New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS): Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended the government's decision to impose restrictions on internet and mobile services in Jammu and Kashmir and told the Supreme Court that it was done to control flooding of fake news on social media across the country.

Representing Jammu and Kashmir, Mehta told a three-judge bench headed by Justice N.V. Ramana that there would be numerous fake messages on social media platforms which would have worsened the situation if the internet services are restored.

"The country will be flooded with fake news from across the border if internet is restored in Kashmir," he said.

He also told the court that in the interest of the nation and safety of the people, internet was suspended in Jammu and Kashmir in 2016 after the Army gunned down terrorist Burhan Wani.

He raised questions on the conduct of petitioners and said that concerns over 57 days of blackout were being raised for serving vested interests.

Mehta also told the court that mobile services were introduced in Jammu and Kashmir in 2003, eight years after it started in the rest of the country.

The court was hearing petitions seeking relaxation of movement and communication in Jammu and Kashmir.