it has been falsely reflected that J&K Union Territory administration has been ordered to take a quick review within 24 hours and restore full internet communication in the region"..The cyber police has said that the document "is fake and forged from its appearance and as otherwise ascertained. This fraudulent and dishonest action has been undertaken by unknown miscreants in order to mislead public in general and public authorities in particular"..The Supreme Court had today issued notice to the Jammu & Kashmir government in a plea seeking restoration of 4G speed for mobile internet services in the valley, amidst the Coronavirus outbreak.Notice was issued by a Bench of Justices NV Ramana, R Subhash Reddy and BR Gavai.Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi along with Advocates Shadan Farasat and Apar Gupta, appearing for the petitioner, argued that in view of the lockdown, there is a need to enhance technology and connectivity.Ahmadi further said that virtual classes can be conducted for students only if the same is secured..Supreme Court issues notice in plea to restore 4G speed for mobile data services in Jammu & Kashmir.The petitioner organization, Foundation for Media Professionals, had prayed for the restoration of 4G internet speed for mobile internet services in light of the Coronavirus outbreak.The authorities had earlier passed an order on March 26 restricting the internet speed in the Union Territory to 2G. The petition challenges this order as being violative of Articles 14, 19, 21, and 21A of the Constitution of India.This government order was passed as a way of restoring internet facilities in Jammu & Kashmir after the decision to abrogate Article 370..The Kashmir cyber police has now registered a case FIR No. 06/2020 under relevant sections of law.The police has also advised on maintaining caution."General Public is advised not to circulate unauthentic, fabricated or fake information through social media platforms. Any person found indulging in such activities will be dealt strictly under Law," said the police.