Centre To SC: Will Not Hold Back Social Benefits For Those Without Aadhaar - At Least For Now

The Centre assured the Supreme Court that those who do not hold Aadhaar will continue to benefit under the government’s various social welfare schemes until the next hearing of the case, reports Livemint.

The government had extended the deadline for enrolling under the unique identity number project from 30 June to 30 September for receiving benefits under various social welfare schemes such as mid-day meals and subsidy for LPG.

A vacation bench comprising justices A M Khanwilka and Navin Sinha held that an interim order could not be passed based merely on a fear that the court would take action in cases where such benefits had been denied in the absence of an Aadhaar number. The court was hearing three petitions that challenged notifications making Aadhaar mandatory for availing benefits under social welfare schemes.

“If they have Aadhaar, it’s okay. If they don’t then there is till until 30 September to apply for it. Nobody will be deprived of benefits under social welfare schemes in that time period,” Tushar Mehta, additional solicitor general, told the court.

He also pointed out to alternate processes through which a person who did not have an Aadhaar card or had applied for it could get such benefits.

The case will be heard next on 7 July.