Are Pre-2005 Mahatma Gandhi Series Notes Being Discontinued? Here’s the Truth
A viral claim alleged that pre-2005 Mahatma Gandhi series INR notes would be discontinued after 30 June 2026. Bank of Maharashtra has dismissed this as fake news, clarifying that no such order exists and these notes remain legal tender, with the RBI confirming no directive for their discontinuation.
A viral claim has been circulating on social media suggesting that pre-2005 Mahatma Gandhi series currency notes, including INR 10, INR 20, INR 50 and INR 100, will be discontinued and no longer accepted after 30 June. The claim triggered widespread concern among the public over a possible quiet demonetisation.
The Bank of Maharashtra has now officially dismissed the reports as fake news, clarifying on its Facebook page that no such discontinuation is taking place.
What Did the Bank of Maharashtra Say?
In its clarification, the bank stated: 'A false message is circulating claiming that pre-2005 INR 10, INR 20, INR 50 and INR 100 notes will not be accepted at Bank of Maharashtra branches after 30 June 2026. Bank of Maharashtra clarifies that this information is incorrect.' NEET-UG 2026 Re-Exam Paper Leak Claim Debunked; PIB Fact Check Calls Viral Telegram Post Fake.
The bank urged customers not to believe or share such messages and to rely only on official sources for authentic information. The post carried the hashtag #FakeMessageAlert.
Pre-2005 Mahatma Gandhi Series Notes Are Not Being Discontinued
What Did the Viral Report Claim?
Media reports claimed that the Bank of Maharashtra had issued an order to discontinue pre-2005 Mahatma Gandhi series notes, with speculation that other banks could follow suit. ‘Fake’: PIB Fact Check Debunks AI-Generated Video With MEA Official’s ‘Remarks’ on Quad.
The bank's clarification put these claims to rest. It also confirmed that the Reserve Bank of India has not issued any such directive, dismissing the viral claim as misleading.
What Did the RBI Actually Say About These Notes?
The Reserve Bank of India, in a 2015 communication, stated that the circulation of pre-2005 Mahatma Gandhi series notes had reduced significantly and allowed people to exchange them if needed. However, it clearly maintained that these notes would continue to remain legal tender.
The RBI also emphasised that newer notes carry enhanced security features to curb counterfeiting. At no point did the central bank announce any plan to discontinue pre-2005 notes.
Are Pre-2005 Notes Still Legal Tender?
Yes. Pre-2005 Mahatma Gandhi series notes remain valid legal tender. There is no RBI order or bank directive discontinuing them, and citizens are advised to ignore viral messages claiming otherwise and verify information only through official sources.
Is the Claim True or False?
The claim is false. Pre-2005 Mahatma Gandhi series notes have not been discontinued, and no bank or the RBI has issued any such order.
Fact check
Pre-2005 Mahatma Gandhi series INR notes will be discontinued and not accepted after 30 June 2026.
False. Bank of Maharashtra and RBI confirm no such order exists; pre-2005 notes remain legal tender.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 27, 2026 03:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).