Aadhaar applicability row: Govt seeks early hearing

A day after the Supreme Court refused to modify its earlier stance on Aadhaar – allowing it to be applicable only for LPG, public distribution system (PDS) and Kerosene – the government has requested an early hearing for speedy resolution on the matter. Various government bodies have requested the apex court to make Aadhaar compulsory for availing government services. However, holding back of the voluntary application of Aadhaar for various government schemes has only led to various plans being put on hold. This has held the government and crores of beneficiaries hostage. The government has sought an interim relief to implement Aadhaar for various government schemes on voluntary basis. The centre in its petition has argued that the right to privacy is a complex matter, which needs to be deliberated upon. The Supreme Court is likely to respond to the government's plea tomorrow.