New Delhi, Feb 6: To put an end to fraudulent activities, the Supreme Court on Monday directed the Central government to link all mobile numbers to Aadhaar within a period of one year. The Apex Court urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government to frame policies regarding rules and regulations to ensure the fact that the SIMs (Subscriber Identification Module) is not misused by anyone. Also Read - Regulate Digital Media First: Centre Tells SC in Affidavit Filed in Response to Pleas Against Sudarshan TV

The Supreme Court’s order came after a public interest litigation (PIL) expressed concerns over the non-existence of a mechanism to identify the owner of a SIM card in case it was misused by someone. The Supreme Court in its order made it mandatory for all mobile subscribers, including pre-paid SIM card users to link their SIM cards to Aadhaar cards. The Court asked the Centre to device a plan for pre-paid sim card users so that each person will have to fill and deposit a form whenever he or she recharges. Also Read - 'Disservice To Nation': SC Stays Broadcast of TV Show 'UPSC Jihad', Says Intent is to Vilify Muslim Community

As per ANI report, the Supreme Court heard the plea filed by Lok Niti foundation that sought the court’s intervention for a direction to streamline the unauthorized use of SIM cards in mobile phones. The PIL said that there was a grave risk to the national security because of lack of verification of mobile phone subscribers. The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by Lokniti Foundation gave suggestion on the mobile phone verification issue. The Supreme Court’s bench headed by Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar said that it is important to remove fictitious subscribers to crackdown fraudulent activities that take place. (ALSO READ: Supreme Court refuses to lift restriction on extended use of Aadhar; CJI to constitute larger bench to hear Centre’s plea) Also Read - 'Doesn't Mean I Have Accepted Verdict': Prashant Bhushan Pays Re 1 Fine, Files Review Petition in SC

On January 23, the Supreme Court gave the Centre two weeks to implement a mechanism to ensure proper verification of all mobile phone subscribers while issuing SIM cards. The Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that it plans to verify the details, including the identity and address of all mobile subscribers within a year. “An effective mechanism would be put in place and the process would be completed in a year,” said attorney general Mukul Rohatgi, on behalf of the Centre.