Chhattisgarh HC modifies order making Aadhaar must for bail

Nearly a month after the Chhattisgarh high court made Aadhaar mandatory for being released on bail, it has modified its order to say that now any identification document such as voter ID, passport and PAN card can be submitted for being released.

In its modified order, the HC said, “... considering that the validity of the instrument of Aadhaar itself is under consideration by the Supreme Court, submission of Aadhaar Card may not be made mandatory.”

In the order issued on Thursday, the HC added, “While examining the surety papers, the trial Court shall obtain documents of identification like Aadhaar Card or voter ID or PAN card or passport of the surety. The identification of the accused may be established by the prosecution, which may form part of the police case diary or the charge sheet.”

To curb the rampant submission of forged documents for bail, the HC, in the first week of January, had passed an order that while observing the bail and surety papers, the trial court should obtain the Aadhaar card.

Challenging the HC’s order, advocate Peeyush Bhatia filed a special leave petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court. The SC disposed of the petition after counsel for the Chhattisgarh Bar Council said it had moved the HC seeking a modification of the order.

“This modification benefits people. People who submit fake document should be punished, but the innocent should not suffer,” said high court lawyer Satish Verma.

RAIPUR: IN ITS MODIFIED ORDER, COURT SAID THAT SINCE ADHAAR’S VALIDITY IS UNDER CONSIDERATION OF SC, ITS SUBMISSION IS NOT MANDATORY

FOR SEEKING BAIL