Aadhaar Linking Deadline Of March 31 Could Be Extended

Mandatory Aadhaar linking deadline could be extended beyond March 31 as the apex court requires some more time to conclude the prolonged hearing.

Attorney general of India KK Venugopal said, “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.”

A five-judge Constitution bench comprising of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A K Sikri, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan agreed to Venugopal’s contention saying the point raised is valid and the Supreme Court would not allow repetitive arguments made by the petitioners’ counsel in the matter.

Earlier the last date of linking the 12-digit unique identity number with various government schemes and services was December 15.

Justice Chandrachud said it is not possible for the banks and other institution to comply with related work in ten days if the court reserved its verdict on March 20.

Meanwhile, senior advocate Arvind Datar said the Aadhaar linking violates fundamental rights of citizens.

Datar argued against the Aadhaar scheme.

It is learned former union minister, senior advocate and senior Congress leader, P Chidambaram, too would be arguing against the Aadhaar Act, probably from Wednesday, citing its passing in the Parliament as a Money Bill was wrong.