Kerala High Court Rebukes Authorities Over Aadhaar-Tatkal PIL Delay
The Kerala High Court on Thursday expressed strong disapproval towards the central government and Indian Railways for the excessive delay in addressing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that challenges the mandatory use of Aadhaar-based authentication for booking Tatkal train tickets. A bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar heard the case, which has been pending since October 2025, and voiced concerns over the sluggish response from the authorities.
Court's Stern Observations and Final Deadline
During the hearing, the bench orally remarked on the inefficiency, questioning, "If that is the stand of the governments, whether state or central, taking so much time to respond to matters, who is responsible for the delay in disposal? The court or the government?" The judges emphasized that if authorities fail to make decisions, courts are unfairly blamed for not resolving cases promptly. They noted that this pattern of seeking extensions without timely compliance is common in many matters.
In light of the prolonged pendency, despite the issue requiring a straightforward decision, the High Court granted the railways an additional three weeks as a final opportunity to reach a conclusion. The court directed that a clear stance on whether Aadhaar is mandatory for Tatkal bookings must be provided by April 9, when the petition is next scheduled for hearing.
Background of the PIL and Previous Proceedings
The PIL was filed by Bahadur Shah Anakkot Nasirali from Kodungallur in Thrissur, contesting the compulsory Aadhaar verification for Tatkal ticket reservations. In earlier hearings, the High Court had specifically asked the railways to clarify if alternative documents could be used for authentication instead of Aadhaar. However, during Thursday's session, counsel for the central government requested more time, citing that the matter is still under consideration by the railway board.
The court's decision to adjourn to April 9 underscores its insistence on accountability and timely action from government bodies. This case highlights ongoing debates around Aadhaar's role in public services and the judicial system's role in ensuring efficient governance.
