SC to continue hearing on Aadhaar's breach of privacy matter

Photo: PTI (File)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court nine Judge Constitution bench today, will continue its hearing on whether linking of Pan Card with Aadhaar breaches an individual's privacy or not. On July 12, the Supreme Court agreed to hear on an urgent basis, all the issues arising out of Aadhar card, especially the concern over whether it breaches the people's right to privacy. The lawyer of the petitioner, in connection with the Aadhar matter, on Wednesday argued on all issues arising out of the Aadhar card, especially the concern over whether it breaches the people's right to privacy. Senior Advocate Gopal Subramanian had said that the issue is simple and whether there a fundamental right to privacy under the Indian Constitution. Subramanian further argued that privacy is embedded in all processes of human life and liberty. The Preamble uses two expressions liberty and dignity. These two words are intended to convey an inherent right recognised by the Constitution and the privacy is embedded in both. On June 10, the Supreme Court had ruled that from July 1 onward, every person eligible to obtain Aadhar card must quote their Aadhar number or their Aadhaar Enrolment ID number for filing of Income Tax Returns as well as for applications for Permanent Account Number (PAN). Following this, the apex court pronounced its order on mandatory requirements of Aadhar card for Income Tax Return (I-TR). The Income Tax Department has stepped up its efforts to encourage people to link their PAN with Aadhar. The matter was mentioned before a bench comprising of Chief Justice J.S. Khehar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, which said that its five-judge Constitution Bench will hear Aadhar-related matters. About Aadhaar: It is a 12 digit unique-identity number issued to all Indian residents based on their biometric and demographic data. The data is collected by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It is a statutory authority established on 12 July 2016 by the Government of India. UIDAI works under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, under the provisions of the Aadhaar Act 2016.