The Supreme Court questioning the West Bengal government’s right to challenge Aadhaar, a central law. “Let Mamata Banerjee come and file a plea as individual. We will entertain it as she will be an individual,” the court said.
AMN
The Supreme Court has questioned West Bengal government for filing plea against Centre’s decision to make Aadhaar mandatory for availing benefits of welfare schemes.
The court asked how can a state file plea challenging Parliament’s mandate in a federal structure. The plea has been filed by the West Bengal governemtn challenging the provision which says that without Aadhaar, the benefits of social welfare schemes would not be extended.
The apex court, however, observed that the Centre’s move can only be challenged by an individual, and not by states. The court said, if state Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee files a plea as individual, it will be entertained. Meanwhile, the court issued notice to the Centre on a separate plea filed by an individual challenging the linking of mobile phone numbers with Aadhaar.
The court asked the Centre to file its response on the plea in four weeks.
Several petitions, challenging the Centre’s move to make Aadhaar mandatory for welfare schemes and notifications to link it with mobile numbers and bank accounts, are pending in the apex court.