Demonetisation: SC no to stay, for now, on pleas challenging currency ban in lower courts

In a setback to the Narendra Modi government, the Supreme Court on Friday refused to stay, for now, various petitions challenging the Centre's demonetisation move which are pending before different High Courts and subordinate courts.

New Delhi: In what may spell trouble for the Narendra Modi government, the Supreme Court on Friday refused to stay, for now, various petitions challenging the Centre's demonetisation move which are pending before different High Courts and subordinate courts.

"It indicates the magnitude of the problem is serious. People are going to the High Courts for relief. This is a serious issue. Let them go," said a bench of Chief Justice TS Thakur and Justice Anil R Dave as Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi urged the apex court to stay all such proceeding in High Courts and subordinate courts.

During the hearing, AG Mukul Rohatgi accused senior advocate Kapil Sibal of using the Supreme Court as a political platform to challenge the Centre on the demonetisation issue.

The apex court then expressed its reservation on Centre's plea for direction that no court except the highest court should hear pleas on demonetisation notification.

The apex court, while adjourning the matter for November 25, asked the Attorney General to move transfer petitions, which it will consider.

The Centre had on November 8 demonetised Rs 500/1,000 currency notes to what it said was curb black money and corruption.

However, in view of problems faced by the common man, the Centre made several changes in the cash exchange and withdrawal rules. The Centre, however, ruled out any rollback in the demonetisation move.