SFLC.in wrote to Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways regarding recent directions that require citizens to update their mobile numbers through Aadhaar authentication for vehicles and driving licences. This effectively results in linking Aadhaar numbers with vehicle registrations and driving licences as mobile number updation is being permitted only through Aadhaar authentication (OTP sent to Mobile number linked to Aadhaar), thereby creating a link between Aadhaar numbers and driving licence or vehicle records. This creates a de facto linkage of Aadhaar with vehicles and driving licenses despite Aadhaar being voluntary in nature.
In light of the above, we respectfully urge the Ministry to:
- Reaffirm that Aadhaar authentication for driving licence and vehicle-related services is strictly voluntary, as per the Notification and K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) & Anr. v. Union of India (2018)
- Provide clear alternative mechanisms for mobile number updation without Aadhaar authentication
- Refrain from making Aadhaar linkage mandatory in any form, whether directly or indirectly, for availing transport-related services.
Read the full letter here:
