A Jabalpur scheme forced me to link Aadhaar to my mobile number. Is this constitutional after the Supreme Court ruling?

Detailed Legal Analysis

The requirement to link Aadhaar to your mobile number under the Jabalpur scheme raises constitutional concerns, especially after the Supreme Court's ruling on Aadhaar.

In the landmark judgment of Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) vs. Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court declared that the right to privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The judgment specifically addressed the use of Aadhaar and its implications. Here are the key points regarding the constitutionality of linking Aadhaar to mobile numbers:

• Supreme Court's Ruling: The court upheld the validity of Aadhaar for welfare schemes but struck down its mandatory requirement for services like mobile phone registration and bank accounts, stating that it violates the right to privacy.
• Voluntary Nature: Post the judgment, linking Aadhaar to mobile numbers has been deemed voluntary for most services, meaning that you cannot be forced to link Aadhaar to your mobile number.
• Data Protection: The ruling emphasized the need for data protection and the importance of obtaining informed consent from individuals before collecting personal data.
• Legislative Framework: The Supreme Court suggested that a robust data protection law is necessary to safeguard the privacy of citizens, which has led to discussions and proposals for a Data Protection Bill.
• Legal Recourse: If you feel that the Jabalpur scheme is infringing upon your rights, you can seek legal recourse through public interest litigation (PIL) or approach the High Court, as the enforcement of such a mandate may contravene the Supreme Court's directives.

In conclusion, the compulsion to link Aadhaar to your mobile number under the Jabalpur scheme appears to be unconstitutional following the Supreme Court ruling. It is advisable to remain informed about your rights and seek legal guidance if you face any coercion in this regard.