SC pronounces Aadhaar as “constitutionally valid”

The Supreme Court on Wednesday pronounced AAdhaar as "constitutionally valid" in response to petitions raising violation of privacy. The apex court, however, said that private companies cannot seek Aadhaar data.

"Aadhaar gives dignity to marginalised sections, which outweighs the harm," said the court.

The court gave its verdict on 27 petitions that challenged the constitutional validity of Aadhaar, which called it a violation of the right to privacy.

SC said that minimal data would be collected for Aadhaar, that other documents needed for Aadhaar are also proof of identity.

The apex court has also made it clear that although Aadhaar card is mandatory for PAN linking, it need not be made compulsory for school admissions and the Court allows the passage of Aadhaar as a money bill.

99% Indians have already enrolled for Aadhaar, which is reportedly a secure form of digital identification for citizens to be used for government services.

The 12-digit Unique Identification Number was made compulsory for services including bank accounts, PAN cards, cellphone services, passport and even driving licenses.

It was made the overarching proof of identity and residence, overriding all other prior identity proofs.