Govt cannot make Aadhaar mandatory for welfare schemes: SC

New Delhi: Supreme Court on Monday said that the Narendra Modi government at the Centre cannot make Aadhaar Card mandatory for providing benefits from its welfare schemes.

The apex court, however, added that government cannot be stopped from making Aadhaar compulsory for various things including the opening of bank accounts.

The SC bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar and comprised of Justices NV Ramana and DY Chandrachud also said that a seven-judge bench has to be set up to hear the pleas challenging the Aadhaar but it cannot be heard right now.

SC was hearing on a plea filed by senior advocate Shyam Divan, who sought an urgent hearing.

It may be mentioned that the top court had earlier said that nobody will be deprived of benefits because they don't have an Aadhaar card.