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Supreme Court's Landmark Verdict on Aadhaar Card: Where is it Mandatory and Where Not?

Supreme Court's Landmark Verdict on Aadhaar Card: Where is it Mandatory and Where Not?

Recently, the Supreme Court of India delivered a significant and historic judgment regarding the use of the Aadhaar card. Keeping the privacy and data security of citizens at the forefront, this decision has limited the mandatory requirement of Aadhaar in several sectors. This verdict not only protects the rights of ordinary citizens but also presents clear guidelines for various government and private institutions.

🏛️ Supreme Court Verdict: Aadhaar's Scope Limited

As per the directions of the Supreme Court, the Aadhaar card is no longer mandatory everywhere. The court clarified that the Right to Privacy is a fundamental right, and no citizen can be forced to share Aadhaar against their will, especially for private services.

🚫 Where Aadhaar is no longer mandatory:

  • Private Companies: No private company (such as telecom or banks) can now mandatorily demand an Aadhaar card from you.
  • Education Sector: Demanding Aadhaar for admissions in UGC, CBSE, and schools is now prohibited.
  • Bank Accounts: Aadhaar is not mandatory for opening a new bank account.
  • Mobile Connections: Providing Aadhaar for purchasing a SIM card is now voluntary.

📌 Key Points of the Verdict

  1. Not a Proof of Age: The Supreme Court clarified that the Aadhaar card will no longer be considered a primary document for determining date of birth or age.
  2. Scrapping of Section 57: Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act, which allowed private entities to demand Aadhaar, has been declared unconstitutional.
  3. Biometric Data Security: A citizen's biometric data can only be shared with agencies in cases of extreme national security concerns.
  4. Health and Education: The end of mandatory Aadhaar in these basic sectors will make it easier for poor and underprivileged sections to access services.

🌍 Social and Legal Impact of the Decision

This decision falls under Article 21 (Right to Life) of the Indian Constitution. The court has recognized that every individual has the right to keep their personal information secure, and the government or private entities cannot interfere unnecessarily in their personal lives.

💡 Conclusion

The Supreme Court's verdict establishes a balance between technical progress and individual freedom. It gives citizens the confidence that their identity is secure and their rights will not be violated.

Disclaimer: This article is based on an analysis of the Supreme Court's verdict. Although the mandatory requirement of Aadhaar has decreased, it may still be necessary for certain statutory processes like Income Tax Returns (ITR) and linking with PAN cards.