Concerned over "major loopholes" in the Aadhaar verification and linkage system, the Delhi HC has sought registration of a suo motu PIL (pdf) seeking the response of the UIDAI, MeitY, and the Ministry of Home Affairs, reports LiveLaw. The order comes in response to the arrest of a mobile shop owner in New Delhi who was allegedly using the Aadhaar biometric verification process to issue new SIM cards without the consent or knowledge of customers. The booked individual was further using the SIM cards to defraud individuals with regard to their LIC life insurance policies. "This loophole can not only have disastrous consequences for the said individual but also raises serious law and order issues and could have serious repercussions on the safety and security of the nation," says the petition calling for registration of a PIL. Modus operandi "The modus operandi that has surfaced during preliminary investigation in this case highlights a major loophole in the system, whereby fresh mobile connections can be issued in the name of an unwary customer, without his knowledge and consent by using his documents and bio metrics," the order states. The mobile shop owner issued new SIM cards and also undertook verification and linkage of Aadhaar with existing SIM cards through a biometric verification machine. Per the FIR, new connections were obtained in the name of individuals who had come to link their Aadhaar with their existing numbers. For linking Aadhaar with the SIM, the holder has to place his thumb on the biometric…
