New Delhi: Defending the notes ban forcefully today, the government told the Supreme Court that it is "not sitting around doing nothing" and all the problems will be over in "10-15 days".
There has not been a single case of social unrest, the government told the court, alleging "political overtones" in the arguments on petitions challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to ban Rs 500 and 1,000 notes, which formed 86 per cent of the cash in circulation.
"The government is not sitting around doing nothing...In 10-16 days it will be all over," said the Centre.
Responding to the court's questions, the government also said it would not be possible to have a stock of printed notes ready before the notes ban announcement as it would have defeated the purpose of secrecy.
The court is hearing a batch of petitions that allege that the demonetization drive has left people facing a huge cash crisis because of the scarcity of new notes.
Some of the petitioners have said that despite the government allowing withdrawals of Rs 24,000 a week, banks often said they didn't have that much money.
Arguing for the petitioner, senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan said the government was not prepared to tackle the impact of its sudden decision. "There was no cash in ATMs, recalibration was not done in time and cooperative banks were being discriminated against," he said.
The court asked the government why people couldn't be assured a minimum amount for withdrawal.
The government said the withdrawal limit was restricted to ensure that everyone gets new currency.
There has not been a single case of social unrest, the government told the court, alleging "political overtones" in the arguments on petitions challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to ban Rs 500 and 1,000 notes, which formed 86 per cent of the cash in circulation.
"The government is not sitting around doing nothing...In 10-16 days it will be all over," said the Centre.
The court is hearing a batch of petitions that allege that the demonetization drive has left people facing a huge cash crisis because of the scarcity of new notes.
Advertisement
Arguing for the petitioner, senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan said the government was not prepared to tackle the impact of its sudden decision. "There was no cash in ATMs, recalibration was not done in time and cooperative banks were being discriminated against," he said.
Advertisement
The government said the withdrawal limit was restricted to ensure that everyone gets new currency.
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Top Court Concerned Over Political Influence, Revives Murder Case Against Ex MLA Supreme Court To Hear Petitions Relating To NEET-UG Controversy Tomorrow Delhi Government Must Take Blame For Permission To Fell 422 Trees: Supreme Court Travel Influencer Aanvi Kamdar Dies After Falling Off A Waterfall Near Mumbai Amid Huge Row, Karnataka Pauses Bill For Reservation In Private Sector Firms Trainee IAS Summoned By Pune Cops Over Harassment Claims Against Collector Three Indians On Global Student Prize 2024 Top 50 shortlist Prime Accused In INDIA's Bihar Ally's Brutal Murder Arrested 13 Kg Gold, Electronic Items Worth Rs 10.33 Crore Seized At Mumbai Airport Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.