Notification of Demonetisation passed in larger public interest, satisfies test of proportionality and cannot be rendered invalid merely because some citizens suffered through hardship.

Batch of writ petitions were filed challenging the Notification issued by Central Govt. in exercise of the powers conferred by Reserve Bank, declaring that the bank notes of denominations of the existing series of the value of Rs. 500/- and Rs. 1000/- shall cease to be legal tender. It was submitted that many people were required to stand in the queues for hours, were deprived of their meals and also lost their jobs. Central Govt. has ample power to effect demonetisation, in respect of any series of bank notes of any denomination. Demonetisation of notes was a part of management and regulation of currency. Once the legislature itself has provided that the Central Government can take a decision of demonetisation, such power cannot be intended to have a restricted scope. The individual interests must yield to the larger public interest sought to be achieved. The Supreme Court held that the notification of demonetisation passed in larger public interest, cannot be rendered invalid merely because some citizens suffered through hardship.