Telecom Powers – Jammu and Kashmir LG Granted Expanded Authority During Emergencies
Telecom Powers – The Central Government has officially empowered the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise key powers related to telecom operations in the Union Territory during situations involving public safety or national security.
The decision was formalised through a government notification issued on Thursday, granting the Lieutenant Governor authority under provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The move allows the administration to take measures such as intercepting communications, suspending telecom networks, and directing the decryption of messages whenever emergency conditions arise.
Notification Issued Under Constitutional Provisions
According to the notification published in the official gazette, the President of India authorised the Lieutenant Governor to perform functions that would otherwise fall under the powers of a state government under Section 20(2) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
The order stated that these powers would remain in force until further instructions are issued and that the Lieutenant Governor would exercise them under the supervision of the President in accordance with Article 239 of the Constitution.
The provision specifically relates to circumstances connected with national security concerns, public emergencies, and issues linked to maintaining public safety in the Union Territory.
Powers Include Interception and Service Suspension
Under the newly delegated authority, the Lieutenant Governor can direct telecom operators to halt communication services, intercept signals, or facilitate the decryption of messages when required by security agencies.
Officials say such powers are generally invoked during extraordinary situations where communication monitoring becomes necessary for maintaining law and order or preventing threats to security operations.
The Telecommunications Act, 2023, provides legal backing for these measures during emergencies, especially in regions facing sensitive security challenges.
Telecom Restrictions During Security Operations
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have previously imposed temporary telecom restrictions during anti-terror and counterinsurgency operations in several districts of the Union Territory.
Security agencies often suspend internet or mobile services in operational zones to restrict communication between militants and their associates. Officials believe such steps help prevent the sharing of tactical information related to troop movement or security deployment during active operations.
In many instances, communication shutdowns have been used to stop individuals trapped inside operational areas from contacting outside networks for logistical or strategic support.
Role of Telecom Monitoring in Intelligence Gathering
Security experts note that telecom surveillance and interception are also important tools for intelligence collection in terrorism-related investigations.
By monitoring suspicious communications, agencies can identify movement patterns, trace locations, and gather inputs that may assist security personnel during ongoing operations.
The Centre’s latest notification is expected to streamline decision-making related to telecom control measures in Jammu and Kashmir by placing these emergency powers directly under the authority of the Lieutenant Governor.
The development comes as the Union Territory continues to witness heightened focus on internal security management and technological monitoring mechanisms aimed at maintaining stability in sensitive regions.