After 2 years it was not legal to pay with them but you could still exchange them in national bank...
...for next 14 years
It's just WTF.
This particular demonitisation was done as a shock move to ostensibly catch corruption, black money etc.
It was lauded and welcome when it was announced, including by yours truly.
It was quickly seen as a poor execution by most except the ardent supporters (which doesn't include me)
I am sure most in the govt would secretly agree it was a bad move.
After 2 years it was not legal to pay with them but you could still exchange them in national bank...
...for next 14 years
It's just WTF.