SC extends deadline for linking Aadhaar to phones, bank accounts

No relief for those availing government subsidies, benefits

The Supreme Count on Tuesday issued an interim order extending the deadline for linking Aadhaar numbers to bank accounts, mobile phone numbers, passports and other services indefinitely beyond the previous deadline of March 31. A Constitution Bench is also hearing a case on this matter.
 
The five-judge Bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice A K Sikri, Justice A M Khanwilkar, Justice D Y Chandrachud, and Justice Ashok Bhushan said there was no need to link Aadhaar to these services till a judgment was pronounced on the constitutionality of the Unique Identification Programme.
 
Petitioners have challenged the use