Deadline for mandatory Aadhaar to avail benefits of government schemes extended to March 31

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The central government today informed the Supreme Court that the deadline for mandatory linking of Aadhaar to all government schemes has been extended to March 31, 2018.

The government told the apex court that the Union government will not deny social welfare scheme benefits to those who do not have Aadhar till March 31.

“We have decided to extend it till March 31, 2018,” Attorney General K K Venugopal told the bench, which also comprised Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud.

According to news agency ANI, the extension of deadline applies only to those who do not have Aadhaar cards.

The government had informed the Supreme Court in August that the date for the mandatory linking of Aadhaar to social welfare schemes for availing their benefits has been extended from September 30 to December 31, 2017.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for petitioners, said the main Aadhaar matter should be heard soon, as though the government has decided to extend the deadline till March 31 next year, it has also not said that no action would be taken against those who do not want to link their Aadhaar with either bank accounts or mobile numbers.  

“Final hearing of the matter is necessary. They can make a statement that they will not take course of action against those who don’t want to link Aadhaar,” 

Divan said.  When the Attorney General said that he wanted to take instructions on certain issues, the bench asked the Centre to mention the matter before it on Monday i.e. October 30.