New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre to make all endeavours to restore normalcy in Kashmir as soon as possible and to also keep in mind the national safety and security while doing so. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and justices S A Bobde and S A Nazeer today said as the so-called shutdown is in the valley itself, then it can be dealt by the Jammu and Kasmir High Court. Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi also said, "if requirement arises, I may visit Jammu and Kashmir".

The bench was told by the Centre that all Kashmir-based newspapers were running and the government had been offering all kinds of assistance. It also said that TV channels like Doordarshan and others private ones along with FM networks are working in the state.

Attorney General, KK Venugopal, appearing for Union of India, told the Court that landline and many other communication facilities are being provided to media professionals for their work. While opposing the submissions of lawyer Vrinda Grover (representing Kashmir Times Executive Editor Anuradha Bhasin), Venugopal said that all newspapers are getting published and many TV channels also being broadcast.

He also said that more than 5.5 lakh people have attended OPDs across J&K for their medical treatment and dismissed the claim of Kashmir Times Executive Editor Anuradha Bhasin that people are not getting medical facilities.

Watch | If need arises I will go to Kashmir: CJI



The Supreme Court has asked Union Of India and Jammu & Kashmir Government to file an affidavit in the case, and fixed the matter to September 30 for further hearing. The bench asked Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, to put details of these steps taken on an affidavit. CJI Gogoi said, "It is very very serious if people are unable to approach the high court. I will myself visit Srinagar."

Besides, the apex court has also allowed senior Congress leader and former Jammu & Kashmir CM, Ghulam Nabi Azad to visit Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag and Jammu. CJI Ranjan Gogoi says, "he will not make any speeches or hold any public rally as per his own submissions."

Watch | SC allows Ghulam Nabi Azad to visit Jammu and Kashmir