Kerala High Court backs Aadhaar for Tatkal bookings, hints at PAN Card alternative
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Infrastructure (energy, ports, roads, railways)· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Kerala High Court upheld the IRCTC's use of Aadhaar-based OTP for Tatkal bookings while suggesting PAN Card as an alternative to balance security and accessibility.
Background
On July 24, 2026, the Kerala High Court dismissed a PIL challenging Aadhaar-based OTP authentication for Tatkal tickets. The court ruled that while Aadhaar is justified to prevent bulk booking deceit, IRCTC should explore dual authentication options including PAN Cards.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyIRCTC: A subsidiary of Indian Railways responsible for online ticketing and catering.
- FactAadhaar: A 12-digit unique identity number issued by UIDAI.
- FactPAN: A 10-digit alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the balance between using biometric/digital identity for preventing ticket scalping and ensuring the right to accessible public infrastructure for all citizens.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Digital divide: Barriers faced by rural populations lacking consistent internet or smartphone access for OTP-based booking.
- Data privacy: Risks associated with linking sensitive personal identifiers like Aadhaar with commercial railway booking databases.
Keywords: Digital Identity · Public Infrastructure · Data Privacy · Scalping Prevention · Regulatory Balance
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