Why has promise of Rs 24,000 per week to people not been met? SC raps govt

Amid allegations that BJP knew about order, court asked govt, 'When you made the policy on demonetisation, was it confidential?'

The Supreme Court on Friday pulled up the government over its demonetisation drive and asked whether it has fulfilled its promise of letting people withdraw Rs 24,000 a week.

"You promised people they can withdraw Rs 24,000 a week. Instead Rs 2,000, Rs 5,000, Rs 10,000 were given. A promise must be met," Chief Justice of India TS Thakur told the government.

Since the surprise announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 legally invalid, there have been long and endless queues outside banks, ATMs even after a month.

Amid allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party knew about the order and have invested in land, the court asked the Central government, "When you made the policy on demonetisation, was it confidential?"

The apex court asked the Centre to respond to whether district cooperative banks can be allowed to accept deposits in demonetised currency notes.

The court also sought Centre's response on whether it will extend the use of demonetised notes in government hospitals.

The Supreme Court was hearing a batch of petitions and public interest litigations (PILs) challenging the demonetisation policy of the Central government, which came into effect on the midnight of November 8.

Several petitions were filed, including one by Vivek Narayan Sharma, against the policy that has "caused massive upheavals" across the nation. The petitioners have questioned the government's rational and modus operandi behind the implementation of the policy, as it has reportedly caused inconvenience to the general public.