Issues with Aadhar:

♤ As gleaned from various SC judgements Right to Privacy is an integral aspect of the Right to Life and Liberty. In this context, the Supreme Court restrained the central government and the UIDAI from sharing data with any third party without the consent of the Aadhaar-holder in writing.

♤ Government’s argument that poor must be prepared to surrender their right of privacy to continue receiving the subsidy payments and other benefits was rejected by the SC.

♤ These is no comprehensive legislation on privacy issues raised by Aadhar.

♤ Every government’s most basic obligation is to protect its citizens’ rights — both their right to sustenance and their right to the privacy that enables freedom equally.

On the other hand, Aadhar has a huge potential in redrawing the public service delivery mechanism. It carries with it a large group of advantages including better targeting, plugging leakages etc. Aadhar is the central plank of a plethora of ambitious projects mooted by government like Digi locker, e-sign etc.

The need of the hour is to address the privacy concerns of citizens by incorporating adequate and necessary safeguards. Without parliamentary sanction and legislative backing, the process is legally untenable and unacceptable.