HC notice to Delhi government on 'Aadhaar' card order

The Delhi High Court Wednesday issued notice to the city government on a plea seeking quashing of its order that made 'Aadhaar' card mandatory for availing various government services in the national capital.

Justice Rajiv Shakdher sought response from the Delhi government on a plea that said 'Aadhaar' card issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has now been made mandatory for availing benefits and public services.

The object of 'Aadhaar' project was to empower the poor, who lack identity proof, in accessing various welfare and other services and not as a pre-requisite for availing government services, said the petition filed by Ashutosh Chandola.

It added that the government issued executive orders and made Aadhaar mandatory for obtaining various certificates relating to "caste, domicile, income, death and birth".

The plea sought the court's directions to the government "to accept other identity and address proofs such as voter I-card, passport and other documents, for availing public services in Delhi".

The petition said that Aadhaar card had also been made compulsory for registration of various documents relating to property, will and marriages.