Kerala tightens Aadhaar rules: No headscarves in photos, operators to be suspended for violations

The Aadhaar Authority had previously stated that while women wearing headscarves could keep their heads covered, their entire face needed to be clearly visible in the photograph. It was also specified that turbans and hats worn for religious or traditional reasons were permitted. However, a rising number of applications submitted with such photographs continued to be rejected. Authorities later clarified that operators were trained to take photographs in a way that ensured the face, including the ears and forehead, was clearly visible. Despite this, there was no noticeable decrease in rejected applications. Following these concerns, the new directive has been introduced. Authorities stress that photographs with obscured faces are being rejected to prevent Aadhaar-related fraud.