Delhi High Court Seeks Centre's Response to Challenge Against Mandatory Aadhaar Authentication for LPG Refills

The Delhi High Court sought responses from the Centre and oil marketing companies on a PIL challenging mandatory biometric Aadhaar authentication for domestic LPG refills at the regulated retail price.

Background and issue

The Delhi High Court sought responses from the Centre and oil marketing companies on a PIL challenging mandatory biometric Aadhaar authentication for domestic LPG refills at the regulated retail price. Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia noted during the hearing that not every LPG consumer necessarily possesses Aadhaar. The petition challenges a September 17 Petroleum Ministry communication and a September 19 press release implementing the requirement. The Court has not declared the authentication rule invalid or suspended it merely by issuing notice. Respondents must place their position on record, and the matter is scheduled for further consideration on October 5.

Legal significance

The legal effect is confined to the judgment, order or procedural development reported here. Allegations, party submissions and oral observations are not treated as established facts unless expressly decided.

What follows

The matter proceeds according to the operative directions, statutory process or further hearing identified above.

Source: Original report