Case Note & Summary
The petitioners, Rohit Bandu Nikalje and Rahul Bandu Nikalje, twin brothers, filed a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India before the Bombay High Court. They sought a direction to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and its Regional Officer to update the biometric details linked to their Aadhaar cards or, alternatively, to issue fresh Aadhaar cards. The petitioners were issued Aadhaar cards in 2012 when they were minors. Upon attaining the relevant age, they approached the authorities in 2022 to update their biometrics, submitting necessary documents and biometric data. However, the updated Aadhaar cards were not issued. Upon inquiry, they were informed that their update request had been rejected due to biometric mismatch. They raised grievances on the UIDAI portal and were asked to visit the Regional Office in Mumbai. On 23 April 2024, they were informed that the biometric update request was rejected due to mismatch and were advised to apply for cancellation of existing Aadhaar numbers and then apply for fresh enrollment. They submitted consent forms for cancellation but received no communication. On 30 May 2024, they were told that a new circular had revoked the earlier cancellation process and they would need to update the existing Aadhaar numbers with corrected biometrics. They consented to correction and updation, but their request was again rejected without any reasons. The court considered the issue of whether the rejection without assigning reasons was arbitrary. The court held that the rejection without any reasons is arbitrary and violative of principles of natural justice. The court directed UIDAI to pass a reasoned order within four weeks, after giving the petitioners an opportunity of being heard. The petition was disposed of accordingly.
Headnote
A) Constitutional Law - Writ Jurisdiction - Article 226 of the Constitution of India - Right to Reasoned Order - Petitioners, twin brothers, sought direction to UIDAI to update biometrics linked to their Aadhaar cards after their update request was rejected without any reasons - Court held that the rejection without assigning reasons is arbitrary and violative of principles of natural justice - Directed UIDAI to pass a reasoned order within four weeks (Paras 1-10).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the rejection of the petitioners' request for biometric update in Aadhaar without assigning any reasons is arbitrary and violative of principles of natural justice.
Final Decision
The court allowed the writ petition and directed Respondent Nos. 1 and 2 to pass a reasoned order on the petitioners' request for biometric update within four weeks, after giving them an opportunity of being heard.
Law Points
- Principles of natural justice
- Right to be heard
- Reasoned order
- Aadhaar biometric update
- Article 226 of the Constitution of India
