During a hearing, Govt. of India has informed Supreme Court that every mobile phone in India would be linked with Aadhaar database within a year. Besides, a plan has been proposed which will make Aadhaar based KYC every time a pre-paid mobile user recharges his or her mobile.
This is seen as a contradictory announcement as Supreme Court had recently said that Aadhaar is not mandatory for receiving Govt. subsidies and benefits.
However, considering that the Centre has informed their Aadhaar related plans in the Supreme Court, and there has been no opposition, it seems that this massive exercise to link Aadhaar with mobile phones would be finally done now.
Every Mobile Phone Would Be Linked With Aadhaar Database
The case was pertaining to illegal usage of mobile phones for carrying out illegal activities in the country. Lokniti Foundation, a non-profit organization had filed this case to stop misuse of mobile phones in this regard.
While replying on behalf of the Govt., Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi informed the Apex Court that they will link all mobile phones with Aadhaar database within a year. This step can help to reduce misuse of mobile phones and to stop anti-social elements from taking advantage.
Interestingly, Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar disposed the case as he was satisfied with the proposal put forth by Centre regarding Aadhaar connection with mobile phones.
Every Mobile Recharge Would Need Aadhaar KYC
Centre also informed the Supreme Court that they are devising a mechanism which will mandate mention of Aadhaar Card every time a pre-paid user recharges their mobile phone. TRAI has already proposed Aadhaar e-KYC for every prepaid and postpaid user.
This means that Govt. can now monitor each and every recharge which happens inside India, and then trace the usage using the Aadhaar linking.
While derivating the proposals, some analysts also derived this possibility: In near future, pre-paid users would be forced to fill out a form regarding Aadhaar verification, in order to complete the recharge. However, in case biometric verification exists, then it can be quick and fast.
How will Aadhaar verification for mobile recharges happen in case of wallet based (Paytm, Freecharge) or via websites? Besides, how will Govt. convince all mobile phone manufacturers to enable Aadhaar linking?
We will keep you updated as we receive more information in this regard.