4.
Broadly, the argument of the Petitioners is premised on the ground
that in the existing COVID19 situation, when there is a national
lockdown, the restrictions imposed on the residents of the entire
Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir impacts their right to
health, right to education, right to business and right to freedom of
speech and expression.
5.
They submit that access to internet acquires even more importance
under the prevailing circumstances in the country, relating to the
pandemic. The Petitioners contended that the fulfillment of the
right to health is dependent on the availability of effective and
speedy internet in order to access medical services and information
on containment strategies. The denial of such critical information
not only violates the peoples’ right to receive information, but is
also a denial of their right to health. Furthermore, the Petitioners
contend that restrictions on internet speed directly impacts the
students of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise their right to
education as they are unable to access to elearning services such
as online video classes, and other online educational content. This
not only impacts their continuing education, but also
disadvantages the students of Jammu and Kashmir who are
preparing for national/competitive exams. Petitioner in W.P. (C) D.
3