The Supreme Court today upheld the constitutional validity of the Aadhaar scheme but imposed some restrictions on its use. The Supreme Court held that while Aadhaar would remain mandatory for filing of income tax returns (ITR) and allotment of Permanent Account Number (PAN), it would not be mandatory to link Aadhaar to bank accounts and telecom service providers cannot seek its linking of Aadhaar for mobile connections.The top court also held that Aadhaar would not be mandatory for school admissions. It would also not be mandatory examinations conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Examination (CBSE), National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical entrance and the University Grants Commission (UGC), the court ruled.
The top court’s five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said Aadhaar is meant to help benefits reach the marginalised sections of the society and takes into account the dignity of people not only from personal but also from community point of view.
The top court said Aadhaar is serving much bigger public interest and Aadhaar means unique and it is better to be unique than being best.
Here are some highlights from Supreme Court ‘s verdict on Aadhaar:
Supreme Court strikes down the Section 57 of Aadhaar Act; as a result, private companies cannot ask for Aadhaar card
Aadhaar mandatory for filing of income tax returns (ITR) and allotment of Permanent Account Number (PAN)
Aadhaar not mandatory for opening of bank account
No mobile company can demand “Aadhaar card”
Aadhaar need not be made compulsory for school admissions
CBSE, NEET, UGC cannot make Aadhaar mandatory
Telecom service providers can’t seek linking of Aadhaar
Not mandatory to link Aadhaar to bank accounts
