SC asks Centre to look into PIL seeking a system to authenticate govt ID cards

A PIL in Supreme Court alleged that there was no mechanism to check the authenticity of ID cards used by persons to gain access to public places, where entry is usually restricted, and for getting benefits of government schemes.

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre to consider as representation a PIL seeking putting in place a technology to authenticate identity cards like voter ID, Aadhar cards and driving licenses from being misused by imposters and criminals.

A PIL in Supreme Court alleged that there was no mechanism to check the authenticity of ID cards used by persons to gain access to public places, where entry is usually restricted, and for getting benefits of government schemes. (PTI file photo)

“Respond to proposals made in the petition. Let him (petitioner) make the representation. Examine the viability, technical and otherwise, of the proposals,” a bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur said.

The bench was hearing a PIL, filed by one Ravi Kiran Singh, alleging there was no mechanism to check the authenticity of ID cards used by persons to gain access to public places, where entry is usually restricted, and for getting benefits of government schemes.

However, the Centre said the government and its bodies would incur “colossal” expenses to put in place such a mechanism at every department and public place like airports.

“You (Centre) may not need to implement this immediately. But you can certainly examine it,” the bench also comprising justices D Y Chandrachud and L Nageswara Rao said while disposing of the PIL.

The plea also said that people were re-using “revoked/ cancelled/outdated/expired ID cards” for personal gains and criminal activities as there was no mechanism to authenticate them while granting access to all the services for which they are issued.