The Kerala High Court on Thursday expressed dissatisfaction with the Railway Board for failing to respond for several months on whether Aadhaar authentication is mandatory for booking tatkal railway tickets. The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging a central government circular that mandates Aadhaar-based authentication for tatkal bookings.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V M sharply criticised the Railway Board after its counsel requested an additional three weeks to submit a response on the issue.
The court noted that sufficient time had already been granted earlier but the authorities had not filed their reply. Expressing displeasure over the delay, the bench remarked that the matter involved a straightforward issue that should not have required such prolonged consideration.
Addressing the counsel, the bench observed: “For such a simple issue you are taking so much time. You have not responded after time of several months altogether (that) has been given. If you are unable to respond, then we can decide the issue.”
The case arises from a PIL that challenges a central government circular requiring Aadhaar-based authentication for tatkal ticket bookings. The petition raises questions about the legality and necessity of linking Aadhaar authentication with the tatkal booking system.
During the hearing, the Railway Board’s counsel sought further time to file the response. The bench allowed the request but made it clear that the reply must be filed within three weeks.
The matter has now been adjourned for three weeks, with the court directing the Railway Board to submit its response within that period.
