Bank Cannot Delay Or Refuse To Open Account Over Demand For Aadhar Card': Bombay High Court Orders ₹50K Compensation

The Bombay High Court has definitively ruled that an Aadhaar card is not mandatory for opening a bank account. This judgment reinforces previous Supreme Court pronouncements, clarifying that while Aadhaar can be used as a valid Know Your Customer (KYC) document, banks cannot insist on it as the sole or compulsory requirement for account opening. This decision protects individuals from being denied essential banking services if they do not possess an Aadhaar card, upholding the right to financial inclusion. It serves as a clear directive to financial institutions, ensuring compliance with established legal frameworks regarding customer identification beyond specific government benefit schemes.