How to delink Aadhaar from bank account, mobile number, e-wallets like Paytm, and more

Now that it is no longer mandatory to link your Aadhaar with mobile and bank account, here’s a step by step process to delink.

The Supreme Court (SC) declared centre’s Aadhaar scheme as constitutionally valid. Out of compulsion, a number of people had linked their mobile number and back accounts with Aadhaar. But given the recent data breach reports related to Aadhaar data, as many as 31 petitions were challenged on the grounds that the scheme violated the right to privacy of citizens. According to the supreme court verdict, you it is no longer mandatory to link your Aadhaar with bank account and mobile number.
The SC has also struck down the Section 57 and Section 33 (2) under Aadhaar Act, 2016, which means private and corporate companies cannot ask for Aadhaar, nor they can access your biometric data. Essentially, what this means is that you no longer need to give your 12-digit Aadhaar number to open a bank account, or to get a new SIM connection. However, for LPG subsidies and welfare related schemes, you’ll still need to link your Aadhaar. So, if you wish to delink your Aadhaar, below are the steps you need to follow.

How to delink your Aadhaar from bank account or mobile number

Step One

To begin with, you’ll need to personally visit the branch or telecom operator’s store.

Step Two

You need to give a written application about your consent with Aadhaar data, and that you want to delink it from their database.

Step Three

Your Aadhaar number will be delinked within 48 hours. To cross check, you can call the customer care as enquire about the same.

How to delink your Aadhaar from e-wallet like Paytm

Step One

You’ll need to call up Paytm customer care on 01204456456 and tell the representative that you want to unlink your Aadhaar.

Step Two

The company will send you an e-mail and ask for your recent photo, and clear picture of your Aadhaar card.

Step Three

Once you reply to the email, the process will get started, and the confirmation of delinking will be sent to you within 72 hours. To be double sure, you can call the customer care and ask the status of delinking.

Similarly, you can contact Mobikwik and Freecharge customer care and ask about the procedure. Do note, while linking your Aadhaar with bank account and mobile number is no long mandatory, you will still need to link it with PAN to file your income tax returns.