A public interest litigation has been filed in the Supreme Court of India seeking restoration of internet and landline services across hospitals and medical establishments throughout Jammu and Kashmir that has by now faced a prolonged blackout.

The petition has been filed by the spokesperson of the National Conference, Dr. Sameer Kaul highlighting the adverse effects of the prolonged shutdown of internet services on health and medical services in the region.

The petition asserted that we live in an age where the provision of services are dependent on the availability of the internet cannot be rendered effectively. It is further submitted that since it is established that the right to health and medical care is included in fundamental right and is enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution of India and these Information and Communication Technology blackouts in hospital amounts to serious infringement of fundamental right to health and medical care.

The petition emphasised on the State’s legal responsibility to take care of an individual’s fundamental right to health and medical care, the petitioners argue that irreparable loss can be foreseen among patients needing the said resources and continuation of this lapse in communication will most likely result in catastrophic consequences with regard to deliverance of health, medical and emergency services.

It also seeks direction of the apex court to restrain the Union Home Ministry, Union Communications Ministry, Chief Secretary of J&K and Home Department of J&K from suspending any of these services for any establishment or individuals.

–India Legal Bureau