Delhi HC seeks Centre’s reply on mandatory Aadhaar for LPG

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday, 14 October, sought the Centre's response to a public interest litigation challenging the government's decision to make biometric Aadhaar authentication mandatory for domestic LPG consumers to book subsidised refills from 1 October. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma issued notice to the central government, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board and public sector oil companies, giving them two weeks to file a reply. The court listed the matter for hearing on 18 November.

The petition, filed by lawyer Pulkit Luthra who has 75 per cent permanent visual disability, argues that the mandate is arbitrary, disproportionate and violates Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. It claims that approximately 3.16 crore consumers are affected, particularly the elderly and persons with disabilities who may be unable to complete biometric authentication. Senior advocate Zoheb Hossain contended that the decision is contrary to existing law and the Supreme Court's Aadhaar judgment, and urged the court to consider interim relief.

Attorney General R Venkataramani defended the decision, stating it was taken to check the 'abuse' of government subsidy. He said the disabled section would be taken care of. The petition challenges a 17 September letter from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to oil marketing companies, followed by a 19 September press release, which contemplates blocking LPG refills for consumers who have not completed biometric authentication.