Delhi HC reserves judgement on PIL against Exchange/Deposit of Rs. 2000 Notes without ID Proofs
Delhi HC reserves judgement on PIL against Exchange – Deposit of Rs. 2000 Notes without ID Proofs – TAXSCAN
Delhi HC reserves judgement on PIL against Exchange – Deposit of Rs. 2000 Notes without ID Proofs – TAXSCAN
In the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed before the Delhi High Court regarding the exchange or deposit of Rs. 2000 notes without identity proofs, a Division Bench including the Chief Justice reserved the judgement on May 23rd 2022.
The plea has been filed by the Advocate Ashwani Kumar Upadhyay against the notifications issued on May 19 and May 20 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and State Bank of India (SBI) respectively for not mandating ID proofs for the exchange of the withdrawn note.
As per the plea, the notifications are arbitrary and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution of India. It was filed against RBI, SBI and Union Ministries of Home Affairs and Finance.
A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chanadra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad, after considering the submissions stated that “We will pass appropriate orders”.
Ashwini prayed that the court issue a directive to the RBI and SBI to deposit the Rs. 2000 notes in the appropriate bank accounts of the depositor or exchanger in order to prevent anyone from depositing the money in other accounts and to easily identify those who have black money.
Also maintained that all Indians have Aadhar Card and bank account. Thus, the exchange or deposit should be made through respective bank accounts with ID proof.
The RBI was represented by Senior Advocate Parag P Tripathi, who argued against the assertion. In addition, he cited the Supreme Court's ruling in the case R K Garg v. Union of India and said that it had been decided that the courts would not be convinced to become involved in matters of economic policy.
It was additionally stated that this is not a demonetization. This is a Statutory activity. None of the petitioner's arguments in any way relate to the concerns of the general public.
It is disappointing that those who have black money can exchange it readily by the time the judgement and following guidelines of RBI come into effect. Therefore, providing more directions after all would be futile.
Recently, the Reserve Bank of India has withdrawn the Rs. 2000 denomination bank notes from circulation. Also, on 22nd May 2023, the Reserve bank issued the format for exchange or deposit of Rs. 2000 notes without ID proof.
The ASG Chetan Sharma represented the Union of India.
Support our journalism by subscribing to Taxscan premium. Follow us on Telegram for quick updates
