Aadhar Card Linking: Supreme Court asks WB CM Mamata Banerjee to file petition in individual capacity

On the plea against linking of Aadhar card with mobile numbers, the Supreme Court has asked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to file the petition in an individual capacity.  

The top court observed how can a state challenge a law passed by the Centre?

The Supreme Court was replying to the West Bengal government’s petition challenging the Centre’s move to make Aadhaar (Unique Identification Number) mandatory to avail social welfare benefits.

Attorney General KK Venugopal had informed the court on October 25 that the extension will be limited to those who have not yet enrolled for Aadhaar Card. 

At a party meeting in Kolkata on Wednesday, the Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief had opposed the linking of Aadhaar with mobile phone number, saying "Aadhaar number should not be linked with one's mobile phone. I will not link my Aadhaar number with my mobile even if my connection is snapped."

On the same day, the Centre had told the top court that the deadline for mandatory linking of Aadhaar to avail benefits of various government schemes has been extended till March 31 next year for those who do not have the 12-digit biometric identification number.

Attorney General K K Venugopal had told a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra that the deadline extension from December end until March 31, 2018, would apply only to those who do not have Aadhaar and are willing to enrol for it.

When Venugopal had said he would take instructions on certain issues on Aadhaar, the court had asked him to mention the matter again on October 30.

Several petitions, challenging the Centre's move to make Aadhaar mandatory for welfare schemes and notifications to link it with mobile numbers and bank accounts, are pending in the apex court. 

Also read: Centre plans to link Aadhaar card to get driving licence

Also read: Maharashtra: Newborn baby gets Aadhaar number within 6 minutes of birth