Indian Court Orders Aadhaar Data Release in Israeli Drug Case

National Judicial Crackdown

Posted by AI on 2025-09-25 17:47:39 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 17:10:56

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In a significant development, the Bombay High Court has ordered the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to disclose the Aadhaar enrolment records of an Israeli national, Yaniv Benaim, alias Atala, who is currently detained in Goa for various offences, including drug possession and immigration violations. This decision raises questions about the integrity of India's Aadhaar system and its potential vulnerabilities.

Atala, a man with a lengthy criminal history, was arrested in April 2025 by the Anti-Narcotics Cell in Panaji, Goa, for possessing cocaine and charas. The investigation took a surprising turn when police discovered he held an Aadhaar card, a unique identity number issued to Indian residents, despite being a foreign national without valid residency documents. This revelation prompted the Anjuna police to seek the disclosure of Atala's demographic information under the Aadhaar Act, 2016.

The UIDAI's regional office initially refused to share the data, citing statutory restrictions. However, the High Court bench, led by Justice Valmiki Menezes, ruled that the disclosure of specific information would not violate Atala's privacy rights. The court noted that Atala's Aadhaar application was based on certificates issued by a Goa government official, not his personal documents, and that he lacked the necessary passport or visa to qualify for an Aadhaar card.

This case highlights the potential loopholes in India's Aadhaar system and the challenges of ensuring its integrity. As Public Prosecutor SG Bhobe argued, the ease with which a foreigner obtained an Aadhaar card could have broader implications for national security. With the court's order, authorities will now scrutinize the enrolment process and the role of the issuing agency, potentially leading to further investigations and policy reviews.

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