Modi government's decision to scrap notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 had an echo in the Supreme Court
The Narendra Modi government's decision to scrap the notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 from Wednesday midnight had an echo in the country's top court.
When the Supreme Court asked why an advocate was pleading for an adjournment of the case, it was told that the senior advocate couldn't appear because of the "currency problem".
"What currency problem?" the judges scoffed. "Don't say that. You can't pay the fees for a senior advocate to represent your case?"
The advocate was referring to the sudden cash crunch that has hit the nation since the government, in its efforts to flush out black money and counterfeit currency, had scrapped notes of Rs 500 and RS 1000 from midnight.
Banks and ATMs was to remain closed on Wednesday. Even on Thursday, some ATMs are expected to remain closed. A ceiling has been imposed on the cash that can be withdrawn when they banks and ATMs reopen.
Though initially the judges were reluctant to adjourn the case, later they agreed to defer the hearing till today.
There was a caveat, though. "Don't say currency problem tomorrow and get your senior to argue the case," said Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghosh as the courtroom burst into laughter.