Alternative Statutory Remedies
SC rejects PIL for regulation of internet prices, says it's a free market
This story was originally published at 18:35 IST on 24 February 2025
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NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a public interest litigation seeking regulation of internet prices in the country and asked the petitioner to seek alternative statutory remedies. "We are not inclined to entertain the present petition under Article 32 of the Constitution of India, the petition is dismissed. We, however, clarify that in case the petitioner wants to take any recourse to appropriate statutory remedy he is at liberty to do so , we make no comments in this regard," the court said.
The bench led by the Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna said consumers have multiple options for availing of internet services. There is the local area network, wired internet, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. are also giving internet, the chief justice said.
The petitioner, who was arguing in person, said that while there were other options, the majority of the market was presently with Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. On this, the apex court said if the petitioner is alleging cartelisation, he should move to the Competition Commission of India. The petitioner had made the Department of Telecommunication, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel Ltd. the respondents in the petition.
On Monday, the shares of Bharti Airtel Ltd. ended 2.3% lower at INR 1,601.30 on the National Stock Exchange. Shares of Reliance Industries ended 1.1% lower at INR 1214.55. End
Reported by Surya Tripathi
Edited by Saji George Titus
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