Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Kerala HC Upholds Aadhaar OTP Rule for Tatkal Bookings
The Kerala High Court has decided that using Aadhaar to verify people booking Tatkal train tickets online is okay.
This is to stop people from cheating the system.
The court said that Aadhaar verification is not needed if you buy tickets at the railway counter.
They also suggested that the railway website could use PAN cards instead of Aadhaar for verification.
The government said Aadhaar is the best way to stop people from booking many tickets at once.
The person who complained said this rule is bad for privacy and doesn't fix the real problems with booking tickets online.
Kerala High Court upholds Aadhaar-based OTP authentication for online Tatkal bookings.
Court suggests considering PAN card authentication as an alternative.
Aadhaar authentication is optional and not required for offline bookings.
Government argues Aadhaar prevents misuse and ensures genuine users.
Petitioner contends the requirement violates privacy and fails to address system shortcomings.
- Who
- Kerala High Court, Union Ministry of Railways, IRCTC, Petitioner
- What
- Upholding of Aadhaar-based OTP authentication for online Tatkal bookings
- When
- July 23, 2025
- Where
- Kerala High Court, Kochi
- Why
- To prevent misuse and ensure genuine users access the Tatkal booking system
Government and Railways
Petitioner
Authentication Requirement
Government and Railways
Aadhaar-based OTP authentication is necessary to prevent misuse and ensure genuine users access the Tatkal booking system.
Petitioner
The requirement violates citizens' right to privacy and informational autonomy.
Alternative Authentication Methods
Government and Railways
Aadhaar authentication is superior due to its real-time verification capabilities; alternatives like PAN cards are not as reliable.
Petitioner
PAN card authentication could achieve the same objective and should be considered as an alternative.
Impact on Users
Government and Railways
Aadhaar authentication is optional and does not require verification for every booking; users can still book offline without Aadhaar.
Petitioner
The measure fails to address technical and infrastructure shortcomings affecting the Tatkal booking system.
- Date of Judgment
- July 23, 2025
- Court
- Kerala High Court
- Judges
- Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M.
- Notification Date
- June 10, 2025
- Authentication Methods
- Aadhaar-based OTP, PAN card (suggested alternative)
- Purpose of Authentication
- Prevent misuse, ensure genuine users, curb bulk bookings
- Offline Booking
- No Aadhaar authentication required
