ibn sultan
SRINAGAR: The Central Government has authorised Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor to exercise powers related to interception, suspension and decryption of telecom services during public emergencies and situations affecting public safety in the Union Territory.
According to an official notification issued on Thursday, the President of India directed the Lieutenant Governor to exercise the powers and functions of the state government under Section 20(2) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, within Jammu and Kashmir.
Under the provision, the administration will have the authority to intercept messages, block transmissions, order decryption and suspend telecom services in the interest of national security, public safety or during public emergencies.
The notification, published in the Gazette of India, stated that these powers would be exercised by the Lieutenant Governor under Article 239(1) of the Constitution, subject to the control of the President and until further orders.
Section 20(2) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 deals with temporary restrictions and regulatory measures concerning telecom networks and services during emergencies, national security concerns and situations affecting public order.
