The Supreme Court today, expressing concern over delays, granted the Union of India a final opportunity to file a response in a public interest litigation seeking a CBI investigation into allegations of defaced Indian currency worth ₹30 crores being exchanged at the Jammu Regional Branch of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 2013. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, observed that ample time had already been provided to the Union and emphasized that this was the last extension.
The Court remarked:
“Ample time has already been granted. However, in the interest of justice, one more but last opportunity is given to do the needful within 4 weeks. No further time shall be granted.”
The case concerns allegations brought by petitioner Satish Bhardwaj, who claims that a Kashmiri separatist group, “Kashmir Graffiti,” defaced Indian currency with anti-India slogans and posted them on social media. These defaced notes, valued at ₹30 crores, were allegedly exchanged by the Jammu RBI branch in violation of the RBI Act and the RBI (Note Refund) Rules, 2009.
The petitioner sought a CBI probe, asserting that the RBI’s actions were illegal and compromised national security, as the defaced notes aimed to spread terror and destabilize peace in Jammu and Kashmir. After no action was taken on his RTI applications or his representation to the CBI, he approached the Supreme Court in 2019.
The Union, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and ASG KM Nataraj, has faced repeated criticism for its delay in responding. Time was first granted on March 6, 2020, with subsequent extensions in July and August 2024. Despite assurances, no reply has been filed to date, prompting the Court to express dissatisfaction. Justice Kant commented, “You are taking so much time, and then…you people are not taking things seriously.”
In prior proceedings, a bench led by former CJI SA Bobde emphasized the case’s importance, noting that it involved national interest. The petitioner claims the RBI’s alleged exchange of defaced currency violated the rules and enabled activities threatening regional stability.
The Court has now directed the Union to file its counter-affidavit within four weeks, warning that no further extensions will be entertained.
Case Title:
Satish Bhardwaj v. Union of India & Ors., W.P.(Crl.) No. 249/2019
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