SC refuses to pass interim order against mandatory Aadhar for Govt schemes

Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to pass an interim order on government notification making Aadhaar mandatory for availing benefits of various social welfare schemes. 

The apex court, however, said those who don't have Aadhaar cards/numbers would not be deprived of any government schemes or benefits till next date of hearing. 

A vacation bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and Navin Sinha said that no interim order can be passed at this stage on the "mere apprehension" of petitioners that government may deprive people from availing benefits of various social welfare schemes due to lack of Aadhaar.

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that the Centre has extended the June 30 deadline to September 30 for those who are availing benefit of social welfare schemes but don't have the UIDAI card. 

Giving the judgment on the request for the interim order, the SC bench referred to its order on June 9 and said that there is no need for further observation  in the matter pending before it. The next hearing in the matter has been posted for July 7. 

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for petitioners, told the court that the Centre should be directed not to deprive any person of the benefits of social welfare schemes which he/she is enjoying now due to lack of Aadhaar.

The apex court was hearing three separate petitions challenging government’s notification making Aadhaar mandatory for availing benefits of various social welfare schemes. 

(With Inputs from PTI)