New Delhi, December 12

In line with the Supreme Court’s ruling on Unique Identification (UID) number, the Ministry of Law & Justice is likely to favour making Aadhaar optional for procuring ‘out of turn’ (Tatkal) passport, as the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has sent a note to it for legal advice on the issue.

Officials at the Ministry of Law and Justice said the MEA had ‘sought our opinion’ whether requirement of Aadhaar could be made optional for procuring passport out of turn. “Finally, when we decide on the matter, we are likely to favour making Aadhaar optional as one of the documents for getting passport in ‘Tatkal’ scheme,” they said.

“Presently, as per section 218 of the Passport Act, it is mandatory for persons to submit Aadhaar number and any two other documents proving the address of their residences to procure ‘Tatkal’ passport,” said a senior Law Ministry official, who went on to add that currently “for those who do not have Aadhaar, they are required to apply for Aadhaar and provide the Aadhaar application number while applying for availing the service”.

Even the Unique Identification Authority of India had earlier said the requirement of Aadhaar for applying for Tatkal passports would continue. — TNS