Note this problem your honour, pleads actor Sarathkumar

The issue surfaced at the Madras High Court with All India Samuthuva Makkal Katchi leader and actor Sarathkumar moving a plea against the State Chief Electoral Officer of deciding to return Rs 9 lakh seized from him during the 2016 Assembly elections, in the form of old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes seized from him. 

Objecting to this and pointing out that if the money is returned in the same form as seized, it would serve no purpose, he sought the Court to direct the Chief Electoral Officer, Thoothukudi Collector as well as the Tiruchendur Returning Officer to return the money either by way of cheque or demand draft. 

But, Justice M Duraiswamy, before whom the plea came up recently, dismissed the plea citing a Supreme Court order that had restrained all High Courts from entertaining, hearing or deciding any writ petition/proceedings arising from Government of India’s decision to demonetise the old notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000. 

But, challenging the single judge’s order, Sarathkumar moved an appeal contending that his case was not against demonetization, but was only related to the consequences that have followed. He pointed out that there would be no use in getting back the same currency notes that were seized. However, when the actors appeal came up before the division bench comprising Justice Rajiv Shakdher and Justice N Sathish Kumar on Monday, the bench towed a similar line as the single judge. 

Instead of dismissing the plea, the bench directed Sarathkumar to approach the Supreme Court and find out whether the High Court can deal with the issue. For now, the actor seems to have no choice but to have his fingers crossed.