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Karnataka High Court Directs UIDAI to Provide Aadhaar Usage Details for Missing Person Case Investigation

By Gireesh Vasishta
Karnataka High Court Directs UIDAI to Provide Aadhaar Usage Details for Missing Person Case Investigation

The Dharwad Bench of the Karnataka High Court recently directed the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to provide details of the last location where an Aadhaar card was used in connection with the investigation of a missing person case. This order was issued by Justice Suraj Govindaraj while hearing a petition filed by Krishnamurthy from Ramalingeshwar Nagar, Hubballi.

The court reiterated that under Section 33 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, police or any other agency requiring Aadhaar details for verification or investigation must file an application before the High Court. The bench noted that upon hearing such an application, the court must provide UIDAI adequate opportunity to respond. Subsequently, the court may direct UIDAI to furnish necessary and just information regarding Aadhaar card usage, including the location where it was used.

While Section 29 of the Aadhaar Act restricts the sharing of information, this restriction applies only to biometric data. However, when a specific application is made, the court may order UIDAI to provide Aadhaar numbers, biometric data, or demographic information in certain cases for investigative purposes. The court emphasized that such information must be shared only with the investigating officer and not disclosed to others.Also Read: Supreme Court Fines Uttarakhand Election Commission ₹2 Lakh for Clarification on Candidate's Name in Multiple Voter Lists

In this case, the court ordered UIDAI to provide all details of the missing person’s Aadhaar usage from 15 days prior to the complaint until the present, within 15 days, to the investigating officer. The information is to be used solely for the investigation and not shared with anyone else.WEET Cotton T-Shirt and Pyjama Set for Men,Night Wear for Men,Men's Pyjama Set 122

Case Background:
The petitioner’s son went missing in 2019, and a complaint was filed on December 19, 2019, at the Gokul Road Police Station in Hubballi. Despite several efforts, the missing son could not be traced. On June 20, 2023, information was received confirming the use of the missing son’s Aadhaar card. The petitioner promptly informed the Hubballi Police Commissioner and the regional Aadhaar office, requesting details of the Aadhaar usage. On May 10, 2024, the petitioner submitted a formal request to UIDAI, which was not acted upon. Consequently, the petitioner approached the High Court, seeking a directive for UIDAI to provide the necessary details to aid the investigation.