No Plans to Introduce Rs 50 Coin, Public Prefers Notes: Finance Ministry Tells Delhi HC

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday, 09 July, 2025, was told through an affidavit filed by the Union Finance Ministry that it had no plans to introduce a Rs 50 coin, noting that the public at large generally prefers currency notes instead of heavier coins such as Rs 10 and Rs 20.

The Union Finance Ministry made the submission before a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal today.

The bench was dealing with a petition filed by Advocate Rohit Dandriyal, who had urged the Union Government as well as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to introduce a Rs 50 coin in order to make it easily accessible to visually impaired citizens.

It was the petitioner’s case that the current Rs 50 note lacks tactile features, unlike other denominations, which makes it difficult for persons with visual impairment to identify and use it.

However, the Finance Ministry, in its affidavit, stated that coin issuance depends on public acceptance, usage patterns, and economic considerations.

Relying on a survey conducted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Ministry stated that coins are usually avoided by users due to their weight, size, and lack of distinctiveness.

Therefore, it submitted that a Rs 50 coin is not under consideration at present.

However, the Ministry accepted that Rs 50 notes lack tactile markers, even though most denominations incorporate accessibility features such as intaglio printing and varied sizes.

Furthermore, the Ministry added that continued circulation of both old and new Mahatma Gandhi Series notes may also create confusion for individuals with partial vision.

While highlighting the measures taken in this regard, the Ministry submitted that the RBI launched the MANI app (Mobile Aided Note Identifier), which helps visually impaired persons identify currency denominations through audio assistance.

Previously, the High Court had directed the Centre as well as the RBI to examine the design and accessibility of Indian currency while also considering the struggles faced by visually impaired citizens.

 The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 17, 2025.

With ANI inputs