Hours after the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Aadhaar, the UIDAI termed the apex court’s judgment a victory. The UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey told PTI that the 4:1 apex court judgment announced on Wednesday, 26 September, is in favour of Aadhaar.
Reading out the majority judgment on Aadhaar, Justice AK Sikri upheld the constitutional validity of the Centre's flagship scheme, but with conditions.
The apex court said private companies cannot insist on Aadhaar. It added that the national security exception for disclosure of Aadhaar information as per Section 33(2) has also been struck down.
Justice DY Chandrachud made a dissenting judgment declaring the Aadhaar scheme unconstitutional. However, it is Justice AK Sikri's judgment that will be upheld as two other judges of the five-judge bench have concurred with it.
- Aadhaar is not mandatory for mobile connections
- It is also not mandatory for opening of bank accounts
- But Aadhaar is necessary when applying for a PAN card and when filling income tax returns
- Private companies cannot insist on Aadhaar
'This is a Landmark Judgment in Favour of Aadhaar': Nandan Nilekani
Former UIDAI chairperson Nandan Nilekani called the SC’s verdict a “landmark judgment in favour of Aadhaar”.
More than just opining on the constitutionality of the act, the Supreme Court has unequivocally validated the founding principles for Aadhaar... The resident was once again recognised as being at the heart of the project, and they have gained new rights that help them assert their ownership over their data. Aadhaar has undergone the ultimate scrutiny in the highest court, and a lot of recommendations have been incorporated. Through the democratic process of discussion and debate, we have created a better and stronger Aadhaar together.Former UIDAI chairperson Nandan Nilekani
UIDAI Terms SC Judgment on Aadhaar a Victory
The UIDAI has termed the Supreme Court judgment on Aadhaar a victory.
The UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey told PTI that the 4:1 apex court judgment announced on Wednesday is in favour of Aadhaar.
It is 4:1 judgment in favour of Aadhaar. The court has declared Aadhaar constitutionally valid. It is a money bill. It can be used for PAN card. It empowers poor and marginalised sections. Aadhaar can be used for subsidies and government schemes so that there is no leakage of government funds. It can be used for income tax so that tax evasion and black money can be curbed.UIDAI CEO Ajay Bhushan Pandey to PTI
Niti Aayog CEO Welcomes Aadhaar Verdict as a "Good and Progressive Judgment"
Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant welcomed the Aadhaar verdict as a “good and progressive judgment”.
It will bring efficiency in the country. The Supreme Court has said that this (Aadhaar) has stood the test of constitutionality.Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant