Aadhaar based OTP Authentication (Governance)
Aadhaar based OTP Authentication (Governance)
Why In News:
A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court has upheld the requirement of Aadhaar based One Time Password (OTP) authentication for booking online Tatkal train tickets through IRCTC, ruling that the measure does not violate the right to privacy.
Source: The Hindu, Page 4, 24 July 2026 - 'Aadhaar verification for Tatkal train tickets not violative of privacy rights, says Kerala HC'
Background: The Tatkal Aadhaar Mandate
Aadhaar based OTP authentication became necessary for online Tatkal bookings, extended to computerised counter and agent bookings in order to curb bulk and bot driven bookings by agents.
Authorised agents are barred from booking Tatkal tickets in the first 30 minutes of the booking window to prevent misuse.
Constitutional and Legal Background
The petitioners relied on K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017), where a nine judge Bench of the Supreme Court held that the right to privacy is a fundamental right flowing from Article 21.
The subsequent Aadhaar judgment (2018) upheld linking Aadhaar to welfare benefits and subsidies drawn from the Consolidated Fund of India under Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, while striking down mandatory linkage to bank accounts and mobile SIM cards.
The Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 is administered by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
Key Facts for Prelims
Aadhaar: A 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India on behalf of the Government of India. It serves as a valid proof of identity and address across the country.
Nature: Aadhaar is a biometric-based document that stores an individual’s demographic and biometric details in a centralized government database.
Eligibility: It can be issued to any resident who has lived in India for 182 days or more in the 12 months before applying, along with valid proof of identity and address. Foreign nationals residing in India for this duration are also eligible.
Utility: The Aadhaar number enables individuals to access a wide range of services, including banking, mobile connections, and various government and non-government services.