New Delhi, Feb 24 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking regulation of internet prices, granting the petitioner the liberty to seek alternative statutory remedies.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar was hearing the PIL filed by petitioner-in-person, Rajat.
At the outset, CJI Khanna emphasized that consumers have multiple options for availing of internet services, stating, “It’s a free market. You get LAN, you get wired internet, there are other internet providers. BSNL and MTNL also provide internet services.”
The petitioner contended that despite the availability of other options, a significant portion of the market is dominated by Jio and Reliance.
“They are providing services, but consider the market share, your lordship—80% of the market share is with Jio (Reliance),” the petitioner argued.
CJI Khanna, however, interrupted, suggesting that the appropriate forum for such concerns would be the Competition Commission of India (CCI). “No, please. Then go to the Competition Commission of India,” he remarked.
Subsequently, the bench dismissed the petition saying, “We are not inclined to entertain the present petition under Article 32 of the Constitution of India; the petition is dismissed. However, we clarify that if the petitioner wishes to pursue an appropriate statutory remedy, he is at liberty to do so. We make no comments in this regard.”
