The Supreme Court will hear in November all petitions challenging Aadhaar to be violative of citizens' right to privacy, now a fundamental right under the Constitution. As a concession ahead of the big hearing, expected to continue for a month, the Centre agreed to extend the September 30 deadline requiring mandatory linkage of Aadhaar with social welfare schemes till December 31.

Under Aadhaar, the Government had introduced a Unique Identification number, commonly known as Aadhaar number, to be used as verification tool to test the authenticity of citizens availing social welfare benefits and services.

As part of this unique initiative, citizens were asked to submit their biometrics and iris scan details that would remain stored with the Government. The petitioners, who include a former High Court judge and social activists, challenged Aadhaar on the ground of violation of their inherent privacy rights.

The Centre refused to hold privacy as a fundamental right that finally led to the Supreme Court's unanimous decision by nine judges declaring privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21 (right to life and liberty). On Wednesday, senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for a former HC judge, sought listing of his petition.

The Bench headed by CJI Dipak Misra directed all petitions against Aadhaar to be listed in the first week of November. The Centre represented by Attorney General KK Venugopal further informed the Court that the Centre has extended the deadline for linking of Aadhaar with social welfare schemes till December 31.