SC slams WB govt on plea against Aadhaar

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday questioned the West Bengal government for filing a plea challenging the Centre’s move to make Aadhaar mandatory for availing benefits of various social welfare schemes. The top court asked how a state can challenge the mandate of Parliament. “How can a state file such a plea. In a federal structure, how can a state file a plea challenging Parliament’s mandate,” a bench comprising Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, told the court that the plea has been filed by the labour department of the state as subsidies under these schemes have to be given by them.

“You satisfy us how the state has challenged it. We know it is a matter which needs consideration,” the bench said adding the Centre’s move can be challenged by an individual but not by states.

“Let Mamata Banerjee come and file a plea as individual. We will entertain it as she will be an individual,” the top court said. However, Sibal maintained that the state was entitled to file such a plea but said that they would amend the prayer in the petition.

Meanwhile, the bench issued notice to the Centre on a separate plea filed by an individual challenging the linking of mobile phone numbers with Aadhaar. The court has asked the Centre to file its response on the plea in four weeks.