The Kerala High Court has upheld the Central Government's decision requiring Aadhaar-based OTP authentication for online Tatkal railway ticket bookings through the IRCTC website and mobile application. While dismissing a public interest litigation challenging the policy, the Division Bench observed that the measure is aimed at preventing misuse of the Tatkal booking system by touts and automated software. At the same time, the Court suggested that IRCTC may also consider PAN-based authentication as an alternative in the future.
Background of the Case
The public interest petition was filed by Bahadur Shah Anakkot Nasirali, who challenged the Railway Ministry's notification dated June 10, 2025 introducing Aadhaar-based OTP authentication for online Tatkal bookings. The petitioner argued that the requirement violated the right to privacy and informational autonomy and failed to address the real causes behind booking difficulties, such as technical and infrastructure shortcomings.
The Union of India, Railway Board, IRCTC and other respondents defended the policy, stating that it was introduced to curb large-scale ticket hoarding by touts, syndicates and automated bots that prevented genuine passengers from securing Tatkal tickets.
Court's Observations
Chief Justice Soumen Sen, writing for the Bench comprising Justice Syam Kumar V.M., noted that Aadhaar authentication is carried out within the framework of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, with user consent and appropriate safeguards for privacy.
The Bench recorded that the authentication process only confirms identity and does not give IRCTC access to the Aadhaar database. It also accepted the government's explanation that the system helps regulate excessive booking attempts by ensuring that each online user operates through a verified identity.
Rejecting the challenge, the Court observed:
“The reason for insisting on Aadhaar authentication through the IRCTC website has a justification and is based on past experience of alleged deceit, manipulation, and bulk booking. The wisdom of such decision cannot be held to be unjustified even on the application of the proportionality test.”
The Bench also took note of the government's clarification that Aadhaar authentication is required only for the IRCTC account holder making the online booking, not for every passenger travelling on the ticket. It further recorded that the authentication is a one-time exercise and that passengers who do not wish to use Aadhaar can still purchase Tatkal tickets from railway reservation counters without Aadhaar authentication.
Suggestion on PAN Authentication
During the hearing, the petitioner's counsel argued that PAN-based authentication could achieve the same objective as Aadhaar-based verification.
The Court found merit in the submission and stated that PAN authentication also involves OTP verification in many transactions. It therefore observed that IRCTC may consider providing either Aadhaar or PAN authentication if both mechanisms are capable of achieving the intended objective of preventing misuse of the online booking system.
Court's Decision
Disposing of the petition, the Kerala High Court upheld the Aadhaar-based OTP requirement for online Tatkal bookings, holding that the policy is justified and does not warrant judicial interference.
However, the Court clarified that Aadhaar authentication is not required for purchasing Tatkal tickets through physical reservation counters and observed that IRCTC may consider PAN-based authentication as an alternative in the future.
Case Details
Case Title: Bahadur Shah Anakkot Nasirali v. Union of India & Others
Case Number: W.P.(PIL) No. 129 of 2025
Judge: Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M.
Decision Date: 22 July 2026
