The Madras High Court today dismissed a Public Interest Litigation seeking scrapping of the central government's notification demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes, on the ground that it cannot interfere in the policies of the government related to monetary system.
The court's Madurai bench agreed with the contention of the Assistant Solicitor General that it was part of the government's policy to eradicate black money in the country, strengthen the economy and also protect the nation from terrorism.
Petitioner M Seeni Ahamed, state General Secretary of the Indian National league, had challenged the Finance Ministry's notification and sought a direction to declare the notes to be valid till December 31.
He submitted that the 'surprise' scrapping of the high denomination notes and several restrictions imposed on bank transactions had caused hardship to the illiterate masses and common people who did not have bank accounts.
He said the government was duty bound to implement its policy without causing hardship to the common man.
He submitted that people were not able to buy groceries or eatables and other essential items, ATM centres were crowded and shop owners were not accepting the notes.
He wondered how the government could 'paralyse' money transactions by closing down ATMs and said government should have provided enough breathing time for people to make alternative arrangements.
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