SC to deliver verdict on constitutional validity of Aadhaar tomorrow

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court will deliver verdict on the constitutional validity of Aadhaar tomorrow. Last year saw several controversies and a lot of confusion on linking of the 12-digit biometric number with various government services. It may be recalled that earlier in March this year, in an interim order, the apex court had said that the mandatory linking of bank accounts and mobile phones will stand extended 'indefinitely' till judgement on the petitions pending before it is pronounced.

The Ministry of Finance amended the Prevention of Money-Laundering (Maintenance of Records) Rules, 2005 through a notification dated June 1, 2017. Last year saw several controversies on linking of the 12-digit biometric number with various government services. While the Supreme Court is yet to decide on several petitions to make Aadhaar mandatory for government services and the overarching matter of citizens' right to privacy, it has now extended the Aadhaar linking deadline indefinitely for bank accounts, mobile SIM cards, and other financial services.