Archive · 25 Sep 2025
High Court Orders Access to Israeli Drug Dealer's Aadhaar Documents
A man from Israel, Yaniv Benaim, was caught with drugs in Goa.
The police found he had an Aadhaar card but no proper visa.
The police asked for documents to check how he got the card, but the UIDAI (the Aadhaar authority) said no.
The court stepped in, saying the police could see the documents to figure out if he should have gotten the card in the first place.
The court thinks he might not have been eligible because he didn't have the correct visa.
The documents will help the police investigate.
The court said the police should be allowed to see documents like proof of address etc, to continue their investigation.
The High Court directed UIDAI to disclose Atala's Aadhaar card documents to Goa Police.
Atala, an Israeli national, was arrested for drug possession and lacked a valid visa.
Goa Police requested the documents after discovering Atala's Aadhaar card.
UIDAI initially denied access, citing restrictions under the Aadhaar Act.
The court determined the information was vital to investigate Atala's residence status.
- Who
- The High Court and Goa Police, along with Israeli drug dealer Yaniv Benaim (Atala).
- What
- The High Court directed UIDAI to disclose documents used by Atala to obtain an Aadhaar card.
- When
- The order was issued on Tuesday.
- Where
- Goa, India
- Why
- To investigate how Atala, who lacked a valid visa, obtained an Aadhaar card.
- Person Involved
- Yaniv Benaim (Atala), an Israeli National
- Alleged Crime
- Drug dealing, possession of cocaine and charas
- Aadhaar Card Issue Date
- 2021
- Court
- Bombay High Court at Goa
- Petitioner
- Goa Police
- Legal Issue
- Access to documents used to obtain an Aadhaar card
- Basis of application
- Foreigner without a valid Visa