Aadhar not mandatory for availing welfare schemes of Government: SC

The Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that Aadhar card is not mandatory for availing benefits of various welfare schemes of the government.
Ruling in this regard was given by three-judge Constitution bench of SC while on hearing a batch of petitions challenging the Aadhar scheme.
Supreme Court ruling

• Not mandatorily for citizens to have Aadhar card.
• The card will not be mandatory for availing facilities Public Distribution Scheme (PDS), kerosene and LPG distribution system.
• Barred the government authorities from sharing personal biometric data collected for enrollment under the scheme.
• Union Government shall give wide publicity through print and electronic media that the card is not mandatory to avail the schemes.
• Restrained Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) from sharing any personal biometric details of Aadhar cardholders with anyone. However it can be shared in case of criminal investigation monitored or mandated by a court order.

It should be noted that Constitution bench of SC will decide the larger question of whether right to privacy was a fundamental right and if collecting biometric data for preparing Aadhar cards infringed an individual’s privacy in the another ruling.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2015