IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 13-03-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M. DHANDAPANI Mr.E.Sckar ....Petitioner(s)

Vs The Chief General Manager Reserve Bank of India Chennai Regional Office Fort Glacis, Rajaji Salai Chennai 600001. ..Respondent( s)

The writ petition has been filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India.

to issue a writ of Mandamus directing the respondent to consider the petitioner representation dated 22.01.2026 and consequently direct the respondent to exchange of demonetized Rs.500 currency held by the petitioner. For Petitioner(s) : Mr.Leelesh Sundaram for Mis.Nathan And Associates For Respondent(s): Mr.C.Mohan for Mis.Kings and Partidge

ORDER

The writ petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondent to consider the petitioner representation dated 22.01.2026 and consequently direct the respondent to exchange of demonetised Rs.500 currency held by the petitioner.

2. It is the case of the petitioner that he was working as a Clerk in the private firm and his wife has kept old currency notes for a sum of Rs.18,000/- (36 Nos. X Rs.500/-) and fount it the same very recently. Therefore, the petitioner made a representation to the respondent on 22.01.2026 to the respondent seeking to exchange of the said currency into presently valid legal tender. However, the said representation has not been considered till date.

Hence, the present writ petition.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that this Court may direct the respondent to consider and pass orders on the petitioners representation within the stipulated time as fixed by this Court.

4. The learned counsel for the respondent submitted that the respondent contended the claim was barred due to demonetisation policy and time-lapse, making the request invalid.

5. This Court found that the petitioner's claim relates to exchange of notes post-demonetization period and after lapse of 9 years, which is unjustified. Further, as per guidelines on demonetisation, the respondent would not process the petitioner's claim and this Court also found no grounds to interfere. Hence, the petition is liable to dismissed.

6. Accordingly, the writ petition is dismissed. No cost Index; Yes/No 13-03-2026 Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No RLI To The Chief General Manager Reserve Bank of India Chennai Regional Office Fort Glacis, Rajaji Salai Chennai 600001.

M.DHANDAPANI,J RLI

13-03-2026