Aadhaar card: Where it is mandatory and where not
Lately, there has been a lot of confusion about the status of Aadhaar card as a document proof. Users are unsure about the services where it is mandatory and where it is not. This comes as a result of the constant debate around the authenticity of Aadhaar, and more so, due to the September 26 Supreme Court verdict on Aadhaar. Here, we clear all the doubts.
Aadhaar is no longer mandatory for availing the following services
Bank account: After the SC verdict, one does not need to link Aadhaar with their new/existing bank accounts. Mobile connection: After the scrapping of Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act, private companies like telecom operators can no longer ask users to link their Aadhaar with SIM cards. Schools/Exams: Aadhaar is no longer mandatory to register for tests like NEET, UGC and CBSE Board exams.
List of services for which the Aadhaar is still mandatory
PAN: The linkage of PAN and Aadhaar continues to be mandatory, under Section 139AA of the Income Tax Act. I-T Returns: Since Aadhaar-PAN linking is still mandatory, one will need their Aadhaar card at the time of filing of Income Tax returns. Welfare schemes: Aadhaar is also mandatory for availing various government-run welfare schemes and for grant of subsidies.
SC verdict on Aadhaar
On September 26, 2018, a five judge Supreme Court bench, headed by the then CJI Dipak Misra, struck down some provisions relating to authentication of the Aadhaar program, and the Section 57 of Aadhaar act. This disarmed private entities like banks, telecom operators, and e-wallet service providers from asking you to furnish your Aadhaar information in order to avail their services.
