Centre Empowers J&K LG to Exercise Telecom Emergency Powers Under New Law

The Union government has authorised the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise powers under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, in matters concerning public safety and emergency situations in the Union Territory.

The decision was announced through a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

According to the notification, the President of India, under Article 239(1) of the Constitution, has empowered the Lieutenant Governor to perform functions assigned to the state government under Section 20(2) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, until further orders.

Officials said the provision allows the administration to take measures related to telecom operations during emergencies or situations impacting public order and safety.

These powers include issuing directions for interception of communications, monitoring telecom services, and temporarily suspending telecom transmission in accordance with the law.

The notification further stated that the Lieutenant Governor will exercise these powers under the control of the President of India.

The move formally identifies the authority responsible for implementing telecom-related emergency provisions in Jammu and Kashmir following the reorganisation of the erstwhile state into a Union Territory in 2019.

Before the reorganisation, such powers were exercised by the elected state government.