The supreme court (SC) on Tuesday extended the deadline to link Aadhaar with services till it delivers its final verdict. The apex court, however, said that Aadhaar will continue to be mandatory for receiving subsidy and benefits.

The five-judge constitution bench headed by chief justice Dipak Misra said that the government cannot insist for mandatory Aadhaar linkage in relation to tatkal passports, bank accounts and mobile phones. The delivery subsidies and benefits would still require Aadhaar, as provided under section 7 of the Aadhaar Ac, 2016.

Earlier, the SC had set March 31 deadline for Aadhaar linkage with these services in its interim ruling on December 15. This excluded opening up of new bank accounts for those already having Aadhaar.

The SC bench comprises of chief justice Misra, jutices AK Sikri, AM Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan.