New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended the deadline for linking of various services with Aadhaar till it delivers its judgment on a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the biometrical identification scheme.

Announcing the order, a five-judge constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, however said that this extension will not affect the linking of Aadhaar with the disbursal of benefits under social welfare schemes.

The order came as senior Counsel Arvind Datar, appearing for one of the petitioners, told the court that passport issuing authorities have made submission of Aadhaar mandatory for issuance of passports.

At this point, Attorney General K.K. Venugopal sought to clarify that this requirement of Aadhaar was only for issuance of 'tatkal' passports.

The court order also extended this extension to the issuance of passports.

The current deadline for linking of bank accounts, mobile phone connections, and other services with Aadhaar was March 31 and this had been extended by the apex court on December 15 last year.  

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Thane: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has strongly criticised Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant for his comment referring to Shaina NC as "imported maal." Shinde asserted that if Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray were alive, he "would have broken his mouth" for making such a remark. Calling Sawant's statement "unfortunate," Shinde condemned the disrespect toward women, saying, "Speaking ill of a woman is highly condemnable, and no amount of criticism is enough."

Shinde expressed that the women of Maharashtra would ensure Sawant faces consequences in the upcoming elections, highlighting that such remarks reveal the character of those making them. Following Shaina NC’s complaint, a case has been registered at Nagpada Police Station, listing charges related to defamation and outraging the modesty of a woman.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also criticised Sawant’s remarks, affirming that derogatory comments against women have no place in society and contradict Maharashtra's values of respect and dignity.

In response, Sawant clarified that he did not directly mention Shaina’s name and claimed his remarks were misinterpreted. The Maharashtra Assembly elections are set for November 20, with vote counting on November 23.