Delhi High Court Rules on UIDAI Data Disclosure

The Delhi High Court has ruled that the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) can disclose an individual's Aadhaar information to the court without prior hearing under exceptional circumstances, particularly in habeas corpus cases where the missing person may be in danger. This decision emerged from a case where a daughter sought assistance in locating her mother, missing since May 2019, whose Aadhaar details, including updated address and mobile number, prompted urgency in the investigation. The court referenced the Supreme Court's K.S. Puttuswamy judgment, affirming the right to privacy but recognizing that urgent situations can necessitate exceptions for public safety. Justices Prathiba M Singh and Amit Sharma emphasized that while Aadhaar data is private, the need to safeguard individuals in critical conditions may warrant disclosure in sealed cover. The ruling is viewed as a significant development in balancing privacy rights with the imperatives of individual safety. The Delhi Police reported ongoing challenges in tracing the missing woman despite their extensive efforts.