The Supreme Court has indefinitely extended the March 31 deadline for linking of various services with Aadhaar, until it delivers the judgement on the constitutional validity of the biometrical identification scheme.A five-judge constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra that announced the order, said that this extension will not affect the linking of Aadhaar with the disbursal of benefits under social welfare schemes.
Last week, the Indian government had indicated that it may extend the deadline for the mandatory linking of Aadhaar since more time would be needed to conclude the prolonged hearing in the case.
On December 15 last year, the apex court had extended the deadline for mandatory linking of Aadhaar with various services and welfare schemes to March 31.
(With agency inputs)