Parliament Watch: Cryptocurrency regulation, complaints against Uber & Ola, objectionable comments by judges

The first few days of the 2022 Monsoon Session of Parliament saw replies to questions ranging from cryptocurrency and its regulation to complaints against cab aggregators Ola and Uber..Steps taken by RBI to restrict flow of Cryptocurrency.To a question raised by Thol Thirumaavalavan about Cryptocurrency and its regulation in India, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman replied in the Lok Sabha that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has called for the prohibition of such currencies.Noting that RBI has registered concern over the adverse effects of Cryptocurrency on the Indian economy, Sitharaman stated,"RBI mentioned that cryptocurrencies are not a currency because every modern currency needs to be issued by the Central Bank Government. Further, the value of fiat currencies is anchored by monetary policy and their status as legal tender, however the value of cryptocurrencies rests solely on the speculations and expectations of high returns that are not well anchored, so it will have a de-stabilising effect on the monetary and fiscal stability of a country.”On the topic of legislation to regulate Cryptocurrency, the Finance Minister said in the reply,"Cryptocurrencies are by definition borderless and require international collaboration to prevent regulatory arbitrage. Therefore any legislation for regulation or for banning can be effective only after significant international collaboration on evaluation of the risks and benefits and evolution of common taxonomy and standards.”During last year's Winter Session, the government had tabled The Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021 that seeks to prohibit all private cryptocurrencies in India..Reservation in private sector.To a question raised by D Ravikumar in the Lok Sabha about reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the private sector, Minister of State in the Ministry pf Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh stated,"Industry representatives are also of the view that reservation is not a solution but they are willing to partner with the Government and appropriate agencies in enhancing and expanding the current recruitment policy for the marginalized section, especially the SC and ST at all levels, as also to encourage skill development and training."He also revealed that the Apex Industry Associations have prepared a Voluntary Code of Conduct (VCC) for their member companies to focus on education, employability, entrepreneurship and employment of disadvantaged sections. .Complaints against Uber, Ola.To a question raised on increasing complaints against cab aggregators like Ola and Uber, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food And Public Distribution Ashwini Kumar Choubey revealed that 8,740 grievances were registered by consumers between January 2020 and July 2022. The complaints were made for deficiency in services, inadequate consumer grievance redressal mechanism, cancellation by drivers etc.On the action taken on these complaints, he said,“Based on various complaints registered by consumers on NCH, notices have been issued to two major online ride hailing platforms. The notices raise multiple issues of violation of consumer rights and unfair trade practices by the platforms.”.Unprecedented hike in air fares.General VK Singh, Minister of State in the Ministry Of Civil Aviation, replying to a question on rise in air fares, revealed the reason for the same. He replied,"Due to unprecedented geo-political situation, the Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices have increased manifold, which accounts to about 50% of the fare charged."Illuminating on the measures undertaken by the government, Singh added,“The Government, however, as an extraordinary measure during the COVID 19 pandemic and in exercise of special powers conferred under the Aircraft Act, 1934, notified fare bands for economy tickets for scheduled domestic sector. This was done to ensure that the airlines do not charge excessive fare on one hand and also to ensure that the journey is performed only for essential purposes. The Fare Capping orders are currently operational on a rolling basis of 15 days cycle.”.No need to amend anti-defection law.In the backdrop of the ongoing Maharashtra political crisis, the Central government has stated that there is no need for amendments to the anti-defection law. Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, replying to question pertaining to the adequacy of the anti-defection law, stated,"Although, some Courts have examined the provisions in the past, no specific directions have been given for amendments. Since, the provisions of the Tenth Schedule have stood the test of time and several judicial scrutinies, there does not appear to be any need for carrying out any amendments as of now.".Remarks of judicial officers.Perhaps in the context of a Supreme Court judge's recent remarks against a litigant, a question was raised on whether there should be a mechanism to monitor objectionable remarks by judicial authorities. Rijiju replied,"Court proceedings and the issues like decisions pronounced by judges, including in respect of grant of bail, remission etc. are within the domain of judiciary and the Government has no role in these issues."Reference was made to The Restatement of Values of Judicial Life, which lays down certain judicial standards and principles to be followed by judges. It was also stated that the judiciary has an in-house mechanism to deal with complaints against judges.