By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 31: The High Court of Meghalaya has ordered that its earlier interim direction allowing the use of alternative identification documents in place of Aadhaar must remain in force for now.
In its order passed on Saturday, the division bench of Chief Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh made it clear that the protection applies to all applicants who have already submitted their Aadhaar applications but are still awaiting issuance.
“Our interim order dated 21st July, 2025, permitting the said other documents to be considered by the authority till an Aadhaar card is issued will continue and be operative in favour of all applicants for Aadhaar card who have submitted their application and such applications are pending,” the bench stated.
The direction came while hearing a PIL filed by social activist Greneth M. Sangma. Interestingly, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) filed its affidavit-in-opposition even before the Court had issued directions in that regard.
The matter will come up for further hearing on September 17.