Supreme Court to Reevaluate Aadhaar Act Money Bill Controversy

The Supreme Court has agreed to consider setting up a constitution bench to hear pleas challenging the passage of laws like the Aadhaar Act by the Modi government as money bills. The controversy stems from the ruling NDA’s alleged bypassing of the Rajya Sabha where it was in the minority.

The Supreme Court officially agreed on Monday to deliberate on forming a constitution bench to address challenges against the passage of laws, including the Aadhaar Act, as money bills. The Modi government has been accused of using money bills to bypass the Rajya Sabha, where the ruling NDA lacked a majority.

Currently, the BJP holds 86 seats and the NDA 101 in the 245-member Rajya Sabha, falling short of the 123-majority mark. This procedural tactic has sparked significant political and legal disputes, concerning the legitimacy of these legislative moves.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh is among the petitioners questioning the Aadhaar Act’s classification as a money bill under Article 110 of the Constitution. He expresses hope for a resolution before Chief Justice Chandrachud's retirement in November, as the Supreme Court had earlier indicated readiness to form a seven-judge bench for this issue.