HC: Law agencies to decide on lifting of mobile, Internet ban

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 23

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court today made it clear that it cannot direct lifting of the communication blockade in the Valley. It was for the law enforcing agencies to decide when to lift the ban on Internet and mobile communication, the HC said.

The observations were made today by a Division Bench of the High Court, comprising Chief Justice IN N Paul Vasanthakumar and Justice Muzaffar Hussain Attar, which is hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by MM Shuja of NGO J&K Peoples Welfare Forum. The PIL is seeking the High Court’s attention towards the shortage of essential items and medicines in curfew-bound Kashmir.

“In this issue, we cannot intervene. It is for the law enforcement agencies to decide. We won’t intervene. We cannot direct whether it (the ban) is required or not,” the Chief Justice observed.

In a separate direction, the High Court today asked the authorities of the J&K Bank to ensure functioning of all its ATMs and branches in the Valley. It asked the law enforcement agencies to treat the identity cards of bank employees as curfew passes.

After the bank raised contention that at some places people did not allow the bank officials to open the branches owing to a strike call by the separatists, the High Court said bank authorities and managers could seek protection from the police.

The High Court also directed the Advocate General to write to the regional managers and officials concerned of the State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and other banks for ensuring operation of ATMs as well as their branches in the Valley so as to enable public to withdraw money for their day-to-day expenses.