Aadhaar card optional, not mandatory: Government

September 26, 2013

Informing the Supreme Court, the Centre stated that securing Aadhaar cards is optional and not mandatory.

What is voluntary/mandatory issue with the Aadhaar cards?

A number of pleas have been made in the apex court against decisions of some States to make Aadhaar cards mandatory for a range of activities including salary, Provident Fund disbursals and marriage and property registrations. However, the Centre maintains that Aadhaar Cards are voluntary and not compulsory. Despite the fact that the Aadhaar card is “voluntary” in nature, an order has been issued by the Registrar of the Bombay High Court in pursuance of an order of the Maharashtra Government that it would be necessary for disbursal of salary of judges and staff also.
As per petitioners, the Aadhaar scheme is complete infraction of Fundamental Rights under Articles 14 (right to equality) and 21 (right to life and liberty). Recently, the Maharashtra Government made Aadhaar mandatory for purposes such as registration of marriages and others.
However, the Centre holds that the consent of an individual is indispensable for Aadhaar and it has been launched to promote inclusion and benefits of the marginalised sections of society that has no formal identity proof.

Do not issue Aadhaar cards to illegal immigrants

The Government has been asked by the apex court not to issue the cards to illegal immigrants and not set them as a pre-condition for availing welfare schemes.

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