Dialling The Wrong Number: 

Dialling The Wrong Number: 

Context:

• The Union government’s order to re-verification of cellphone subscribers

What is the issue all about?

• The government has directed the telecom operators to re-verify cellphone subscribers
• The notice threatened disconnection of cellphone connections if a user failed to link their Aadhaar prior February 28, 2018

Why is the order being criticized?

• Recently, the Supreme Court of India declared privacy as a fundamental right
• The order is creating anxiety, irritation among users
• Some of the users still may not have enrolled for Aadhaar
• The count told that Aadhaar programme should be restricted to voluntary and specific services
• The court nowhere uses the phrase “direction” which is a term of art contained in court orders to impart a binding force.
• Misinterpretation of the court’s opinion may damage the institutional credibility of the Court
• The Supreme Court has indicated that the pending litigation on Aadhaar will be finally heard in November.

What is the existing procedure for cellular subscribers?

• Since the Union government is the custodian of the airwaves, it issues licenses to private companies to provide mobile voice and data services.
• Telecom operators are governed by regulations including those for subscriber verification by the Department of Telecommunications (DOT)
• Pre-existing norms required cellular users to furnish a valid government identification for availing mobile services and some form of additional verification.