SC Doesn’t Stay Government Notification On Demonetisation But Acknowledges Grievances

Today (15 November), the Supreme Court responded negatively to some advocates who insisted that the apex court stay the government’s notification on demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. The court, however, asked the centre to spell out the steps taken to reduce public inconvenience, reported Deccan Herald.

Senior advocate and Congress leader Kapil Sibal, who was appearing for one of the petitioners, claimed that he was not asking for a stay on the notification but rather seeking answers from the government.

The bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur and D Y Chandrachud asked Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi to file an affidavit about the measures already undertaken by the government and the Reserve Bank of India to minimise public inconvenience as well as the steps likely to be undertaken in the future. The bench posted the matter for further hearing on 25 November.

Throughout the hearing, the Chief Justice said:

The Attorney General explained that a large volume of fake currency has been used to finance terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and the north-eastern states. He did, however, agree with the bench regarding public grievances. Rohatgi said the centre has complied with section 26(2) of the RBI Act, adding:

Rohtagi was supported by a team of lawyers, including two Additional Solicitor Generals and a senior official from the Finance Ministry.