The Supreme Court of India has clarified that Aadhaar is not a conclusive proof of an individual’s date of birth. The ruling came after a petition challenged the use of Aadhaar as the primary document to verify one’s birthdate for government-related services. The Court’s decision has important implications, especially for individuals who may have used their Aadhaar to establish their identity but lack a formal birth certificate.
Background:
Aadhaar, the national biometric identity system, has been used extensively by the government as a means to link citizens with welfare schemes, subsidies, and other services. However, the petition raised concerns over its use for verifying birth dates, which is particularly problematic for people who do not have access to their birth records or other formal documentation.
Court’s Rationale:
The Supreme Court emphasized that Aadhaar, while serving as a vital tool for identity verification, does not hold the same legal weight as a birth certificate when it comes to establishing the date of birth. The Court underscored the importance of using official documents like a birth certificate, school records, or other legal documentation to determine a person’s age, especially in legal and official matters.
Existing Measures:
This judgment reflects a growing need for clarity on the use of Aadhaar as a singular identity proof. While Aadhaar remains important for identity verification, citizens are encouraged to rely on original documents like birth certificates for official confirmation of vital information such as birthdates.
Conclusion:
The Supreme Court’s ruling reinforces the idea that Aadhaar should not be viewed as an all-encompassing proof of identity, particularly when it comes to the age or birth date of an individual. This decision could lead to a more structured and transparent approach for verifying personal details in India, where people often face challenges related to missing or incomplete documentation.