Linking Aadhaar deadline may be extended
Posted on: 07/Mar/2018 11:49:11 AM
The Central government has told the Supreme Court that the last day to link the Aadhaar number to bank accounts, mobile phones and government schemes may be extended beyond March 31, 2018. The government suggestion came after petitioners challenging the constitutional validity of Aadhaar scheme sought such an extension.
The government’s lawyer said, The hearing of the case may not reach a conclusion by the end of this month. The deadline for mandatory linking of Aadhaar with various services and welfare schemes is March 31. This will have all India ramification as various institutions would have to adjust themselves accordingly.
In response to the petitioners’ arguments, the Attorney General said, The Centre had earlier extended the deadline and could do it again. We have extended the deadline in the past too. We can do it again. Let`s see how the hearing proceeds. If required, we can do it again.
The bench, which also comprises Justices AK Sikri, AM Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan. According to reports, the bench said, It is a very valid point raised by the Attorney General and the court would not allow repetitive arguments made by the petitioners` counsel in the matter.
The members of the constitutional bench began hearing the petitions questioning the validity of the Aadhaar Act in February. While a few lawyers representing the petitioners have made their submissions on the case, some other lawyers are yet to file them.
Earlier on December 15, the Supreme Court had extended the Aadhaar linking deadline for bank accounts, mobile phones and various government schemes to March 31, 2018.
