Aadhaar Not Required For Mobile Connections; Telcos Ordered To Delete Users’ Aadhaar Data!
The 5-Judge Bench at Supreme Court has abolished Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act.
And finally, the much-awaited #AadhaarVerdict is out.
India’s apex court has ordered that mobile connections of Indian citizens need not be mandatorily linked with Aadhaar anymore.
Infact, all telecom operators in the country have been ordered to delete all Aadhaar related data of users, from their databases.
This is a landmark decision, which clarifies several aspects of Aadhaar and the telecom industry.
Which services need to be Aadhaar linked now? And which services do not need Aadhaar?
Keep reading, as we share the latest updates from the Supreme Court’s verdict.
Aadhaar Not Required For Mobile Connections, Bank Accounts
In their verdict, the 5-Judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra has struck down Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act. This means that private companies cannot ‘insist’ on Aadhaar data of users, for offering their services.
This means that telecom companies, e-commerce companies, private hospitals, private schools etc cannot and should not force the user to provide their Aadhaar data for using their services.
Students appearing for ISCE, CBSE and State Boards won’t be forced to link their Aadhaar now.
However, Aadhaar is still a valid identification method and if the user wants, they can indeed use Aadhaar for verifying themselves. But they cannot be forced to do so.
Abolishing Section 57 also means that no private company can store users’ Aadhaar data now. At the same time, private companies including telecom operators have been ordered to delete all Aadhaar data of users they have.
Now, tele-callers from telecom operators won’t call you and text you repeatedly for linking Aadhaar.
Supreme Court Upholds Validity Of Aadhaar
At the same time, the 5-Judge bench has voted in favor of Aadhaar as a valid identity tool for Indians. The verdict was won by 4:1.
The 5 Judges were: Justices Sikri, Justice Chandrachud, Justice Bhushan, Justice Khanwilkar and Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra.
Except for Justice Chandrachud, every other Judge on the Bench supported the ‘concept’ of Aadhaar and voted in favor of its existence.
The Bench struck down Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act, which means private companies cannot force the users to submit their Aadhaar data.
However, in order to avail all Govt. sponsored welfare schemes, Aadhaar is must.
The Bench also dismissed the petition that demanding biometric data of citizens is a violation of fundamental rights and right to privacy.
Besides, Aadhaar has been declared to be mandatory for linking with PAN Card, and for filing tax returns as well.
We will keep you updated, as receive more information.
