India (Commonwealth Union)_ The Bombay High Court ordered the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to take into account the recommendations made by the Delhi High Court-appointed expert committee during the proceedings on Wednesday. The purpose of these suggestions is to create currency notes and coins that are more accessible for individuals with visual impairments. The division bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin M Jamdar and Justice Arif S Doctor, was presiding over a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the National Association of the Blind (NAB) and represented by advocate Uday Warunjikar.
The PIL highlighted the challenge faced by visually impaired individuals in identifying the newly issued currency notes and coins by the RBI. The petition sought directives from the court to the Central Bank, urging them to take appropriate action under the Coinage Act of 1906, withdraw existing disabled-unfriendly coins, and introduce coins and currency notes with distinct features.
Upon carefully reviewing the committee’s report, the court noted that the size and width of the currency are nearly identical, and the tactile features are not sufficiently effective, as they do not endure for a significant period of time. The committee further proposed the use of plastic material, suggesting that it could facilitate tactile marking. Further, senior advocate Venkatesh Dhond, who represented the RBI, expressed the need to carefully examine the report and determine which recommendations could be implemented. When Warunjikar insisted on obtaining an affidavit from the RBI, acknowledging the suggestions, the bench acknowledged the delicate nature of the task before the RBI.
The RBI presented its argument, highlighting the complexities involved in altering the size of currency notes, given that there are currently 13,621 types of currency notes in circulation, with a total value of Rs. 33,48,228 crore. Additionally, it was also stated that the enormity of this task was not adequately considered by the committee. The lawyer representing the Minting Corporation drew attention to a new series of visually impaired-friendly coins in denominations of Rs. 2, 5, 10, 20, and Rs 1.
The bench emphasized that although there may not be significant differences in weight and size, serrated borders have been incorporated as a measure to address the issue. However, following the petitioner’s submission that the serration on the coins tends to wear off, the bench noted the absence of data regarding the percentage of coins affected by this issue. Consequently, the court directed the Minting Corporation to submit an additional affidavit and adjourned the matter for further hearing on July 19.
