Barmer/Jalore, Jan. 6 -- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Jalore district administration over a controversial decision by a local community body that imposed a ban on smartphone usage by women in 15 villages of the district. The notice has been addressed to district collector Pradeep Gawande, directing him to conduct an inquiry into the matter and submit an action taken report within two weeks. Confirming the development, Gawande said the NHRC has issued a notice seeking action in the matter. He informed that although the community representatives have withdrawn their decision, the administration will still conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a factual report to the commission within the stipulated time frame. According to the information the NHRC took suo motu cognisance after a complaint highlighted that the restriction was imposed exclusively on women, amounting to gender-based discrimination and a violation of their fundamental human rights. It observed that such directives curbing women's access to communication and technology are unconstitutional and beyond the authority of panchayats or social groups. According to the complaint, a meeting of the Chaudhary community from the Sundhamata Patti was held on December 21 in Gazipur village of Jalore. The meeting was chaired by Sujanaram Chaudhary, president of the 14 Patti committee. During the meeting, it was decided that daughters-in-law and girls from 15 villages would be barred from using camera-enabled smartphones starting January 26. The order also instructed them to use only keypad mobile phones....