You don't have to link your Aadhaar to read this article.
The Supreme Court is likely to pronounce its crucial verdict today on a batch of pleas challenging the constitutional validity of Centre's flagship Aadhaar scheme and its enabling 2016 law.
In the last few years, so much has been written, discussed and shared about Aadhaar that it has become a cultural phenomenon to the point that it became a Netflix meme.
With so much water having flown under the bridge, that it’s hard to keep track, even if one is a cheese-and-wine enthusiast. So as SC gets set to produce its verdict, here’s the dummy’s guide to the entire Aadhaar case.
WHAT IS AADHAAR?
Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number, based on demographic and biometric data considered a proof of residence and proof of citizenship.
The data is collected by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), a statutory authority established in January 2009. It is world’s largest biometric ID system.
Aadhaar numbers are mandatory to enjoy host of services, including mobile sim cards, bank accounts, the Employee Provident Fund, and a large number of welfare schemes.
QUESTIONS OF LAW ON AADHAAR
Compulsory collections of biometrics under Aadhaar violates right to privacy of citizens.
Possession of Aadhaar made mandatory by the Aadhaar Act and orders passed from time to time creates a surveillance state.
State cannot compel citizens to part with biometrics to non-state actors (banks, mobile companies, etc).
Aadhaar Act is unconstitutional as biometrics of children between 5-18 years taken without parental consent.
Citizen has no option to opt out of Aadhaar by destroying biometrics which are centrally stored.
No safeguards against possible leakage and securing of sensitive personal data.
The Aadhaar scheme discriminates against old persons or those whose biometrics have been erased.
WHAT IS AT STAKE?
Government has made Aadhaar the sole KYC document for all financial transactions.
If Aadhaar gets the green light, it will encourage the govt push the UID project more vigorously and make it something similar to the social security number of the US.
In case of adverse judgment, it will roll back all direct benefit transfer schemes and crores of rupees that has already been poured into it.
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