Union government empowers J&K LG under Telecoms Act, 2023, to deal with emergencies

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, MAY 08 (STC): The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir has been vested with the powers include issuing directions for interception of communication, monitoring telecom services and temporarily suspending transmission where permitted under law, by the Central government through a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The powers have been granted under provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, which can be invoked by the LG during situations concerning public safety and emergencies in the Union Territory.
According to the notification, the President, under Article 239(1) of the Constitution, has authorised the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to perform the functions of the state government under Section 20(2) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, until further orders.
Officials said the provision enables the administration to take steps related to telecom operations during emergencies or situations affecting public order and safety.
The notification stated that the Lieutenant Governor will exercise these powers under the control of the President of India.
The move formally designates the authority responsible for exercising telecom-related emergency provisions in Jammu and Kashmir after the erstwhile state was reorganised into a Union Territory in 2019.

(Straight Talk Communications)