Court observed that though it is often said that Aadhaar is not mandatory, but at times, some authorities do “insist” on it
Supreme Court of India
New Delhi: In a last ditch attempt before the issue moves to a larger Constitutional bench, the government on Wednesday made a fresh pitch before Supreme Court for allowing voluntary use of Aadhaar cards for welfare schemes, saying it was prepared to give an affidavit by the “highest functionary” by tomorrow morning that nobody will be deprived of benefits for lack of it.
“Do you (Centre) make it a precedent for giving benefits of schemes? Do you say that a person will not be put to a disadvantageous position because of lack of Aadhaar,” a five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice H.L. Dattu asked Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi when he pitched strongly for voluntary use of Aadhaar to provide benefits of various welfare schemes to “the poorest of poor”.
“The answer to the question (whether Aadhaar would be voluntary) is : Yes. If the court wants, the affidavit of the highest functionary will be available by 10.30 am on Thursday,” the Attorney General said and reiterated time and again during the two-hour-long hearing that nobody will be deprived of any benefits for either want of Aadhaar or for not using it.
The court made it clear that it would take up the issue of modification of the order only and will not go into the merits of the questions referred for adjudication.
The court also observed that though it is often said that Aadhaar is not mandatory, but at times, some authorities do “insist” on it.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle with gency inputs )
Next Story
