Amazon, Flipkart instant credit via Aadhaar violates SC verdict: Legal experts

As all e-commerce platforms are in the final leg of their flagship festival sale, Amazon and Flipkart had recently launched interest-free instant credit option to lure more customers in the season.

Based on credit history and previous shopping patterns, both e-commerce marketplace would offer an instant credit line of up to Rs 60,000 for consumers.

The instant loan model has already received a positive response from the customers, however, the inclusion of Aadhaar for granting the credit has created another debate on the 12 digits biometric accountability.

According to some lawyers, this is a sheer violation of the Supreme Court's recent verdict. The apex court had struck down Section 57 of Aadhaar and clearly stated that no private company including e-commerce or bank or individual can ask for an Aadhaar.

According to a TOI report, former additional solicitor general of India, P Wilson also spoke against the move by e-commerce players and clarified that there can be no justification for private companies asking for such details.

Other fraternities who closely watch Aadhaar have parroted the same line and said that no e-commerce company can run any scheme that asks customers' Aadhaar number.

Reacting on the latest Aadhaar debate, Amazon and Flipkart's spokespersons have agreed to comply with the Supreme Court verdict and will act according to the law.

As the flagship sale for both companies is in the final stage, it will be interesting to watch how they react or whether they would comply to remove Aadhaar from the instant credit facility.