Delhi HC seeks Centre’s response to PIL against Aadhaar mandate for subsidised LPG

The Delhi High Court sought responses to a challenge against mandatory biometric Aadhaar authentication for LPG consumers receiving subsidised refills at regulated prices. The case asks whether this requirement is lawful and workable, especially for people unable to complete biometric checks.

The petition was filed by lawyer Pulkit Luthra, who has a 75% permanent visual disability. He said iris scanning creates serious difficulties for visually impaired people and others. His lawyer also said supplies under the earlier arrangement stopped October 1, while the Centre defended authentication as protection against subsidy misuse.

The notices went to the Centre, the petroleum regulator, and Indian Oil, BPCL, and HPCL. The court gave respondents two weeks to reply and scheduled the next hearing for November 18. The petition says the mandate affects 3.16 crore consumers and lacks statutory backing under the Aadhaar Act, 2016.

Mandatory biometric Aadhaar authentication proves identity through a body feature linked to an Aadhaar number. It can become necessary before receiving subsidised LPG refills at regulated prices. The Centre says it aims to prevent subsidy misuse, while critics fear exclusion.

A consumer would generally provide Aadhaar details at an authorised point, then scan a fingerprint or iris. The system compares that biometric with Aadhaar records; the article does not specify exact locations or steps. Petitioner Pulkit Luthra, who has a 75% permanent visual disability, says iris scanning creates significant difficulties.

On October 14, 2026, the Delhi High Court sought replies from the Centre, regulator, and oil companies. The petition says 3.16 crore consumers are affected and the mandate lacks legal backing. The court will hear the case on November 18.

Mandatory biometric Aadhaar authentication could affect 3.16 crore LPG consumers seeking subsidised refills at regulated prices. The requirement matters because customers must complete verification, including iris scanning, before accessing those benefits.

The petition was filed in the Delhi High Court by lawyer Pulkit Luthra. He has a 75% permanent visual disability and challenges the required iris scan and other biometric checks. The government says authentication aims to stop subsidy misuse and promises support for people with disabilities.

Supplies under the earlier arrangement were reportedly stopped from October 1, according to the petitioner’s submission. On October 14, the court issued notices and gave respondents two weeks to file replies. The next hearing is scheduled for November 18, while the petitioner seeks interim relief.

Biometric Aadhaar checks can be especially difficult for people with visual disabilities because the process includes iris scanning. The petitioner says some people may be unable to complete verification, potentially blocking subsidised LPG refills.

Pulkit Luthra, who has a 75% permanent visual disability, brought the challenge before Delhi High Court. His argument focuses on a practical barrier. Someone with limited vision may struggle to complete an iris-based check, despite qualifying for subsidy.

The mandate reportedly affects 3.16 crore consumers, while earlier LPG supplies stopped from October 1. On October 14, the court sought replies and scheduled its next hearing for November 18. The Centre says concerns affecting disabled people will be addressed.

Most importantly, a consumer who cannot complete Aadhaar biometrics could be unable to receive an LPG refill at the subsidised, regulated price. The case suggests earlier supply arrangements may have stopped, but the Delhi High Court has not yet decided whether that consequence is lawful.

Pulkit Luthra, who has a 75% permanent visual disability, says mandatory iris scanning creates serious difficulties for him and others with visual impairments. Under the current process, biometric failure could prevent the required authentication needed to obtain subsidised access, even if the consumer still needs fuel.

The court issued notices on October 14, giving respondents two weeks to reply, with the next hearing set for November 18. The Centre says the measure prevents subsidy misuse and assured that disability concerns would be addressed. Until a ruling or interim relief arrives, consumers who cannot authenticate may face uncertainty over subsidised refills; the petitioner says earlier supplies stopped October 1.

The Aadhaar Act, 2016, created a legal framework for Aadhaar numbers and the UIDAI. Its central purpose is targeted delivery of subsidies, benefits, and services, while reducing duplicate or fraudulent claims. Section 7 allows authentication for benefits funded from India’s Consolidated Fund, subject to safeguards.

The Supreme Court’s 2018 Aadhaar ruling upheld this limited use but rejected broader compulsory use. It struck down mandatory Aadhaar for bank accounts and mobile connections, and restricted private entities’ use. It also required alternatives where authentication fails, so people are not denied benefits.

That distinction matters in the present LPG dispute. On October 14, 2026, the Delhi High Court sought replies from the Centre, PNGRB, and oil companies. Petitioner Pulkit Luthra says iris scans burden people with visual disabilities and lack statutory backing. The mandate reportedly affects 3.16 crore consumers, but the court has not decided its legality. The case will be heard November 18.

An LPG subsidy lowers the consumer’s cost. Government support covers part of the refill price. Regulated prices are set or controlled, making essential fuel more predictable. That support must reach genuine users.

In this case, the Centre wants biometric Aadhaar authentication before consumers receive subsidised refills. The government says identity checks can link each benefit to one eligible consumer and prevent duplicate or fraudulent claims. However, petitioner Pulkit Luthra, who has a 75% visual disability, says iris scanning can be difficult. This shows the trade-off: tighter checks may reduce misuse but create access barriers.

The Delhi High Court issued notices on October 14 and gave respondents two weeks to reply. The plea challenges the authentication mandate and says earlier LPG supplies stopped on October 1. Attorney General R. Venkataramani defended the policy, promising attention to disability concerns. The court will hear the matter next on November 18.