How Does Right To Privacy Judgment Affect Aadhar Card?

Is Privacy A Fundamental Right?

As per the Supreme Court’s Judgment, privacy is a fundamental right under the Indian constitution. It is as important as right to expression and other basic rights. This is one reason why the fuss has been generated around Aadhar Card. Aadhaar is a 12-digit identification number issued by the Indian government to every individual resident of India. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UDAI) is responsible for managing Aadhaar identification cards. The inclusion of Aadhar card raises numerous questions on Government’s authenticity and on the security of individual’s freedom.

Is Aadhar Card Mandatory?

It was initially mandatory for certain welfare schemes, but over the course of time, its importance has been increased. It doesn’t replace the previous authentic documentation, but it is however mandatory for opening bank accounts, PAN accounts, several healthcare services, welfare benefits and for various other services.  It is a well known fact that Aadhaar-card project requires a person’s personal information, which includes retinal scans, fingerprints, etc.

Leaks of Private Information

It gave a major blow to the government when a huge leak in Jharkhand took place from a government’s site. Regardless of Government’s clean intention towards Adhaar scheme, it is safe to assume that the information could be hacked or manipulated or put to wrong use. The cases of identity theft, government surveillance and security breaches are not uncommon.   

Government’s stance on the Issue

The government has taken a stand that the right to privacy isn’t granted under the constitution and thus Aadhaar Scheme doesn’t violate the fundamental rights of the citizens. It is for their benefit and proper functioning of various schemes run by the government.

Aadhar Card

The issue related to the compulsion of Aadhaar for various schemes and services is yet to be judged by the court, but it definitely checks the responsibilities of government for no privacy infringement and illegal use. We have the rights to question the government and its intentions, but one must not forget that these are the times when Terrorism and cyber crime openly challenges and threat National security. Undoubtedly, the recent decisions of Court regarding right to privacy will lead to major amendments in Aadhaar scheme and its working. The authority will try to enhance the security and respect the individual’s privacy. The decision also gives a little motivation to Anti-Aadhaar camp, which are reluctant to follow Government’s schemes.