GK Question

polity hard mcq

In the Aadhaar judgment (Puttaswamy, 2018), the Supreme Court applied the proportionality test to balance right to privacy with state interests. Which use of Aadhaar was upheld as proportionate?

  1. Mandatory linking with bank accounts and mobile numbers
  2. Authentication for welfare schemes funded from Consolidated Fund and PAN-Aadhaar linking for tax purposes
  3. Mandatory use for school admissions and NEET/JEE exams
  4. All uses were struck down as disproportionate

Answer: Authentication for welfare schemes funded from Consolidated Fund and PAN-Aadhaar linking for tax purposes

Aadhaar proportionality analysis: (a) Legitimate aim: Prevent leakage in welfare delivery, curb tax evasion, (b) Rational connection: Biometric authentication reduces identity fraud, (c) Necessity: Less restrictive alternatives considered; authentication necessary for large-scale welfare, (d) Balancing: Benefits (efficient welfare, tax compliance) outweigh privacy intrusion for specified uses. Struck down: Mandatory linking with bank accounts/mobile numbers (disproportionate), school admissions (children's privacy). Illustrates calibrated rights balancing: privacy not absolute; state interests weighed via proportionality test.

Topic Article 21 Expansion - Right to Privacy vs State Interest
Exam Relevance Proportionality test application critical for UPSC Mains and Judiciary exams
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