GNLU’s expert-led consultations in Gandhinagar and Bengaluru underline the need for clear legislation, coordinated regulation, stronger safeguards, and innovation-friendly policies to shape India’s future crypto governance.
Gandhinagar, 5th December 2025
The Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) has taken a significant step toward shaping India’s future approach to crypto asset governance by launching high-level advisory discussions and regional stakeholder consultations under its national research initiative on crypto regulation.
These consultations, held in Gandhinagar and Bengaluru, form an integral part of GNLU’s interdisciplinary research project titled “Assessing the Case for Regulation of Crypto Assets in India.” The project is spearheaded by Prof. (Dr.) S. Shanthakumar, Director of GNLU, supported by a research team with expertise in law, commerce, technology, and cybersecurity.
The objective of the study is to examine India’s existing legal and regulatory systems concerning virtual digital assets (VDAs) and propose an evidence-based framework to guide future policymaking. During the Advisory Board Consultation, experts analyzed current regulatory gaps and discussed approaches to enhance investor protection, ensure fair and transparent markets, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and promote responsible innovation without compromising financial stability.
The Advisory Board comprises distinguished jurists, former senior government officials, cybersecurity professionals, academics, and industry leaders. Notable participants included Hon’ble Justice M. R. Shah (Former Judge, Supreme Court), Hon’ble Justice Ravi Tripathi (Former Judge, Gujarat High Court), Sh. Rajkumar (Former Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat), Sh. J. P. Gupta (Former Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat), and Dr. Keshav Kumar (Former DGP & Director, Anti-Corruption Bureau), among other technology and cyber law experts.
Key themes from the discussions highlighted the importance of developing clear legislative definitions for crypto assets, enhancing coordination among regulatory authorities, simplifying taxation structures, improving consumer protection, and building stronger mechanisms for dispute resolution and cross-border regulatory compliance.
To incorporate industry perspectives, GNLU also conducted a Regional Stakeholder Consultation in Bengaluru—widely regarded as a leading hub for crypto and blockchain innovation in India. Participants including exchange operators, technology entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and service providers shared insights on operational challenges, market realities, and reforms required to nurture responsible and secure innovation in the sector.
Collectively, insights gathered from both meetings provide a comprehensive view of India’s crypto ecosystem, integrating policy-level considerations with real-world operational experiences. According to GNLU officials, this feedback will significantly influence the formulation of the project’s final recommendations.
Reaffirming the institution’s commitment, Prof. Shanthakumar stated, “GNLU aims to contribute meaningfully to India’s regulatory evolution by providing evidence-based recommendations that balance innovation with robust safeguards.”
The project will continue to engage with diverse stakeholders across the country in the coming months, supporting India’s movement towards a well-structured, transparent, and future-ready regulatory framework for crypto assets.
