Advocate-on-Record Shadan Farasat appeared on behalf of the Private Schools Association (‘Association’) and was assisted by advocates from IFF i.e. Gautam Bhatia, Vrinda Bhandari, Abhinav Sekhri, Tanmay Singh and Krishnesh Bapat. When the matter was taken up for hearing, Mr. Farasat informed the Court that while 4G services have resumed in Jammu and Kashmir, the Respondents continue to suspend internet services without complying with the directions in Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India, and that this affects the right to education in the area.
After hearing Mr. Farasat’s submissions, the Court issued notice to the Respondents. A copy of the order dated 17.10.2022 is attached. In compliance with the order, the learned Counsels for PSAJK anf IFF provided a copy of the Petition to each of the Respondents.
On 18.11.2022, the case was again listed for hearing. The counsel for the Union of India asked the Court to dismiss the Petition since its scope is limited to restriction on 4G services, which have since resumed.
Mr. Farasat, who appeared on behalf of the Association, submitted that the Petition also questions the legality of subsequent orders which restrict internet services and that, in any case, the Respondents could make their submissions by replying to the Petition, since notice has now been issued.
The Court agreed with Mr. Farasat’s submission and directed the Respondents to reply to the Petition.
