Meghalaya High Court Rules Aadhaar Not Mandatory for SC/ST Students to Avail Scholarships

Court Upholds Rights to Privacy and Access to Education, Allowing Alternative Identity Verification Documents

In a landmark decision, the Meghalaya High Court has ruled that Aadhaar cards are not mandatory for SC/ST students in the state to avail post-matriculation scholarship benefits. This ruling came as a response to a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging a notification by the State of Meghalaya, which insisted on the mandatory use of Aadhaar cards for availing the scholarship scheme benefits.

The court, presided over by Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice W. Diengdoh, emphasized the importance of constitutional rights, particularly the right to privacy and children's rights, as outlined in the Supreme Court's previous judgments in the K.S. Puttaswamy cases. The Meghalaya High Court referenced these judgments, which assert that children should not be denied benefits if they cannot produce an Aadhaar number, and alternative documents like birth certificates can be used for identity verification.

The decision aligns with the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, particularly Section 7, which aims to ensure subsidies and benefits reach the intended recipients without making Aadhaar an absolute requirement.

The petitioner, represented by advocate Mr. P.T. Sangma, argued that Aadhaar should not be compulsory given the existing exemptions for Meghalaya residents and previous notifications allowing alternative identification methods. The Union of India, represented by Dr. N. Mozika, DSGI, and other advocates, contended that Aadhaar facilitates good governance and ensures benefits reach marginalized sections.

Ultimately, the court sided with the petitioners, ruling that SC/ST students should not be denied scholarship benefits due to the lack of an Aadhaar card. The decision mandates that students can verify their identity using other authenticated documents, thereby safeguarding their educational rights and privacy.

This judgment is a significant affirmation of the rights of marginalized communities and sets a precedent for similar cases across India, reinforcing the balance between state welfare measures and individual privacy rights.

Bottom Line:

Aadhaar card cannot be made mandatory for SC/ST students of Meghalaya up to post-matriculation level for availing post-matric scholarship scheme benefits; other authenticated documents can be used for identity verification.

Statutory provision(s): Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 Section 7

Greneth M. Sangma v. Union of India, (Meghalaya)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2801864