In Brief
The Supreme Court examined petitions challenging 4G internet restrictions imposed across Jammu and Kashmir under the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules, 2017, on national security grounds. While acknowledging the need to balance fundamental rights with legitimate national security concerns and the region's militancy problems, the Court found that State-level review alone was insufficient. It disposed of the petitions and directed formation of a Special Committee comprising national and State-level Secretaries to reassess the necessity and proportionality of continuing the blanket restrictions, emphasizing that constitutional principles require reasonable adjustment between security needs and human rights.
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