Aadhaar Petition: SC pulls up West Bengal Govt

Insight Bureau: The Supreme Court came down heavily on Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal Government, slamming it for challenging constitutional validity of Aadhaar. “How can a state challenge law passed by the Centre through Parliament mandate”, the court asked.

The apex court asked CM Mamata Banerjee to come in an individual capacity if she wants to challenge the Aadhaar, but not as the Chief Minister of a State.

The West Bengal Government had earlier moved the Supreme Court against the Centre’s decision to make the 12-digit bio-metric Aadhaar number mandatory for availing social welfare schemes, saying it was against the federal structure.

“West Bengal’s move was against federal structure. Tomorrow the Centre can challenge a law passed by the state. It’s not a healthy sign,” the court observed.