New Delhi, May 8:
The Central Government has empowered the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise key powers related to telecom services in the Union Territory during situations concerning public safety or national security.
According to an official notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and published in the Gazette of India on Thursday, the President has authorised the J&K Lieutenant Governor to discharge the functions of the state government under Section 20(2) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
The provision enables the administration to take measures such as interception of communication signals, suspension of telecom services, blocking of message transmission and directing decryption of messages during public emergencies or in the interest of public safety.
The notification states that the powers have been delegated under Article 239 of the Constitution and will remain in force until further orders, subject to the control of the President.
Officials said the move is aimed at ensuring swift administrative response in situations involving national security, law and order, or emergency conditions within the Union Territory.(KNC)