Demonetisation :There may be riots, SC warns Centre about people's sufferings

"How can we shut our doors to people when there is a problem of such magnitude," a  Bench led by Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur said.

The Bench, also comprising Justice Anil R Dave, observed that the  fact that cases are being filed in courts all over is a signal that the problem is “serious and of magnitude."

“They are going to the courts for relief. We cannot shut our doors to the people..., There is suffering. There is difficulty and you cannot dispute that,” Chief Justice Thakur said.

Justice Dave said, "This is very serious. This is will require great consideration. People have become frantic, people are affected... There may be riots."

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal submitted that 47 people have died post November 8, as an after effect of the demonetisation.

Chief Justice Thakur asked why the Government was not circulating  enough cash. “Is there any deficiency in Rs. 100 notes? They have not been demonetised. Why are they not been made available at least?” he asked.

Appearing for the Government, Attorney General Mukul Dave admitted that there is a shortage of Rs. 100 notes.

He said the now defunct Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 notes formed 80 per cent of the currency in circulation before November eight.

The Bench  asked  the Centre  to produce facts and figures on November 25 on the ground realities and sufferings caused to the people due to demonetisation.