Identifying road mishap victims: UIDAI response sought

One-liner: The Delhi HC has sought a response from the UIDAI and the city govt on the issue of identification of unknown victims of road accidents on the basis of specific characteristics available with the Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR).

Notice issued: The HC issued notice to the authorities on a reference received from the presiding officer of the Motor Accidents Claim Tribunal on the matter.

Responses sought: It issued notice to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Delhi govt and member secretary of Delhi State Legal Service Authority and asked them to file their responses.

Guidance: On Aug 3, MACT Presiding Officer Kamini Lau sent a reference for giving an authoritative finding relating to the identification of deceased victims on the basis of CIDR, regulated by UIDAI, for the purposes of guidance.

Database: The CIDR is a govt agency that stores and manages data for the Aadhaar project. The CIDR maintains a centralised database in one or more locations containing all Aadhaar numbers issued to Aadhaar holders.

Legal impediments: The MACT presiding officer said while dealing with motor accident claim cases, certain legal impediments have been noticed during investigations which also come in the way of inquiry of cases where the identity of the deceased is unknown.

Biometrics: It said according to the reports received from the Delhi Police, they have been requesting UIDAI for sharing information relating to the identity of the unknown victims by way of comparison of biometrics. 

Taking refuge: However, UIDAI is refusing to provide any aid or assistance in this regard by taking refuge of Sections 29 and 33 of the Aadhaar.

Source: PTI