New Delhi, January 10: The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Jammu and Kashmir administration to review all restrictive orders within a week. The apex court was also of the opinion that 'Freedom of Expression through Internet' is a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) of free speech and directed the administration to review it forthwith. Along with this, the SC also asked the administration to review the Section 144 imposition within seven days.

Announcing its verdict on the petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 and imposition of restrictions on Jammu and Kashmir, the SC bench -- headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) SA Bobde -- observed, "It is no doubt that freedom of speech is an essential tool in a democratic set-up. Freedom of Internet access is a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) of free speech."

Here's The ANI Tweet:

Adding more, the bench added, "Kashmir has seen a lot of violence. We will try our best to balance the human rights and freedoms with the issue of security." Following this, it ordered the Jammu and Kashmir administration to review all restrictive orders within a week.

It is to be known that the Union government abrogated Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019 and had imposed restrictions on internet. It had also imposed restrictions on other communication services like telecom and messaging services. The SMS services on postpaid mobiles were restored on the last week of December 2019. The state was also bifurcated in August into two Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 10, 2020 11:08 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).