In Brief
The Supreme Court addressed restrictions on communication and movement imposed in Jammu and Kashmir from August 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370. The Court held that internet shutdown indefinitely violates proportionality principles; temporary suspensions must satisfy constitutional tests under Article 19. Orders under Section 144 CrPC restricting movement must state material facts to enable judicial review and cannot suppress legitimate expression. All government orders affecting fundamental rights must be published. The Court declared that freedom of speech and trade through internet are constitutionally protected. Restrictions must be necessary, temporary, and subject to periodic review. The petitions were disposed with directions for the State to follow proportionality principles, review existing orders, and consider restoring essential services."
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