The central government has authorised the Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor (L-G) to exercise powers over telecom services in the union territory. These powers cover functions such as the interception of signals, suspension of services and decryption of messages, and may be exercised during public safety events or national emergencies. A notification to this effect was issued by the central government on May 07, 2026.
Under the order, the president has directed the L-G to exercise the powers and discharge the functions of the state government under Sub-Section 20(2) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, which governs situations involving public safety and national security within the union territory.
Using these powers, the L-G may block transmissions, permit interception, order decryption of messages and suspend telecom services in the event of a public emergency or in the interest of public safety.
