Social activist Greneth M Sangma has filed a complaint with the State Bank of India (SBI) against the Baghmara branch for denying people without Aadhaar the opportunity to open bank accounts. Sangma argues that this is illegal, citing a Supreme Court judgment that states that Aadhaar is not mandatory for opening bank accounts if citizens are not availing government subsidies. He emphasizes that Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to privacy, is being violated, and that the Reserve Bank of India’s Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines allow for alternative identity and address proof documents. As Meghalaya is exempt from mandatory Aadhaar requirements under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, Sangma urges SBI to take immediate action to ensure that customers can open accounts without providing Aadhaar. He argues that this is necessary to protect the fundamental right to privacy and dignity of citizens.

Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/11/22/activist-moves-sbi-against-aadhaar-requirement-to-open-bank-account/