The Supreme Court is set to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking to restrict the use of Aadhaar cards solely for identity verification purposes. The PIL, filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, challenges the widespread application of Aadhaar beyond its original intent.
Bench to Consider PIL
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice V Mohana is likely to take up the plea. The petitioners argue that Aadhaar, as a unique identification number, should not be used for purposes other than verifying identity, citing privacy concerns and potential misuse.
Key Arguments
The PIL contends that the mandatory linkage of Aadhaar with various services, including banking, mobile connections, and welfare schemes, violates the right to privacy. It emphasizes that the Supreme Court's earlier judgment in the Puttaswamy case recognized privacy as a fundamental right.
- Aadhaar should be limited to identity verification only.
- Mandatory linking infringes on privacy rights.
- Previous court rulings must be upheld.
Government's Stance
The central government has defended the use of Aadhaar, stating it helps in efficient delivery of subsidies and benefits, reducing fraud and leakage. However, the PIL argues that such expansion lacks legal backing and needs judicial scrutiny.
Next Hearing
The court is expected to hear the matter on June 15, 2026. The outcome could have significant implications for the use of biometric data in India.
