After the Puttaswamy (Aadhaar) judgment (2018), Aadhaar authentication is mandatory for which of the following?
- All bank accounts and mobile connections
- Only for welfare schemes funded from Consolidated Fund of India and PAN-Aadhaar linking for tax purposes
- Only for voting in elections
- Only for passport applications
Answer: Only for welfare schemes funded from Consolidated Fund of India and PAN-Aadhaar linking for tax purposes
Post-Puttaswamy Aadhaar framework (2018 judgment + subsequent clarifications): Mandatory for: (a) Welfare schemes funded from Consolidated Fund of India (to prevent leakage), (b) PAN-Aadhaar linking for income tax purposes (to curb tax evasion), (c) Certain statutory requirements (e.g., Companies Act for directors). NOT mandatory for: (a) Bank accounts/mobile numbers (struck down), (b) School admissions (privacy concerns), (c) NEET/JEE exams (alternative ID allowed). Balances state interest in efficient welfare delivery with right to privacy.