In a significant legal development, the Bombay High Court at Goa has directed the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to disclose the documents used by Israeli national Yaniv Benaim, also known as Atala, to obtain an Aadhaar card.
Atala, arrested in April 2025 for possession of narcotics, was found to have secured an Aadhaar card in August 2021 without possessing a valid passport or visa, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the Aadhaar enrolment process.
Court’s Ruling
Justice Valmiki Menezes, presiding over the case, emphasized that while Section 3 of the Aadhaar Act entitles every resident of India to obtain an Aadhaar number, the term “resident” must be understood in the context of valid residence status.
The court noted that Atala lacked the necessary documentation to justify his stay in India as a resident, thereby questioning the legitimacy of his Aadhaar enrolment.
The court further observed that the disclosure of Atala’s demographic information was crucial for the ongoing investigation under the Foreigners Act and the Foreigners Order, as it would help establish how a foreign national managed to obtain an Aadhaar card without valid documentation.
Implications for National Security
Public Prosecutor SG Bhobe argued that the issuance of an Aadhaar card to a foreign national without proper documentation could pose a threat to national security.
He highlighted the potential misuse of such identification for unlawful activities, underscoring the need for a thorough investigation into the matter.
The court’s decision to grant police access to the enrolment documents is seen as a step towards ensuring accountability in the Aadhaar enrolment process and preventing its misuse.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is Yaniv Benaim, and why is his Aadhaar card significant?
A1: Yaniv Benaim, alias Atala, is an Israeli national and a convicted drug dealer arrested in Goa in April 2025. His possession of an Aadhaar card without valid travel documents has raised concerns about the integrity of the Aadhaar enrolment process.
Q2: What did the Bombay High Court order regarding Atala’s Aadhaar card?
A2: The court directed UIDAI to disclose the documents used by Atala to obtain his Aadhaar card, as they are crucial for the investigation into his illegal stay in India and potential misuse of the Aadhaar system.
Q3: How does this case impact the Aadhaar enrolment process?
A3: This case highlights the need for stricter verification procedures in the Aadhaar enrolment process to prevent misuse by foreign nationals and ensure national security.
Q4: What are the legal provisions related to Aadhaar enrolment for foreign nationals?
A4: Under the Aadhaar Act, foreign nationals are entitled to obtain an Aadhaar number if they are residents of India, which requires valid documentation such as a visa or residential permit.
Conclusion
The Bombay High Court’s directive to UIDAI to disclose the documents used by Yaniv Benaim to obtain an Aadhaar card underscores the importance of stringent verification processes in the Aadhaar enrolment system. This case serves as a critical reminder of the potential security implications of issuing Aadhaar cards without proper documentation and the need for continuous oversight to maintain the integrity of the system.
Published on : 26th September
Published by : SMITA
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