"As a state you cannot go into religious issues. Put a stop to such practice. By issuing a coin, you are celebrating a particular religion," a bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw said.
The observations came while perusing an affidavit submitted by Ministry of Finance. The court had sought replies of Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain on the issue on the last date of hearing.
"It is submitted that the design of coins is the responsibility of the central government under Section 4 of the Coinage Act, 2011. It is further submitted that the design of bank notes is governed by the provisions of section 25 of the RBI Act, 1934 which provides that the design, form and material of bank notes shall be such as may be approved by the central government after considertaion...
"The government of India has issued the commemorative coins in due compliance of constitutional, statutory and legal provisions laid down for the purpose," the affidavit said.
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"In the recent past also, the government of India has issued commemorative coins to mark landmark events such as 300th anniversary of Gurta-Gaddi of Shri Guru Granth Sahibji in 2008, 1000 years of Barihadeeswara Temple in 2010, birth centenary of Mother Teresa in 2010, birth centenary of Saint Alphonsa in 2009 and Bhagwan Mahavir in 2002...
"The commemorative coins have been issued under relevant provisions of the Coinage Act, 2011. As such, the issuance of such coins by the respondents is not in violation of any constitutional, statutory and contractual right of the petitioners," the affidavit said.