SC refuses to stay notification on Aadhaar

Mangalore Today News Network

Jun 27 2017, DH News: The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to stay as an interim measure the government notifications for the people to quote Aadhaar number for availing benefits of various welfare schemes.

A bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and Navin Sinha noted that there was no requirement to pass any order as Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the deadline for giving Aadhaar number has been extended from June 30 to September 30.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for former NCPCR chairperson Shanta Sinha, submitted the court should pass some order to ensure that no child would be deprived of mid-day meal or other benefits due to the absence of Aadhaar.

The court, however, reminded the counsel that the government has already extended the deadline for those not having Aadhaar to obtain it for availing benefits of about 17 welfare schemes.

Mehta said the matter should be adjourned to the next week to enable the government to file rejoinder affidavit.

He also made preliminary objection to the matter being heard by a 2-judge bench. Mehta also said the petitioner can come up with instances if anyone being deprived of any benefit due to the absence of Aadhaar.

Agreeing to his contention, the court put the matter for consideration on July 7.

The court said, "No mandamus can be issued merely on apprehension which may be correct or not correct."