The Supreme Court of India (SC) recently clarified that while the Aadhaar card can establish a person’s identity, it does not serve as definitive proof of date of birth. This observation emphasizes the importance of understanding both the utility and limitations of the Aadhaar system.
What is the Aadhaar Card?
The Aadhaar card is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It aims to provide a universal identity to residents of India by linking essential demographic and biometric information.
Key Features
Minimal Information: Collects basic demographic details and biometric data like fingerprints and iris scans.
Not a Proof of Citizenship: Aadhaar is only an identification tool and does not confirm citizenship or domicile.
Deactivation: UIDAI has the authority to deactivate or omit Aadhaar numbers under certain conditions.
Legal Observations on Aadhaar
The Supreme Court has previously made important rulings regarding the use and scope of Aadhaar:
Metadata Restrictions: Aadhaar-related data cannot be stored for more than six months to protect user privacy.
Voluntary Usage: While Aadhaar can be used for various services, it cannot be mandatory except for welfare schemes designed to benefit citizens.
Limitations Highlighted by the SC
The recent SC observation highlights that Aadhaar, although useful for identity verification, cannot be relied upon as an authoritative document for establishing one’s date of birth. This underlines the need for supplementary documents, such as birth certificates or passports, for specific legal or administrative purposes.
Conclusion
The Aadhaar card serves as a valuable tool in India’s identification framework, enabling access to welfare schemes and financial services. However, the limitations imposed by the Supreme Court reflect a balance between convenience and security. Aadhaar’s role remains pivotal, but it is essential to use it alongside other valid documents for complete verification.
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