GUWAHATI: The Supreme Court on Monday, February 24, dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking regulation of internet prices, stating that consumers have multiple service options to choose from. In this regard, the court also advised the petitioner to seek alternative statutory remedies.
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According to a LiveLaw report, the 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, the CJI observed that internet services operate in a free market where consumers can choose from various providers, including wired internet, LAN connections, and services from public sector entities like BSNL and MTNL.
The petitioner, however, argued that despite other available options, a significant share of the market; around 80%, is controlled by Jio, Reliance. In response, the CJI interjected, suggesting that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) rather than the Supreme Court.
The bench subsequently dismissed the petition under Article 32 of the Constitution but granted the petitioner the liberty to explore appropriate statutory remedies. "We are not inclined to entertain the present petition… However, if the petitioner wishes to seek recourse through statutory means, he is at liberty to do so," the court stated.