The Supreme Court has said “some time needs to be given to restore normality” in Jammu and Kashmir and declined to issue any directives immediately to remove the restrictions there.

“It is possible they (the Centre) have some inputs. There may be apprehension of a law-and-order problem. If something happens, the Centre will be held responsible. Some time needs to be given to restore normality. We cannot take over the day-to-day administration,” the court said.

A bench of Justices Arun Mishra, M.R. Shah and Ajay Rastogi was dealing with a PIL filed by Congress leader Tehseen Poonawala, who was represented by senior advocate Maneka Guruswamy.

The petitioner wanted the curbs to be lifted immediately.

“Essential services are necessary but at the same time lives are equally important,” Justice Shah said.

The bench termed the situation “serious” but felt that “facilities” must be extended to the people to avoid inconveniencing them.

Appearing on behalf of the Centre, attorney-general K.K. Venugopal said the clampdown was intended at avoiding a repeat of the protests and killings of 2016 after the death of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani.

Venugopal said the Centre hoped to restore normality within a few days this time.