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The Himachal Pradesh HC recently passed an order on a plea highlighting the problems faced by the residents of the state, particularly those of rural and backward areas, in the matters regarding Internet services.

The Court ordered BSNL to file a comprehensive affidavit as to why it still wants to pursue pushing for the equipment, which is totally obsolete and outdated and would only be rendered scrap very shortly.

The Division Bench of Justice Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice CB Barowalia observed,

“We are surprised to note that the entire world is proceeding or has rather switched over to 5G technology, why the BSNL is still trying to procure outdated equipment of 4G…No government or authority for that matter has a right to say that it would indulge in wasteful expenditure and any attempt to fritter away the State resources can definitely be checked by this Court as it is not powerless to prevent such waste and squandering of public funds, as and when questioned. The government and authorities are only trustees of public funds and, therefore, are at an obligation to ensure that the funds are spent in a proper manner and no amount is wasted and that the public money is not frittered away.”

The observation of the Bench came after when the Learned Counsel Navlesh Verma for respondents submitted that,

“BSNL has already called for tenders for supply of 4G equipment but the same could not, that BSNL has already called for tenders for supply of 4G equipment but the same could not”

The Bench directed the BSNL to file an affidavit on or before the next date and listed the matter for hearing on June 21. “In the meanwhile, the service providers are directed to ensure that all Mobile Towers that have been erected thus far are fully operational and functional and compliance report in this regard be filed by them on or before the next date of hearing.”, Observed the Court