Demonetisation: HC asks Centre to reduce public discomfort

The Calcutta High Court today asked government to take steps to reduce public discomfort due to demonetisation move.

Kolkata, Nov 18: The Calcutta High Court today questioned the logic behind the Centre's decision to scrap high-value notes without ensuring everyone has a bank account and asked it to take steps to reduce public discomfort.

"Thousands of people do not have a bank account. How will they meet their day-to-day expenses? What is the price of wheat flour?" Chief Justice Girish Chandra Gupta observed while hearing two PILs filed against demonetisation.

He asked Additional Solicitor General Koushik Chanda why the government did not ensure everyone has a bank account before taking the decision. The court wondered how will the poor run their families with little cash in hand.

It also criticised the government's decision to change withdrawal limits. "They are changing it frequently. It is a hasty decision. Where will the common people go? They are getting confused," Justice Gupta remarked.

The court also took note of how people are suffering in long queues in banks and in hospitals for basic treatment. The first PIL on the issue was filed by an advocate claiming demonetisation was a hazard to common people, while the second one was raised by a group of physically challenged persons seeking modification of rules for exchanging old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

The court asked the government to solve the woes of the people and reply by November 25.

PTI