New Delhi, Apr 12 (IANS): The Delhi High Court on Friday asked the central government to file a reply on a plea challenging the constitutional validity of The Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Anup J. Bhambhani asked the government to file its reply to the plea within four weeks and listed the matter for further hearing on July 9.

The petition filed through advocates Reepak Kansal and Yadunandan Bansal said that the ordinance has amended the Indian Telegraph Act which has provided for the voluntary use of the Aadhaar number for identity verification.

The ordinance has authorised private establishments and corporations to use, sell and make profit by selling private data in Aadhaar.

The advocates said that promulgation of the ordinance had bypassed the democratic process and was a jolt to the constitutional scheme.

The petitioners also said that passing the constitutional amendment act in a hurry just like promulgation of the ordinance showed the political inclination to mobilise public for political mileage.

The ordinance was notified on March 2, 2019.

The petitioners said the ordinance has brought amendments to the Indian Telegraph Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act which means that Aadhaar can be used as a voluntary ID proof for obtaining a SIM card and for opening a bank account.