Ambika bhardwaj
Published On: January 24, 2022 at 15:35 IST
The Delhi High Court in the Case of State, Government of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD) v. Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has Ordered the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to reveal data concerning around 450 people who were Allegedly issued fake Aadhaar Cards in order to enroll in civil defence training.
The following was stated by the Justice Chandra Dhari Singh:
“The Respondent (UIDAI) is instructed to give all relevant data related to the people named in Annexure P-3 of the Plea, as needed for the Investigation purpose under the Aadhaar Act. After receiving the requested information, the Investigation Agency is also instructed to conduct an Investigation in accordance with the provisions of the Statute.”
The Court was hearing a Case in which it was Alleged that the then District Magistrate of Shahdara and other Public Officials were engaged in Criminal Misconduct by misusing their official position as Public Servants to support approximately 450 candidates with forged Aadhaar cards who were admitted for Civil Defence Training.
The Case was a result of a Complaint moved by Vijender Gupta before the Anti-Corruption Branch in New Delhi Accusing that the mode in which marshals for the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses were recruited was Illegal.
In her appearance on behalf of the Delhi government, Additional Public Prosecutor Kusum Dhalla requested that the Court should order UIDAI to reveal details relating to the fake Aadhaar cards for the purpose of Investigation.
It was contended that UIDAI’s disclosure of such information is only for “Investigation purpose” and does not “infringe any cardholders Right to Privacy”.
Finally, the Court ordered the UIDAI to reveal all appropriate information which is necessary for the Investigation. It instructed the Investigating agency to Investigate the matter once the requested information was received, in accordance with the provisions of the Aadhaar Act.
Also read: Right to Privacy in digital age