SC verdict on Aadhaar big victory for pro-poor Modi government, claims BJP

The Supreme Court verdict on Aadhaar is a big victory for the "pro-poor Modi government", the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claimed on Wednesday. The Supreme court on Wednesday bench upheld the constitutional validity of the scheme and asserted that it does not violate privacy.

As the Congress party projected the verdict as a slap on the face of the ruling party, saying the order has in fact exposed the Opposition party, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra hit back, saying the Congress favoured middlemen while the Modi government brought Aadhaar to ensure that benefits are given directly to people.

"We see it as a big victory of the Modi government, the pro-poor Modi government. The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutional validity of Aadhaar and has also said that it does not violate privacy," Patra said.

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The Supreme Court like the Modi government has stood with the poor of the country and gives strength to the poor, Patra said.

The verdict by the Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justices A K Sikri and A M Khanwilkar declared the Centre's flagship Aadhaar scheme constitutionally valid but struck down some of its provisions, including its linking with bank accounts, mobile phones and school admissions.

The Supreme Court said: Aadhaar serves a bigger public interest. Aadhaar means unique and it is better to be unique than be the best.

(With inputs from agencies)