Breaking: SC Extends Deadline for Mandatory Linkage Of Aadhaar With Bank Accounts And Mobile Till The Disposal Of Aadhaar Cases [Read Order]

Senior Counsel Arvind Datar raised concerns regarding the mandate of Aadhaar for the issue of ‘Tatkal’ passports, referring to the interim orders of the apex court, the most recent being the one dated December 15, 2017. He also requested the bench to consider the extension of the March 31 deadline for compulsory Aadhaar linkage with mobile phones, bank accounts and other services.

Attorney General K. K. Venugopal explained that while other ID proofs were acceptable for the issue of passports, the mandate of Aadhaar was merely in respect of its speedy issue under the ‘Tatkal’ scheme. He also requested that any extension of deadline may not affect the ‘Subsidies, Benefits and Services’ under section 7 of the Aadhaar Act.

Chief Justice Dipak Misra remarked that as per the interim order, the deadline had been extended for all services and facilities, including the issuance of passports.

"Having heard learned counsel for the parties, we accept the submission made by the learned Attorney General. Subject to that, we direct that the interim order passed on 15.12.2017 shall stand extended till the matter is finally heard and the judgment is pronounced.

That apart, the directions issued in the interim order shall apply as stated in paragraphs 11 to 13 in the said order. For the sake of clarity, we reproduce the said paragraphs which read as under:-

“11. In terms of (iii) above, subject to the submission of the details in regard to the filing of an application for an Aadhaar card and the furnishing of the application number to the account opening bank, we likewise extend the last date for the completion of the process of Aadhaar linking of new bank accounts to 31 March 2018.

12.In terms of (iv) above we extend the date for the completion of the E-KYC process in respect of mobile phone subscribers until 31 March 2018.

13. Consistent with the above directions, we also direct that the extension of the last date for Aadhar linkage to 31 March 2018 shall apply, besides the schemes of the Ministries/Departments of the Union government to all state governments in similar terms. As a consequence of the extension of the deadline to 31 March 2018, it is ordered accordingly.”

 It is also directed that the same shall also control and govern the Passports (1st Amendment) Rules, 2018.

Read the Order Here