Supreme Court Enforces ₹2 Lakh Cash Limit to Tackle Black Money
In a landmark move to tighten financial discipline and curb black money circulation, the Supreme Court has ordered the strict enforcement of the ₹2 lakh cap on cash transactions. The directive is aimed at plugging loopholes in the current system that allow large, unaccounted cash dealings to bypass scrutiny, particularly in property and legal transactions.
Mandatory Reporting by Courts and Registrars
The apex court has instructed all trial courts to report any civil or criminal suit that references a cash transaction of ₹2 lakh or more to the Income Tax Department. Similarly, sub-registrars have been directed to flag property sale documents where the consideration includes or exceeds ₹2 lakh in cash. This move will bring more transactions into the tax net and reduce the possibility of black money being laundered through real estate or legal settlements.
Responsibility of Tax Authorities
The Income Tax Department has also been tasked with verifying such transactions whenever they come to light. If any lapses are detected, especially by registering authorities who fail to report, the matter must be escalated to the Chief Secretary of the concerned state or union territory for disciplinary action. This step is intended to ensure that the law is not only followed but also enforced with institutional accountability.
Why the Directive Matters
The ₹2 lakh cash cap under Section 269ST of the Income Tax Act was introduced to deter large-scale cash dealings. However, enforcement has been inconsistent, with many cases slipping under the radar. The Supreme Court has now made it clear that the mere existence of a law is not enough—it must be proactively implemented by all stakeholders involved.
Impact on Real Estate and Legal Claims
This ruling will particularly affect property transactions, a sector often flagged for high levels of cash involvement. Parties engaging in high-value cash dealings will now face stricter compliance checks, and those attempting to conceal such transactions risk penalties and prosecution. Legal proceedings citing such payments will also invite immediate attention from tax officials.
Conclusion
By mandating systematic reporting of high-value cash dealings, the Supreme Court has given a powerful push toward transparency and legal enforcement. This directive not only strengthens the fight against black money but also reinforces the rule of law in financial and legal systems that have long struggled with under-the-table transactions.
