Of Aadhaar cards and smart phones

In August, the Supreme Court restricted the use of the government's biometrics-based identity number, Aadhaar, to only the public distribution system. Those who opposed this pointed out to the judges this week that the Supreme Court rules demanded Aadhaar details from those who wished to file public interest litigation. Thus, the court was violating its own order. Opposing the argument that the number violated the right to privacy by carrying personal details, the Attorney-General contended that a person's cell phone carried more private information than the Aadhaar. "It can even trace the unfaithful," he added. The judges asked what if the phone was switched off. "The sim card can still say a lot more," he insisted.