Johnson Cherian.
The Supreme Court on Friday ordered a partial stay on the government’s move to link Aadhaar with the Permanent Account Number (PAN).
A Bench of Justices A.K. Sikri and Ashok Bhushan delivered the judgment on the petitions filed by Ramon Magsaysay award winner Bezwada Wilson, former Kerala minister Binoy Viswam and ex-Army officer S.G. Vombatkere against the provision, which makes the possession of Aadhaar card necessary for the continuing validity of an existing PAN and filing of income tax returns.
“Though fake PANs is a threat, Parliament should consider “toning down” the consequences of Aadhaar-PAN linking,” the Court said.
“The government should ensure that there is no data leakage by the Aadhaar officials or contractors,” it said.
The government had earlier justified the linkage, saying it is a measure to combat fake PANs and ration cards that have flooded the market and jinxed financial transactions.
Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi had argued that it was already a mandatory requirement under Section 139A of the Income Tax Act to allot PAN. Aadhaar was only being linked to it.
