Why Devanagari numerals on notes, Madras High Court questions govt

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Citing Article 343 of the Constitution, the petitioner argued that only international form of Indian numerals can be used for official purposes of the Union. He also contended that the usage of ‘Devanagari’ numerals is against the Indian Constitution and, therefore, asked the court to declare the newly-introduced Rs 2,000 notes as ‘invalid’.

According to Ganesan, the Official Languages Act, 1963 doesn’t allow any provision for the use of Devanagiri numerals. He also pointed out that even the President didn’t give the nod for any such usage of Devanagiri.

The newly introduced higher currency notes should also be deemed invalid as the Centre hadn’t passed any law in Parliament to allow the usage of Devanagiri script on the new notes, the petitioner further contended.

In fact, the new Rs 500 notes too have the same script.

PM Modi’s sudden announcement to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in circulation, though welcomed by people across the country, has left many in the lurch and utter state of confusion. The Centre has, however, insisted that the move is aimed at rooting out the menace of black money, a promise which they had vigorously made before forming the government two years back.