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If Mamata Banerjee objects to Aadhaar, let her come to court personally: SC pulls up West Bengal govt

The Supreme Court on Monday pulled-up West Bengal government for challenging the Centre’s move to make Aadhaar mandatory for availing the benefits of various social welfare schemes.

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The Supreme Court on Monday pulled-up West Bengal government for challenging the Centre’s move to make Aadhaar mandatory for availing the benefits of various social welfare schemes.

Even though the petition is filed through the Chief Secretary of West Bengal, the apex court took an exception to the case and said, "If Mamata Banerjee objects to Aadhaar, let her come to court personally.

The court also observed how can a state challenge a law passed by the Centre.

The petition was heard by a bench comprising Justices A.K. Sikri and Ashok Bhushan.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the West Bengal government, told the court that the plea has been filed by the labour department of the state as subsidies under these schemes have to be given by them.

"You satisfy us how the state has challenged it. We know it is a matter which needs consideration," the bench said adding the Centre's move can be challenged by an individual but not by states.

However, Sibal maintained that the state was entitled to file such a plea but said that they would amend the prayer in the petition.

The West Bengal government had challenged the provision which said that without Aadhaar, the benefits of social welfare schemes would not be extended.

The SC has issued a notice to Centre, asking it to file a response within 4 weeks.

On 25 October, the Centre had told the top court that the deadline for mandatory linking of Aadhaar to avail benefits of various government schemes has been extended till 31 March next year for those who do not have the 12-digit biometric identification number.

Attorney general KK. Venugopal had told a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra that the deadline extension from December end this year till 31 March 2018, would apply only to those who do not have Aadhaar and are willing to enrol for it.

However, Venugopal had told the bench that he would take instructions on certain issues on Aadhaar after which the court had asked him to mention the matter again on 30 October. Several petitions, challenging the Centre’s move to make Aadhaar mandatory for welfare schemes and notifications to link it with mobile numbers and bank accounts, are pending in the apex court.

(With agency inputs)

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