India’s Supreme Court recently faced a significant legal petition requesting the establishment of regulatory guidelines for cryptocurrency trading within the country. The plea, presented by Manu Prashant Wig, a former director at Blue Fox Motion Picture Limited, sought regulatory clarity amidst his own custody related to allegations of cryptocurrency fraud.
However, the court, led by Chief Justice Chandrachud and Justices JD Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, dismissed the plea, emphasizing the judiciary’s role as distinct from legislative actions concerning complex domains like cryptocurrencies.
Supreme Court’s Rejection Of Crypto Regulation Plea
Wig, embroiled in accusations of deceiving investors through crypto investments, sought respite via a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) for regulating crypto trading in India. However, the court’s stance underscored its limitations in directly influencing legislative matters under Article 32 of the Constitution.
Instead, the court advised Wig to pursue appropriate legal avenues for his situation. Meanwhile, India grapples with uncertainties around cryptocurrency trading regulations while working on developing a regulatory framework, considering recommendations from international entities like the IMF and the FSB.
Also Read: Crypto Taxes India: WazirX CEO’s Forecast For The Next Two Years
Gaps Between Judiciary And Legislation In Crypto Regulation
The Supreme Court’s dismissal of the PIL emphasizes the clear boundary between the roles of the judiciary and the legislature in regulating cryptocurrencies. This decision sheds light on the intricacies and challenges associated with governing nascent technologies like cryptocurrencies.
As India strides toward formulating a structured regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, the court’s decision underscores the necessity for legislative action to address the evolving landscape and concerns in the crypto market. The outcome of these developments holds immense significance for investors, legal experts, and the broader crypto community, shaping the trajectory of cryptocurrency trading in India.