New Delhi: In a major setback to the Centre and certain governmental institutions, the Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to grant any immediate relief on a batch of applications seeking to extend the use of the Aadhaar card for availing of all social security benefits on a voluntary basis.
A three-judge bench of Justices J. Chelameswar, S.A. Bobde and C. Nagappan, that reserved orders on Tuesday, declined to pass orders on Wednesday on applications seeking modification/clarification of the interim order restraining the authorities from insisting on Aadhaar for benefits from the government.
In a brief order, the bench said since the main matter had already been referred to a Constitution Bench on August 11 for adjudication on whether details gathered for Aadhaar will infringe on the right to privacy, it would be appropriate if these applications were also posted before the same bench.
The bench requested Chief Justice H.L. Dattu to post these before the Constitution Bench that will decide on extending use of the Aadhaar for all services.
According to the Centre, about 92 crore people had been issued Aadhaar cards and by this method, lakhs of fake ration card holders had been eliminated and over Rs 15,000 crores saved in the process. Also, If someone wanted to use the Aadhaar voluntarily to avail more benefits even at the cost of waiving the right to privacy, why should the court stand in the way?
It was submitted that the court could not modify its order after referring the matter to a Constitution Bench.
