Aadhaar constitutionally valid but no need to link with mobile phones, banks, says SC, Congress-BJP welcome verdict
New Delhi, Sept 26 (IBNS): In a crucial order, the Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the constitutional validity of Aadhaar card but stated that linkage of the 12-digit unique identity number with mobile phones and bank accounts is not mandatory.
Saying Aadhaar has benefited several marginalised people, the top court suggested a few changes in the government scheme.
Reading out the majority judgement, Justice AK Sikri said Aadhaar must take minimum information of an individual.
Justice Sikri also said no private company can ask for Aadhaar number. Likewise, schools can't also ask for Aadhaar during admission of students.
However, Aadhaar has been kept mandatory for filing Income Tax returns and PAN card by the apex court.
In a significant move, the Supreme Court said illegal immigrants will not get the benefits of Aadhaar.
The personal data can only be shared by Joint Secretary or an official above the former in national interest.
Central government calls the order as 'historic':
The Indian government welcomed the order given by the apex court.
Speaking at a press conference, Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley called the order as 'historic'.
"The Aadhaar Verdict is a historic judgement. The whole concept of the unique identity number that has been accepted after a judicial review is an extremely welcome decision," Jaitley said.
UPA’s vision of Aadhaar to use it as an empowering tool for the marginalised sections upheld by the Honourable Supreme Court today.
— Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) September 26, 2018
NDA’s idea of making it an intrusive tool rather than beneficial for the country struck down and how!#AadhaarVerdict
BJP feels the verdict reflected victory of the Modi government:
Reacting to the Supreme Court's upholding of the constitutional validity of Aadhaar or 12-digit unique identity number, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Sambit Patra has said the top court's verdict is a big victory for pro-poor Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government, media reports said.
Dear Mobile Phone Operators & Banks-You harassed us & forced us to link #Aadhaar to your system-After #SupremeCourt Judgment -Kindly delete the data collected otherwise u shall b considered in possession of stolen property as I withdraw my consent to use my info #AadhaarVerdict
— Jaiveer Shergill (@JaiveerShergill) September 26, 2018
While the Congress favoured middlemen, the BJP ensured that money reaches directly to people, said Patra.
Congress welcomes verdict:
The Congress has welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to strike down Section 57 of Aadhaar Act, which allowed sharing of data by private companies.
Following the judgement, the Congress has put up a tweet saying, "We welcome the Supreme Court's decision to strike down Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act. Private entities are no longer allowed to use Aadhaar for verification purposes."
We welcome the Supreme Court's decision to strike down Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act. Private entities are no longer allowed to use Aadhaar for verification purposes. #AadhaarVerdict
— Congress (@INCIndia) September 26, 2018
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