'Amid surge in stock market...': CJI Chandrachud's advice to SEBI, SAT

Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud

Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud urged the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) to exercise caution, and stressed on the need for a stable regulatory framework amid soaring market milestones.

"The more you see the surge in the stock market, the greater the role, I believe, for SEBI and SAT, as institutions which will exercise caution, celebrate the successes but at the same time, ensure that the backbone is stable," the CJI said while speaking at the inauguration of the new premises of the (SAT) in Mumbai on July 4.

Acknowledging the rapid growth in market participants and transaction volumes, Chandrachud noted the potential rise in disputes and regulatory non-compliance. He proposed the creation of additional SAT benches as a "policy issue" to handle the growing workload, urging decision-makers to consider this expansion.

Addressing the gathering, CJI Chandrachud stressed that robust legal protection and effective dispute resolution mechanisms are crucial for attracting investments and driving economic outcomes such as capital formation and job creation.

"When investors feel assured that their investments are protected by law and that there are effective mechanisms for dispute resolution, they are more likely to invest in the country's markets. This influx of investment can lead to better economic outcomes such as increased capital formation, job creation and overall economic growth," the CJI said.

In his remarks, Justice P S Dinesh Kumar, SAT's presiding officer, disclosed that the tribunal currently has 1,028 pending appeals and has disposed of over 6,700 appeals since its establishment in 1997.

The Chief Justice concluded by launching SAT's new website developed by the National Informatics Centre, emphasizing the significance of technology in enhancing access to justice and supporting the tribunal's operations.

(With PTI Inputs)