Final SLCM Book 14-02-2020 PDF

STUDY MATERIAL
EXECUTIVE PROGRAMME
SECURITIES LAWS
AND CAPITAL MARKETS
MODULE 2
PAPER 6
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EXECUTIVE PROGRAMME
SECURITIES LAWS AND CAPITAL MARKETS
The securities markets are vital to the growth, development and strength of market economies and
the maturity of an economy are decided based on the robustness of securities market of an economy.
Considering that the Securities market is the core area of practice for the Company Secretaries, it
becomes very important for the professionals to be fully aware of various laws and regulations, both for
practice and guiding the Board of Directors on securities laws related matters. The securities market is
governed by various regulations enacted in the course of time by the competent legislative body and
regulating bodies. This study is divided into two Parts, Part I deals with Securities Laws and Part II
deals with Capital Market & Intermediaries.
Part I of the Study provides an in depth analysis of the legal principles applicable to listed companies in
addition to the Companies Act, 2013. The Regulatory Body Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
having extended SEBI’s jurisdiction over corporates in the issuance of capital and transfer of securities,
during the course of time has come out with several regulations for smooth functioning of the market,
thereby also giving paramount importance to the stakeholders. Therefore, this study discusses various
legislative and regulatory guidance such as Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, Depositories
Act, 1996, SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018, SEBI (Listing
Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading)
Regulations, 2015, etc.
Part II of the study deals with analyses of the secondary market or the capital market, which is the bridge
between the investors and the corporates. There are several intermediaries and institutions involved
in dealing with the capital market. SEBI has also jurisdiction over all such intermediaries and persons
associated with the securities market. In connection with the same, SEBI has regulated their functioning
through various regulations, which have been discussed in this part.
In the era of plethora of legislations, rules, and regulations, a Company Secretary professional is expected
to be well aware of these rules and principles, as these compliances make the functioning of the markets
smooth while violations leads to severe penalties.
This study material is published to aid the students in preparing the paper on Securities Laws and
Capital Markets for Executive Programme. It is part of the educational kit and takes the students step
by step through each phase of preparation emphasizing key concepts, principles, legal fundamentals
and procedures. Company Secretaryship being a professional course, the examination standards
are set very high, with focus on knowledge of concepts, their application, procedures and case laws,
for which sole reliance on the contents of this study material may not be enough. This study material
may, therefore, be regarded as the basic material and must be read alongwith the Bare Acts, Rules,
Regulations, Case Law.
The legislative changes made upto December, 2019 have been incorporated in the study material. The
students to be conversant with the amendments to the laws made upto six months preceding the date of
examination. It may happen that some developments might have taken place during the printing of the
study material and its supply to the students. The students are therefore advised to refer to the updations
at the Regulator’s website, Supplement relevant for the subject issued by ICSI and ICSI Journal Chartered
Secretary and other publications for updation of study material.
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In the event of any doubt, students may write to the Directorate of Academics of the Institute for clarification
at [email protected].
Although due care has been taken in publishing this study material, the possibility of errors, omissions
and/or discrepancies cannot be ruled out. This publication is released with an understanding that the
Institute shall not be responsible for any errors, omissions and/or discrepancies or any action taken in
that behalf.
Should there be any discrepancy, error or omission noted in the study material, the Institute shall be obliged
if the same is brought to its notice for issue of corrigendum in the e-bulletin ‘Student Company Secretary’.
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LEGAL AND REGULATORY
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Theand
The Legal legalRegulatory
and regulatory frameworkofofSecurities
Framework Securities Laws
Lawsand
andCapital
CapitalMarket in India
Markets in isIndia
givenisbelow:
given below :
Legal Framework
Securities Contracts Depositories Act, 1996

(Regulation) Act, 1956
Securities and Exchange
Board of India Act, 1992
Securities Contracts SEBI (Depositories and

(Regulations) Rules, 1957 Participants) Regulations
 Circulars 2018
 Master Circulars
 General Orders
Regulations Governing  Guidelines
Issue and Listing of Regulations Governing
 Rules Intermediaries
Securities
 Regulations
 SEBI (Intermediaries)Regulations, 2008

 SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2018  SEBI (Bankers to an Issue) Regulations,
1994
 SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure  SEBI (Debenture Trustee) Regulations,
Requirements) Regulations, 2015
1993
 SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits)  SEBI (Portfolio Managers) Regulations,
Regulations, 2014 2020
 SEBI (Issue of Sweat Equity)  SEBI (Registrars to an Issue and Share
Regulations, 2002 Transfer Agents) Regulations, 1993
 SEBI (Underwriters) Regulations, 1993
 SEBI (Buy Back Of Securities)
Regulations, 2018  SEBI (Merchant Bankers) Regulations,
1992
 SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading)
 SEBI (Stock Brokers) Regulations,
Regulations, 2015
1992
 SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares  SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011
 SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares)
Regulations, 2009
 SEBI (Foreign Portfolio Investors)
 SEBI (Issue and Listing of Debt Regulations, 2019
Securities) Regulations, 2008
 SEBI (Ombudsman) Regulations, 2003
Other Regulations
 SEBI (Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair
Trade Practices relating to Securities Market)
Regulations, 2003
 SEBI (Collective Investment Schemes)
Regulations, 1999
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EXECUTIVE PROGRAMME
Module 2
Paper 6
SECURITIES LAWS AND CAPITAL MARKETS (MAX MARKS 100)
SYLLABUS
Objective
Part I To provide expert knowledge in the legislations, rules and regulations governing the
entities listed on the stock exchanges.
Part II To provide the basic understanding of the working of capital markets in India.
PART I : SECURITIES LAWS (70 MARKS)
Detailed Contents
1. Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 : Objectives of the SCR Act, Rules and Regulations
made there under; Important Definitions; Recognized Stock Exchange, Clearing Corporation; Public
issue and listing of securities; Rules relating to Public Issue and Listing of Securities under Securities
Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957.
2. Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992: Objective; Powers and functions of SEBI;
Securities Appellate Tribunal; Penalties and appeals.
3. Depositories Act, 1996 : Depository System in India; Role & Functions of Depositories; Depository
Participants; Admission of Securities; Dematerialization & Re-materialisation; Depository Process;
Inspection and Penalties; Internal Audit and Concurrent Audit of Depository Participants.
4. An Overview of SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2009.
SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2009 rechristened as SEBI
(Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018.
5. An Overview of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
6. An Overview of SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011.
7. SEBI (Buyback of Securities) Regulations, 1998 : Conditions of buy-back; Buy back Methods:
Tender Offer, Open Market (Book building and Stock Exchange); General obligations; Penalties.
SEBI (Buyback of Securities) Regulations, 1998 rechristened as SEBI (Buyback of Securities)
Regulations, 2018.
8. SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009 : Delisting of Equity Shares; Voluntary Delisting;
Exit Opportunity; Compulsory Delisting.
9. An Overview of SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014.
10. An Overview of SEBI (Issue of Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2002.
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11. SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 : Unpublished price sensitive information
(UPSI); Disclosures; Codes of fair disclosure and conduct; Penalties and Appeals.
12. Mutual Funds : Types of Mutual Funds and Schemes; Key players in Mutual Funds: Sponsor, Asset
Management Company, Trustee, Unit holder, Evaluating performance of Mutual funds- Net Asset Value,
Expense Ratio, Holding Period Return.
13. Collective Investment Schemes : Regulatory Framework; Restrictions on Business Activities;
Submission of Information and Documents; Trustees and their Obligations.
14. SEBI (Ombudsman) Regulations, 2003 : Procedure for Redressal of Grievances; Implementation of
the Award; Display of the particulars of the Ombudsman, SCORES, SEBI (Informal Guidance) Scheme,
2003.
Case Laws, Case Studies & Practical Aspects
PART II: CAPITAL MARKET & INTERMEDIARIES (30 MARKS)
15. STRUCTURE OF CAPITAL MARKET

I. Primary Market
(a) Capital Market Investment Institutions-Domestic Financial Institutions (DFI), Qualified
Institutional Buyers (QIB), Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPI), Private Equity, Angel Funds,
HNIs, Venture Capital, Pension Funds, Alternative Investment Funds.
(b) Capital Market Instruments-Equities, Preference Shares, Shares with Differential Voting
Rights, Corporate Debt, Non-Convertible Debentures (NCD), Partly, Fully and Optionally
Convertible Debentures, Bonds, Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCB), Foreign
Currency Exchangeable Bonds (FCEB) Indian Depository Receipts (IDR), Derivatives,
Warrants;
(c) Aspects of Primary Market- book building, ASBA, Green Shoe Option.
II. Secondary Market
Development of Stock market in India; Stock market & its operations, Trading Mechanism,
Block and Bulk deals, Grouping, Basis of Sensex, Nifty; Suspension and Penalties; Surveillance
Mechanism; Risk management in Secondary market, Impact of various Policies on Stock Markets
such as Credit Policy of RBI, Fed Policy, Inflation index, CPI, WPI, etc.
16. Securities Market Intermediaries : Primary Market and Secondary Market Intermediaries: Role and
Functions, Merchant Bankers, Stock Brokers, Syndicate Members, Registrars and Transfer Agents,
Underwriters, Bankers to an Issue, Portfolio Managers, Debenture Trustees, Investment Advisers,
Research Analysts, Market Makers, Credit Rating Agencies; Internal Audit of Intermediaries by
Company Secretary in Practice.
Case Laws, Case Studies & Practical Aspects.
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LESSON WISE SUMMARY
PART I – SECURITIES LAWS
Lesson 1 – Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956

Stock Market plays a significant role in the development of Economy. Stock Market facilitates mobilization of
funds from small investors and channelizes these resources into various development needs of various sectors
of the economy. The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 (“SCRA”) is an important piece of legislation
which regulates the stock exchanges and contracts in securities.
The SCRA was enacted to prevent undesirable exchanges in securities and to control the working of stock
exchange in India. It came into force on February 20, 1957. This Act gives powers to regulate and govern the
stock exchanges and their working. There are certain powers which are delegated to SEBI under this Act.
The Government of India promulgated the Securities Contracts (Regulations) Rules, 1957 (“SCRR”) for carrying
into effect the objects of the SCRA.
The SCRA and SCRR also prescribes the conditions for listing of securities on the stock exchanges. It also
provides for amount of public holding required in every public company seeking listing.
This lesson will give an insight into the various Powers of Central Government, Stock Exchange and SEBI
under the SCRA Act, the penal provisions, procedures, offences, the procedure for appeal to SAT, Right of
Investors and various listing and delisting provisions under Securities Contract (Regulations) Rules, 1957 etc.
At the end of this lesson, the student will able to understand:
• Registration of stock exchange(s);
• Powers of Central Government in various cases;
• Powers of Recognised Stock Exchange to make rules and bye-laws;
• Powers of SEBI under SCRA;
• Clearing Corporation and its functions;
• Issue of securities to the Public;
• Delisting of securities from recognised stock exchange;
• Procedure to file an appeal to Securities appellate tribunal;
• Various penalties for various offences as prescribed under the Act; and
• Requirements for listing of securities with recognised stock exchange;
Lesson 2 – Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992

With an aim to regulate the securities market in India, the Govt. of India set up a regulatory body i.e. Securities
and Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’) in 1988. It became an autonomous body by the Government of India on
12 April 1992 and given statutory powers in 1992 with SEBI Act, 1992 being passed by the Indian Parliament.
The Preamble of the Securities and Exchange Board of India is “to protect the interests of investors in securities
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and to promote the development of, and to regulate the securities market and for matters connected therewith
or incidental thereto”.
The SEBI Act is the main Act from which several other Rules and Regulations have originated. The Act
constitutes a Board (“the SEBI”) to protect the investors’ interest in securities and to promote the development
and to regulate the securities market. The SEBI replaces the erstwhile Controller of Capital Issues. The SEBI
has various powers under the Act including to issue various Regulations to better regulate the securities market
and for better investor protection. It governs and regulates the market intermediaries. It has wide powers of
investigation, survey, search and seizure, powers to impound documents, take statements on oath, etc. Thus,
the powers enshrined in the SEBI are of a very wide amplitude. It also has powers to issue “directions, e.g.,
cease and desist” orders, by virtue of which, it can prohibit any person or intermediary from carrying out certain
operations. The Act provides for stringent penalties for different types of offences and violations.
The objective of this lesson, is to provide a broader information regarding various powers and functions of
SEBI, various stringent penalties for protecting the interest of investors and and inspection of various regulated
entities, etc. to the students. At the end of this lesson, the student will able to understand :
• Powers and functions of SEBI;
• Conditions for offer of collective investment scheme by a company;
• Investigations procedure by the SEBI;
• Various penalties imposed by the SEBI for various failures, default, non-disclosure and other offenses;
• Procedure & Conditions for registration of an intermediaries; and
• Formation of the Securities Appellant Tribunal, its compositions, tenure, requirements for appeal and its
powers.
Lesson 3 – Depositories Act, 1996

A Depository is an organization like a Central Bank where the securities of a shareholder are held in the
electronic form at the request of the shareholder through the medium of a Depository Participant. A DP can
be a bank, financial institution, a broker, or any entity eligible as per SEBI norms and is responsible for the
final transfer of shares from the depository to investors. The investor, at the end of a transaction receives a
confirmation from the depository.
In India, there is Depository System for securities trading in which book entry is done electronically and no
paper work is involved. The physical form of securities is extinguished and shares or securities are held in an
electronic form. Before the introduction of the depository system through the Depository Act, 1996, the process
of sale, purchase and transfer of securities was a huge problem, and there was no safety at all.
The Depositories Act, 1996 provides a legal framework for establishment of depositories to facilitate holding of
securities including shares in the demat form (electronic form) and to effect transfer of securities through book
entry. The Act establishes the depository system in India by providing for setting up of one or more depositories
to enable the investors to hold securities in non-physical form (known as dematerialized form) and to affect
transfer of securities by way of book entries in accounts maintained by the depository.
Every depository is required to be registered with SEBI and will have to obtain a Certificate for commencement
of business on fulfillment of the prescribed conditions. There are two types of depositories in India, namely
National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) and Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL). The functioning
of Depository and its constituents in India is primarily governed by the Depository Act 1996, SEBI (Depository
& Participant) Regulations, 2018, Bye-laws and business rules of respective depositories.
The operational and functional issues relating to depository system have been discussed in this lesson to
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give an idea of the practical implications of various statutory and regulatory provisions. Further, a Practising
Company Secretary has been recognised by SEBI for various types of Audit of Depository participants.
At the end of this lesson, the student will able to understand :
• Basics of depository and its benefits;
• Models of depository and its functions;
• Process of dematerialisation and rematerialisation of securities;
• Securities which are eligible to be issue in depository mode;
• The concept of fungibility and rights of depository & beneficial owner;
• The applicability of SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018;
• Audit of depositories i.e., Internal Audit and Concurrent Audit by a Practising Company Secretary; and
• Audit of Reconciliation of Share Capital by a Practising Company Secretary.
Lesson 4 – An Overview of SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,

2018
The SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2009 (the ICDR Regulations) were
notified with the objective to bring more clarity to the provisions of the rescinded SEBI DIP Guidelines by
removing the redundant provisions and modifying certain provisions on account of changes necessitated due
to market design.
The SEBI in order to align its provisions under ICDR Regulations with the Companies Act, 2013 and allied
regulations, had come with its consultation paper on May, 04, 2018 detailing the suggestive changes under
various fund raising options by listed issuers. The SEBI constituted a committee named “ICDR Committee”
under the chairmanship of Sri Prithvi Haldea in June, 2017 to review the ICDR Regulations which suggested
certain policy changes in continuation to the same, the SEBI on September, 11, 2018 notified the SEBI (ICDR)
Regulations, 2018 effective from the 60th day of its publication in official Gazette. SEBI (ICDR) Regulations,
2018, lay down various provisions and procedures for various types of issue including public and rights issue.
SEBI’s emphasis on disclosure based regulation has witnessed a proliferation of disclosure norms for various
types of capital raising activities by Indian companies. SEBI has gradually expanded the disclosure norms and
prospectus requirements, culminating in the presently applicable SEBI ICDR Regulations. It lay down guidelines
relating to conditions for various kinds of issues including public and rights issue. The ICDR Regulations provide
detailed provisions relating to public issue such as conditions relating to an IPO and Further Public Offer (FPO),
conditions relating to pricing in public offerings, conditions governing promoter’s contribution, restriction on
transferability of promoter’s contribution, minimum offer to public, reservations, manner of disclosures in offer
documents, etc.
• Types of Issue;
• Concept of draft offer document, letter of offer and red herring prospectus;
• Contribution of promoters in case of Public Issue & exemption from the same;
• Concept of underwriting, Opening of Public issue & Minimum Subscription;
• Minimum number of share applications and application money;
• Pre-issue advertisement & Post issue advertisement;
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• Restriction on further issue of capital & Reservation on competitive basis; and
• Detailed procedure for issue of securities by companies.
Lesson 5 – An Overview of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)

Regulations, 2015
Listing agreement means where the securities are listed on the application of any person in any recognised
stock exchange, such person shall comply with the conditions of the listing agreement with that stock exchange.
It is a basic document which is executed between companies and the stock exchange when companies are
listed on the stock exchange. Listing Agreement entered into by listed companies with the stock exchanges
prescribes initial and continuous disclosure norms. The modifications to provisions of Listing Agreement are
prescribed by SEBI. The Listing Agreement has been modified from time to time to align with the regulatory
requirements arising out of the dynamic changes in the capital market.
With a view to consolidate and streamline the provisions of existing listing agreements for different segments of
the capital market and to align the provision relating to listed entities with the Companies Act 2013, SEBI has
notified the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 hereinafter referred as
‘Listing Regulations’.
The SEBI Listing Regulations lay down the broad principles for periodic disclosures to be given by the listed
entities operating in different segments of the capital markets. The Listing Regulations have been structured to
provide ease of reference by consolidating into one single document across various types of securities listed
on the Stock Exchanges.
This lesson will give an overview of :
• Obligations of listed entities;
• Various compliances & disclosures required to be made by the listed entities;
• Types of Board committee under listing regulations;
• Concept of Vigil Mechanism and Related Party Transactions; and
• Role of Company Secretary as a compliance officer as per listing regulations.
Lesson 6 – An Overview of SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers)

Regulations, 2011
One of the most popular modes of corporate expansion is by the acquisition of an existing company. However,
when the company being acquired is a listed company, then along with the promoters’ stake, there are a lot
of other interests, such as, public shareholders, financial institutions, foreign shareholders, etc. It is essential
that all these shareholders also get a fair deal in case of an acquisition. To address all such concerns, SEBI
has framed the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeover) Regulations,1997 which have evolved
significantly over the years and notified the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeover) Regulations,
2011 (‘SAST Regulations’) repealing the old regulation, providing for Acquisition of shares and takeover of listed
companies popularly known as “Takeover Code”.
Takeover code prescribes a systematic framework for acquisition of stake in listed companies. By these laws
the regulatory system ensures that the interests of the shareholders of listed companies are not compromised
in case of an acquisition or takeover. It also protect the interests of minority shareholders, which is also a
fundamental attribute of corporate governance principle.
After going through this lesson, the students will have the knowledge about the various procedural aspects of
takeover by an acquirer and target company with respect to acquisitions and takeover. At the end of this lesson,
the student will have the conceptual clarity about the following aspects of SEBI Takeover Code:
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• Triggering point while making an open offer by an acquirer;
• Open offer to the public;
• Concept of Public announcement i.e., timing of Public announcement & Detailed Public announcement;
• Procedural compliances related to letter of offer, opening of the offer etc.;
• Obligations of the acquirer and target company;
• Various disclosures requirements;
• Exemptions available to the acquirer in case of open offer; and
• Practical aspects of takeover.
Lesson 7 – SEBI (Buy-Back of Securities) Regulations, 2018

Buy-back of securities is a corporate financial strategy which involves capital restructuring and is resorted
by companies to achieve the varied objectives of increasing earnings per share, averting hostile takeovers,
improving returns to stakeholders and realigning the capital structure.
Buy-back of securities, like any other transaction of corporate restructuring, brings into play several issues, both
financial and non-financial, and the process of buy-back needs to be structured in a way that all the issues are
taken care of favourably.
The concept of buy-back was introduced in the Companies Act, 1956 by the Companies (Amendment) Act,
1999 by the insertion of Sections 77A, 77AA and 77B. Consequently, SEBI also issued the SEBI (Buy-Back
of Securities) Regulations, 1998 (“Old Regulation”) on 14th November 1998 with an objective of simplyfying
the language, removing redundant provisions and inconsistencies updating the references to the Companies
Act, 2013/other new SEBI Regulations and incorporating the relevant circulars, FAQ’s informal guidance in
the regulations, the SEBI notified the SEBI (Buyback of Securities) Regulations, 2018 on September 11, 2018
repeal the old Regulation. These regulations are applicable to the buyback of securities of a company listed on
a stock exchange. Under the Companies Act, 2013 buyback is governed by sections 68, 69 and 70 and listed
companies are governed by the SEBI (Buy-Back of Securities) Regulations, 2018.
This lesson will give an insight to the students into various methods of buy back available, prohibitions, objectives
and process of buy back etc. At the end of this lesson, the student will able to understand:
• Methods of buy back of securities;
• Procedure for buyback of securities from existing or security shareholders, from open market and from
odd-lot holders;
• Compliances related to extinguishing of bought back securities; and
• Obligations of the company and Merchant Banker.
Lesson 8 – SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009

With the new trends towards regulatory simplification to facilitate growth of businesses, barriers to free entry and
exit to companies could ultimately prove to be prohibitive in terms of loss of Capital, resources and expertise.
Internationally, stock exchanges do not impose any restriction on de-listing and allow de-listing subject to certain
conditions such as minimum notice period for the company, exit offers to investors, etc.
Similarly in India, SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009 (“the delisting regulations”) gives an
option to the listed company to either get itself delisted from all the recognised stock exchanges where it is
listed through reverse book building or only from some of the stock exchanges and continue to be listed on the
exchanges having nationwide terminals through a simplified process. Additionally, these regulations provide
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simplified procedure for delisting of shares of smaller companies.
In order to provide a statutory backing for the delisting framework, the Government has also notified delisting
rules under Rule 21 of Securities Contract (Regulations) Rules, 1957 (the SCR Rules) dealing primarily with
substantive aspect on delisting. The Delisting Regulations deal with the delisting of equity shares exclusively,
as against the erstwhile Delisting Guidelines which dealt with securities generally.
This lesson will make the student acquainted with the various provisions of delisting, reasons for delisting and
the various requirements to be complied with. At the end of this lesson, the student will able to understand:
• Agencies involved in delisting process and their Role;
• Concept of voluntary delisting and its different modes;
• Comprehensive procedure for delisting of equity shares from all the stock exchanges or few stock
exchange;
• Meaning of small companies and how it can voluntary delist its equity shares;
• Compulsory delisting of shares and its detailed procedure; and
• Special powers of the recognised stock exchange in case of delisting of equity shares.
Lesson 9 – SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 – An Overview

In this very dynamic era, most of the organisations are faced with a persistent challenge of attracting and
retaining talented employees. Equity based compensation or stock based incentive schemes are widely used
by the organisations in India and across the globe for their perceived benefits to both employer and employees
in the long run.
The SEBI, in the year 1999, had framed “the SEBI (Employee Stock Option Scheme and Employee Stock
Purchase Scheme) Guidelines, 1999” (hereinafter “existing guidelines”) which provides for the stock based
incentive schemes to employees. On 28th October, 2014, the SEBI had notified the SEBI (Share Based
Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 (hereinafter “Regulations”) repealing the existing guidelines. These
Regulations apply to ESOS, ESPS, General Employee Benefit Schemes (GEBS), Retirement Benefit Schemes
(RBS) and SAR Schemes of the listed companies.
This lesson will enable the students to learn the various provisions of SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits)
Regulations, 2014. At the end of this lesson, the student will able to:
• Understand the provisions of Companies Act, 2013 with respect to Employee stock option;
• Specify the companies eligible to issue ESOP/ESPS/GEBS/RBS/SARS;
• Familiarize with the types of schemes offered by the listed company;
• Understand the full procedure for issue of fresh shares for ESOPs;
• Determine the implementation of scheme through trust;
• Understand the concept of compensation committee & cases where shareholders’ approval required;
• Explain the administration of specific schemes like ESOS/ESPS/GEBS/RBS/SARS;
• Specify the provisions of SEBI LODR which is applicable to ESOP/ESPS; and
• Role of company secretary in issue of ESOP/ESPS/GEBS/RBS/SARS.
Lesson 10 – SEBI (Issue of Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2002 – An Overview

Sweat equity shares refers to equity shares given to the company’s employees on favourable terms, in recognition
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of their work. Sweat equity shares is one of the modes of making share based payments to employees of the
company. The issue of sweat equity shares allows the company to retain the employees by rewarding them for
their services.
Further, Sweat equity shares enables greater employee stake and interest in the growth of an organization as
it encourages the employees to contribute more towards the company in which they feel they have a stake.
Issue of sweat equity is governed by the provisions of section 54 of the Companies Act, 2013, relevant rules and
SEBI (Issue of Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2002. These regulations applicable to issue of sweat equity shares
by the listed companies. At the end of this lesson, the student will able to:
• Correlate the provision of Companies Act with SEBI Issue of Sweat Equity Regulations;
• Specify the eligible person for issue of sweat equity shares;
• Understand the requirement of shareholders’ approval by passing special resolution;
• Determine the pricing of sweat equity shares and its accounting treatment & valuation IPRs; and
• Enumerate the ceiling on Managerial remuneration & Lock-in of sweat equity shares.
Lesson 11 – SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015

In India, insider trading is not only a tort i.e. a civil wrong but also a crime. The SEBI Act does not define the term
by itself although it refers to the term “insider trading” in many provisions. However, using the powers to make
regulations and in discharge of its functions, SEBI has made regulations prohibiting insider trading in the form of
the PIT Regulations, 1992. The PIT Regulations, 1992 have had their challenges in their drafting, interpretation
and reach. So, SEBI notified and issued SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 repealing the
SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 1992. The objective of these regulations is to strengthen the
legal and enforcement framework, align Indian regime with international practices, provide clarity with respect
to the definitions and concepts, and facilitate legitimate business transactions.
At present, insider trading of securities by directors and key managerial personnel shall be administered by the
SEBI Regulations. These regulations are comprehensive and covering all the provisions of insider trading of
securities. At the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:
• Understand the important definitions i.e., Connected person, Person deemed to be connected person,
Insider, Unpublished price sensitive information;
• Explain the information/communication related to company which shall not be provide to any person;
• Elucidate trading when in possession of Unpublished price sensitive information;
• Understand the concept of trading plans;
• Specify the disclosures of trading and interest by certain persons;
• Familiarize with the code of Fair disclosure and conduct; and
• Understand the various penalties for violations under SEBI Act.
Lesson 12 – Mutual Funds

A mutual fund allows a group of investors to pool their money together with a predetermined investment
objective. The mutual fund will have a fund manager who is responsible for investing the gathered money into
specific securities (stocks or bonds). When an investor, invest in a mutual fund, buying units or portions of the
mutual fund and thus on investing becomes a shareholder or unit holder of the fund.
Mutual funds are considered as one of the best available investments as compare to others they are very cost
xiv
efficient and also easy to invest in, thus by pooling money together in a mutual fund, investors can purchase
stocks or bonds with much lower trading costs than if they tried to do it on their own. But the biggest advantage
to mutual funds is diversification, by minimizing risk & maximizing returns. A mutual fund is the most suitable
investment scope for common people as it offers an opportunity to invest in a diversified, professionally managed
basket of securities at a relatively lower cost.
The mutual fund industry in India began in 1963 with the formation of the Unit Trust of India (UTI) as an initiative
of the Government of India and Reserve Bank of India. Much later, in 1987, SBI Mutual Fund became the first
non-UTI mutual fund in India. In 1996, SEBI had formulated the regulation on Mutual Fund i.e., SEBI (Mutual
Fund) Regulations, 1996, which for the first time, established a comprehensive regulatory framework for the
mutual fund industry. Since then, several mutual funds have been set up by the private and joint sectors.
Mutual fund provides the information about the investment particulars of the corpus (company and sector-wise),
credit ratings, market value of investments, NAVs, returns, repurchase and sale price of the schemes. At the
end of this lesson, the student will able to:
• Familiarize with the structure of mutual fund and understand the risks associated with Mutual fund;
• Specify the types of Mutual fund in India;
• Determine the key players of the Mutual Fund;
• Understand the concept of Sponsor, Asset Management Company (AMC), Trustee and Unit Holder;
• Meaning of Net Asset Value, Expense Ratio and Holding Period Return; and
• Correlate the compliances of SEBI Mutual Funds Regulations with SEBI LODR.
Lesson 13 – Collective Investment Schemes

A CIS is any scheme or arrangement which pools funds from investors and involves a corpus amount of ₹100
crore or more. Every CIS has to compulsorily register itself with SEBI, file offer documents for its schemes and
obtain a credit rating from a recognised rating agency, before it launches a scheme.
Collective Investment Scheme are regulated by SEBI (Collective Investment Scheme) Regulations, 1999 which
was notified on October 15, 1999. These regulations defines Collective Investment Management Company
to mean a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 and registered with SEBI under these
regulations, whose object is to organize, operate and manage a collective investment.
This lesson will give an overview of collective investment scheme, listing of schemes and its winding up etc. At
the end of this lesson, the student will able to:
• Understand the business activities which is restrictions under CIS regulation;
• Understand the compliances related to quarterly report of CIS;
• Determine the obligations of collective investment management company(CIMC), trustee;
• Understand the conditions of the termination of the agreement with the CIMC; and
• Specify the procedure for allotment, transfer of units and winding up of scheme.
Lesson 14 – SEBI (Ombudsman) Regulations, 2003

Ombudsman in its literal sense is an independent person appointed to hear and act upon citizen’s complaint
about government services. In this regard, SEBI had notified the SEBI (Ombudsman) Regulations, 2003 on
August 21, 2003 which deals with establishment of office of Ombudsman, powers and functions of Ombudsman,
procedure for redressal of Grievances and implementation of the award. This lesson also covers provisions
related to SEBI Complaints Redress System (SCORES), and SEBI (Informal Guidance) Scheme, 2003.
xv
SCORES is a web based centralized grievance redress system of SEBI which enables investors to lodge and
follow up their complaints and track the status of redressal of such complaints online from the above website
from anywhere.
SEBI (Informal Guidance) Scheme, 2003 deals with various aspects such as the nature of request fees to be
accompanied along with letter disposal of requests, SEBI discretion not request and certain types of request
and confidentiality of requests, etc.
In this lesson, a student will be able to know about SCORES, SEBI Ombudsman Regulations and Informal
Guidance Scheme, etc. At the end of this lesson, the student will able to know:
• How to file a complaint in SCORES site;
• When a case can be referred for arbitration;
• Concept of Ombudsman and its powers & functions;
• Procedure for redressal of grievance; and
• Concept of Informal Guidance.
PART II – CAPITAL MARKET AND INTERMEDIARIES
Lesson 15 – Structure of Capital Market

Capital is one of the important factors of production in any economy. A well organized financial system provides
adequate capital formation through savings, finance and investments. An investment depends upon Savings
and in turn Savings depends upon earnings of an individual or profits of the organization. This system may be
viewed as a set of sub-systems with so many elements which are interdependent and interlinking with each
other to produce the purposeful result within the boundary. Hence, the term system in the context of finance
means a set of complex and closely connected financial institutions, instruments, agents, markets and so on
which are interdependent and interlinking with each other to produce the economic growth within the country.
In any economy, financial Institutions play an important role because all the financial dealings and matters are
handled and monitored by such Institutions. In the primary market, there are four key players: corporations,
institutions, investment banks, and public accounting firms. Institutions invest capital in corporations that seek
to expand and grow their businesses, while corporations issue debt or equity to the institutions in return for their
capital investment. Investment banks are hired to match institutions and corporations based on their risk profile
and investment style. Finally, public accounting firms are responsible for the preparation, review, and auditing
of financial statements, tax work, consulting on accounting systems, M&A, and capital raising.
A second important division falls between the stock markets is capital market instruments. Capital Market
Instruments are responsible for generating funds for companies, corporations and sometimes governments.
These are used by the investors to make a profit out of their respective markets.
Secondary Market refers to a market where securities are traded after being initially offered to the public in the
primary market and/or listed on the Stock Exchange. Majority of the trading is done in the secondary market.
Secondary market comprises of equity markets and the debt markets. There are many other factors also such
as integration with global financial market, policy decision which affect the working of stock markets.
– Different categories of Investment Institutions in detail;
– Various Capital Markets Instruments;
– Book building, Application Supported by Block Amount, Green Shoe Option etc.; and
– Concept of Secondary Market & its trading mechanism etc.
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Lesson 16 – Securities Market Intermediaries
Intermediaries are service providers and are an integral part of any financial system. The objective of these
intermediaries is to smoothen the process of investment and to establish a link between the investors and the users
of funds. The Market Regulator, i.e., SEBI regulates various intermediaries in the primary and secondary markets
through its Regulations for these respective intermediaries. These Regulations also empower SEBI to inspect the
functioning of these intermediaries and to collect fees from them and to impose penalties on erring entities.
At the end of this lesson, the student would have an overview about various types of intermediaries operating
in Capital Market and its role & responsibility, Internal Audit of Intermediaries by Company Secretary in Practice,
etc.
xvii
LIST OF RECOMMENDED BOOKS
PAPER 6 : SECURITIES LAWS AND CAPITAL MARKETS
READINGS
1. Sanjeev Aggarwal : Guide to Indian Capital Market; Bharat Law House, 22, Tarun Enclave,
Pitampura, New Delhi – 110034.
2. M.Y. Khan : Indian Financial Systems; Tata McGraw Hill, 4/12, Asaf Ali Road, New
Delhi – 110002.
3. S. Suryanarayanan & : SEBI – Law, Practice & Procedure; Commercial Law Publishers (India)
V. Varadarajan Pvt. Ltd., 151, Rajindra Market, Opp. Tis Hazari Court, Delhi - 110054
4. Taxmann : SEBI Manual
5. Shashi K Gupta : Financial Institutions and Markets ; Kalyani Publishers, 4863/2B, Bharat
Nishja Aggarwal Ram Road, 24, Daryaganj, New Delhi -110002
Neeti Gupta
REFERENCES
1. SEBI Annual Report : SEBI, Mumbai.
2. Website : www.sebi.gov.in
www.nseindia.com
www.bseindia.com
www.rbi.org.in
www.mca.gov.in
JOURNALS
1. SEBI and Corporate : Taxmann, 59/32, New Rohtak Road, New Delhi-110005.
Laws
2. Corporate Law Adviser : Corporate Law Adviser, Post Bag No. 3, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-110052.
3. SEBI Monthly Bulletin : SEBI, Mumbai.
4. NSE News : National Stock Exchange of India Ltd., Mahindra Towers, Worli, Mumbai-
400018.
Note : Students are advised to read relevant Bare Acts and Rules and Regulations relating thereto. E-Bulletin
‘Student Company Secretary’ and ‘Chartered Secretary’ should also be read regularly for updating the knowledge.
xviii
ARRANGEMENT OF STUDY LESSON
Module-2 Paper-6
Securities Laws and Capital Markets
PART I – SECURITIES LAWS
S.No. Lesson Tittle
1. Securities Contracts (Regulations) Act, 1956
2. Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992
3. Depositories Act, 1996
4. An Overview of SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018
5. An Overview of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015
6. An Overview of SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011
7. SEBI (Buy-Back of Securities) Regulations, 2018
8. SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009
9. SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 – An Overview
10. SEBI (Issue of Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2002 – An Overview
11. SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015
12. Mutual Funds
13. Collective Investment Schemes
14. SEBI (Ombudsman) Regulations, 2003
PART II – CAPITAL MARKET AND INTERMEDIARIES
S.No. Lesson Tittle
15. Structure of Capital Market
16. Securities Market Intermediaries
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CONTENTS
SECURITIES LAWS (PART I)
LESSON 1
SECURITIES CONTRACTS (REGULATION) ACT, 1956
Introduction, Genesis and Objectives of Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 2

SECURITIES CONTRACTS (REGULATION) ACT, 1956 2
Non-Applicability 3
Definitions 3
Securities 3
Contract 4
Spot Delivery Contract 4
Stock Exchange 4
Recognised Stock Exchange 4
Government security 4
Derivative 4
Securities Appellate Tribunal 4
Member 5
Recognition of Stock Exchanges 5
Withdrawal of Recognition 6
Powers of Central Government 6
Powers of Recognised Stock Exchange 11
Clearing Corporation 13
Role of Clearing Corporation 13
Punishments for Contraventions 14
Powers of the SEBI 14
Licensing of dealers in certain areas 16
Public Issue and Listing of Securities 16
Exclusion of Spot Delivery Contracts 17
Contracts in Derivatives 17
Stock exchanges other than Recognised Stock Exchanges prohibited 17
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Conditions for Listing 17
Delisting of Securities 17
Right of Appeal against Refusal of Stock Exchanges to List Securities of Public Companies 18
Right of Appeal to SAT against Refusal to List Securities of Public Companies by Stock Exchanges 18
Procedure and Powers of Securities Appellate Tribunal 19
Penalties 20
Penalty for Failure to Furnish Periodical Returns Etc. 20
Penalty for contravention where no separate penalty has been provided 21
Penalty for failure to furnish information, return, etc. 21
Penalty for failure by any person to enter into an agreement with clients 21
Penalty for failure to redress investors’ grievances 21
Penalty for failure to segregate securities or moneys of client or clients 21
Penalty for failure to comply with provision of listing conditions or delisting conditions or grounds 21
Penalty for excess dematerialisation or delivery of unlisted securities 22
Penalty for failure to conduct business in accordance with rules, etc. 22
Factors to be Taken into Account by the Adjudicating Officer 22
Settlement of Administrative and Civil Proceedings 22
Recovery of Amounts 22
Continuance of proceedings 23
Crediting Sum Realised by Way of Penalties to Consolidated Fund of India 23
Appeal to Securities Appellate Tribunal 24
Offences 24
Composition of Certain Offences 24
Contravention by Companies 24
Certain Offences to be Cognizable 25
Cognizance of Offences by Courts 25
Establishment of Special Courts 25
Offences triable by Special Courts 25
Appeal and Revision 25
Application of Code to proceeding before Special Court 25
Transitional provisions 26
Entitlement of the Investors to Dividend declared by the Company 26
Right to Receive Income from Collective Investment Scheme 26
Right to receive Income from Mutual Fund 27
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Protection of action taken in good faith 28
Special Provisions related to Commodity Derivatives 28
SECURITIES CONTRACTS (REGULATION) RULES, 1957 28
Requirements of Listing of Securities with Recognised Stock Exchanges 28
Rule 19(2) 30
Rule 19(2)(b) 30
Conditions precedent to Submission of Application for Listing by Stock Exchange 30
Application for Listing of New Securities 33
Suspension or withdrawal of admission to dealings in Securities on Stock Exchange 33
Minimum Shareholding 33
Delisting of Securities 34
LESSON ROUND UP 35
GLOSSARY 35
SELF TEST QUESTIONS 36
LESSON 2
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA ACT, 1992
Introduction 38
Objective of SEBI 38
SEBI Act, 1992 38
Composition of the SEBI 39
Functions and Powers of the SEBI 39
Cease and Desist Proceedings 45
Registration of Intermediaries 45
Prohibition of Manipulative and Deceptive Devices, Insider Trading etc. 46
Penalties for Failures 46
Penalties and Adjudication 46
Settlement of Administrative and Civil Proceedings 52
SECURITIES APPELLATE TRIBUNAL 52
Composition of Securities Appellate Tribunal 53
Qualification for appointment as Presiding Officer or Member of Securities Appellate Tribunal 53
Validity of appointment 54
Tenure of office of Presiding Officer and other Members of Securities Appellate Tribunal 55
Orders Constituting Appellate Tribunal to be Final and not to invalidate its Proceedings 55
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Appeal to the Securities Appellate Tribunal 55
Procedure 56
Powers of SAT 56
Limitation 57
Public Servants 57
Jurisdiction of Civil Court 57
Appeal to Supreme Court 57
Powers of Central Government 57
Delegation of Powers 58
Appeal to the Central Government 58
Bar of Jurisdiction 59
Public Servants 59
Offences and Punishments (Section 24) 59
Cognizance of Offences by Courts 59
Transitional Provisions 61
Contravention by Companies 61
Recovery of Amounts 61
Continuance of proceedings 62
Power to make Rules 63
Power to make Regulations 63
Consent Order 64
Role of Company Secretary 65
LESSON ROUND UP 65
GLOSSARY 65
LESSON 3
DEPOSITORIES ACT, 1996
Introduction 68
Difference between Depository and Custodian 68
Benefits of Depository System 68
Depository System – An Overview 69
Models of Depository 70
Legal Linkage 70
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Depository Participant 70
Registrar/Issuer 71
Dematerialisation 71
Rematerialisation 72
Electronic Credit in New Issues 72
Trading System 73
Corporate Actions 73
Legal Framework 73
Depositories Act, 1996 74
Power of the SEBI 76
Penalties and Adjudication 77
Penalties 78
Adjudication 78
Offences and cognizance 78
Offences 79
Membership rights in respect of Securities held by a Depository 80
Power of Central Government to make Rules 80
Power of Board to make Regulations 81
Power of Depositories to make Bye-Laws 81
SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018 82
Audit under SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018 82
Internal Audit of Operations of Depository Participants 83
Concurrent Audit 84
LESSON ROUND UP 85
GLOSSARY 85
LESSON 4
AN OVERVIEW OF SEBI (ISSUE OF CAPITAL AND DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS)
REGULATIONS, 2018
Introduction 88
Background 88
Types of Issues 89
Draft Offer Documents 90
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Offer Document 90
RHP (Red Herring Prospectus) 90
Initial Public offering / Further Public Offering 91
Applicability of the SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018 91
Eligibility Requirements to be complied with for IPO 91
Entities not eligible to make an Initial Public Offer [Regulation 5] 91
Non Applicability of Regulation 5(1) & (2) 92
Eligibility Requirements for an Initial Public Offer [Regulation 6] 92
General Conditions 94
Additional Conditions for an Offer for Sale 95
Eligibility Criteria for Further Public Offer (FPO) 97
Entities not eligible to make a FPO [Regulation 102] 97
Eligibility requirements for FPO [Regulation 103] 97
General Conditions for FPO [Regulation 104] 97
Issue of Warrants [Regulation 13] 98
Appointment of Lead Managers, Other Intermediaries and Compliance Officer [Regulation 23 & 121] 98
Disclosures in and Filing of Offer Documents [Regulation 24 & 122] 99
Filing of Offer Document [Regulations 25 & 123] 99
Filing of Draft Offer Document [Regulations 25 & 123] 100
Draft Offer Document and Offer Document to be available to the Public [Regulations 26 & 124] 100
ASBA [Regulations 35 & 132] 101
Availability of Issue Material [Regulations 36 &133] 101
Prohibition on Payment of Incentives [Regulations 37 & 134] 101
Security Deposit [Regulations 38 & 135] 101
IPO Grading – Applicable to IPO only [Regulation 39] 101
Opening of the Issue [Regulations 44 & 140] 101
Underwriting [Regulations 40 & 136] 101
Minimum Subscription [Regulations 45 & 141] 102
Period of Subscription [Regulations 46 & 142] 102
Oversubscription [Proviso to Regulations 49(2) & 145(2)] 102
Monitoring Agency [Regulations 41 & 137] 102
Public Communications, Publicity Materials, Advertisements and Research Reports 103
[Regulations 42 & 138]
Issue-related Advertisements [Regulations 43 & 139] 103
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Application and Minimum Application Value [Regulations 47 & 143] 103
Manner of Calls [Regulations 48 & 144] 104
Allotment Procedure and Basis of Allotment [Regulations 49 & 145] 104
Illustration Explaining the Procedure of Allotment 104
Allotment, Refund and Payment of Interest [Regulations 50 & 146] 106
Post-issue Advertisements [Regulations 51 & 147] 107
Post-issue Responsibilities of the Lead Manager(s) [Regulations 52 & 148] 107
Release of Subscription Money [Regulations 53 & 149] 108
Reporting of Transactions of the Promoters and Promoter Group [Regulations 54 & 150] 108
Post-Issue Reports [Regulations 55 & 151] 108
Restriction on Further Capital Issues [Regulation 152] 108
Face Value of Equity Shares [Regulations 27 & 125] 108
Pricing 108
Differential Pricing [Regulations 30 & 128] 109
Price and Price Band [Regulations 29 & 127] 109
Promoters’ Contribution 109
Non Applicability 110
Minimum Promoters’ Contribution 110
Promoters’ Contribution to be brought in before Public Issue Opens [Regulation 14(4)] 110
Securities Ineligible for Minimum Promoters’ Contribution [Regulation 15] 111
In case of FPO 112
Exemption from Requirement of Promoters’ Contribution [Regulation 112] 112
Minimum Promoters’ Contribution [Regulation 113] 112
Securities Ineligible for Minimum Promoters’ Contribution [Regulation 114] 113
Lock-In Requirements 113
For Securities held by Promoters [Regulations 16 & 115] 113
Securities held by Persons other than Promoters [Regulation 17] 114
Securities lent to Stabilising Agent under Green Shoe Option [Regulations 18 & 116] 114
Lock-in of Party-Paid Securities [Regulations 19 & 117] 115
Inscription or Recording of Non-Transferability [Regulations 20 & 118] 115
Pledge of Locked in Shares [Regulations 21 & 119] 115
Transferability of Locked-in Specified Securities [Regulations 22 & 120] 115
Minimum Offer to Public and Reservations 116
Minimum Offer to Public [Regulation 31] 116
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Reservation on Competitive Basis [Regulations 33 & 130] 116
Fast Track FPO 117
Eligibility 117
Post-Listing exit Opportunity for Dissenting Shareholders 118
Exit Opportunity to Dissenting Shareholders [Scheduled Xx] 118
Conditions for Exit Offer 118
Eligibility of Shareholders for availing the Exit Offer 118
Exit Offer Price 118
Manner of providing exit to Dissenting Shareholders 119
Maximum permissible Non-Public Shareholding 120
Procedure for Issue of Securities 120
LESSON ROUND UP 123
GLOSSARY 123
LESSON 5
AN OVERVIEW OF SEBI (LISTING OBLIGATIONS AND DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS)
REGULATIONS, 2015
Introduction 126
SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 126
Applicability 126
Obligations of Listed Entities 127
Compliances under SEBI Listing Regulations 127
One-Time Compliances 128
Quarterly Compliances 128
Half Yearly Compliances 129
Yearly Compliances 129
Event Based Compliances 130
Corporate Governance under SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 132
Exceptions 134
Board Committees under the SEBI Listing Regulations 135
Vigil Mechanism [Regulation 22] 135
Related Party Transactions [Regulation 23] 136
In-Principle Approval of Recognized Stock Exchange(s) [Regulation 28] 138
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For CS in Employment 138
For Company Secretary in Practice 139
Case Studies 140
LESSON ROUND UP 144
GLOSSARY 145
LESSON 6
AN OVERVIEW OF SEBI (SUBSTANTIAL ACQUISITION OF SHARES AND TAKEOVERS)
REGULATIONS, 2011
Introduction 148
Background 148
SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 148
Important Definitions 149
Applicability 151
Trigger Point for Making an Open Offer by an Acquirer 151
25% Shares or Voting Rights 151
Creeping Acquisition Limit 151
Open Offer 151
Mandatory Open Offer 152
Delisting Offer 153
Voluntary Offer 154
Conditional Offer 155
Minimum Offer Size 156
Public Announcement 156
Offer Price 159
Submission of Draft Letter of Offer 162
Dispatch of Letter of Offer 163
Opening of the Offer 163
Completion of Requirements 163
Restriction on Acquisition 163
Provision of Escrow 164
Mode of Payment 164
Withdrawal of Open Offer 165
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Obligations of the Target Company 166
Obligations of the Acquirer 167
Disclosures 168
Exemptions 169
Regulation 10 - Automatic Exemptions 170
Regulation 11 – Exemption by SEBI 174
LESSON ROUND UP 177
GLOSSARY 177
LESSON 7
SEBI (BUY-BACK OF SECURITIES) REGULATIONS 2018
Introduction 180
Background 180
Objectives of Buy-back 180
Section 68 of the Companies Act, 2013 181
Applicability 182
Important definitions 182
Conditions for Buyback of Shares or Other Securities 183
Additional Conditions for Buyback of Shares or Other Securities 183
Methods of Buyback 184
Sources of Buyback 185
Prohibitions for Buy-back 185
Authorisation for Buyback 185
Explanatory Statement 186
Additional Disclosures 187
Buy-Back Process 188
Buy-back from the Existing Shareholders or Securities holders through Tender Offer 188
Additional Disclosures 188
Buy-Back through tender offer 189
Offer Procedure 189
Escrow Account 190
Closure and Payment to Securities Holders 192
Extinguishment of Certificate and other Closure Compliances 192
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Odd-lot Buy-Back 193
Buy-Back from the Open Market 193
Buy-Back of Shares through Stock Exchange 193
Buy-Back through Book Building 196
Obligations for all Buy-Back of Shares or other Specified Securities 197
Buyback vis-a-vis Compliance under SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011 199
LESSON ROUND-UP 199
GLOSSARY 200
SELF-TEST QUESTIONS 200
LESSON 8
SEBI (DELISTING OF EQUITY SHARES) REGULATIONS, 2009
Introduction 204
Background 204
Framework of SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009 204
Agencies involved in Delisting Process and their Role 205
Applicability 205
Non-Applicability 206
Voluntary Delisting 207
Different modes of Voluntary Delisting 208
Convene a Board Meeting [Regulation 8(1)(a)] 208
Intimation of Board Meeting to Stock Exchange [Regulation 29(1)(c) of SEBI LODR Regulations] 209
Special Resolution through Postal Ballot [Regulation 8(1) (b)] 209
Application for In principal approval to concerned Stock Exchange [Regulation 8(1) (c)] 209
Final Application for Delisting to Concerned Stock Exchange [Regulation 8(1) (d)] 209
Due Diligence by the Merchant Banker [Regulation 8(1A), (1B), (1C), (1D) & (1E)] 209
In principal Approval by the Exchange [Regulation 8 (3)] 210
Appointment of Merchant Banker [Regulation 10 (4)] 210
Promoter not to Sell Shares [Regulation 10(7)] 211
Determination of Offer Price (Regulation 15) 211
Opening of Escrow Account [Regulation 11] 211
Public Announcement [Regulation 10] 211
Specified Date [Regulation 10 (3)] 212
Dispatch of Letter of Offer [Regulation 12] 212
xxx
Duration of the Bidding Period [Regulation13] 213
Minimum number of Equity Shares to be Acquired [Regulation 17] 213
Counter Offer [Regulation16 (1A)] 214
Public Announcement after Closure of Offer [Regulation 18] 214
Payment of Consideration [Regulation 20] 215
Final Application to Stock Exchange [Regulation 8 (5)] 215
Delisting Order 215
Right of remaining Shareholders to tender Equity Shares [Regulation 21] 215
Release of Amount in the Escrow Account [Regulation 21(1)] 215
Returning of the Equity Shares tendered [Regulation 16 (2)] 215
Failure of Offer [Regulation 19] 215
Convene a Board Meeting [Regulation 8 (1) (a)] 217
Appointment of Merchant Banker [Regulation 27 (3)(b)] 217
Outcome of Board Meeting to Stock Exchange [Schedule III of the SEBI LODR Regulations, 2015] 217
Special Resolution through Postal Ballot (Regulation 8 (1) (b)) 217
Determination of Exit Price [Regulation 27 (3)(b)] 217
Application for In Principal Approval to concerned Stock Exchange [Regulation 8(1)(c)] 218
In principal Approval by the Exchange [Regulation 8 (3)] 218
Public Notice [Regulation 7(1)(b)] 218
Letter to all Public Shareholders [Regulation 27 (3)(c)] 218
Consent of the Public Shareholders [Regulation 27 (3)(d)] 218
Receiving consent from the Shareholders [Regulation 27(3)(e)] 218
Payment to Shareholders [Regulation 27 (3)(f)] 219
Final Application to Stock Exchange [Regulation 8 (5)] 219
Delisting Order 219
Compulsory Delisting 219
Constitution of Panel [Regulation 22 (2)] 219
Public Notice before Delisting Order [Regulation 22 (3)] 219
Time Period of Making Representation [Regulation 22 (3)] 219
Delisting Order by the Recognised Stock Exchange [Regulation 22 (4)] 220
Public Notice after Delisting Order [Regulation 22 (6)] 220
Exit Price Determination by an Independent Valuer (Regulation 23) 220
Special Powers to the Recognized Stock Exchanges (SCHEDULE III) 221
Compulsory Delisting – Time-line 222
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Role of Company Secretary in Delisting 223
LESSON ROUND UP 223
GLOSSARY 223
LESSON 9
SEBI (SHARE BASED EMPLOYEE BENEFITS) REGULATIONS, 2014 – AN OVERVIEW
Background 226
Companies Act, 2013 226
SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 227
Applicability 227
Companies Covered 227
Non- Applicability 228
Important Definitions 228
Schemes - Implementation and Process 228
Trust Route 229
Implementation of Schemes through Trust 230
Eligibility Criteria 232
Compensation Committee 233
Shareholders’ Approval 233
Variation of Terms of the Schemes 234
Winding up of the Schemes 234
Non-Transferability 234
Listing 235
Schemes implemented by Unlisted Companies 235
Compliances and Conditions 236
Certificate from Auditors 236
Disclosures 236
Accounting Policies 236
Administration of Specific Schemes 237
Employee Stock Option Scheme (ESOS) 237
Employee Stock Purchase Scheme (ESPS) 237
Stock Appreciation Rights Scheme (SARS) 238
General Employee Benefits Scheme (GEBS) 238
xxxii
Retirement Benefit Scheme (RBS) 238
Directions by the SEBI and action in case of default 239
SEBI (Listing Obligations & Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 for ESOP/ESPS 239
LESSON ROUND-UP 242
GLOSSARY 243
LESSON 10
SEBI (ISSUE OF SWEAT EQUITY) REGULATIONS, 2002 – AN OVERVIEW
Introduction 246
Companies Act, 2013 246
SEBI (Issue of Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2002 246
Sweat Equity Shares may be issued to Employee and Directors 247
Special Resolution 247
Issue of Sweat Equity Shares to Promoters 248
Pricing of Sweat Equity Shares 248
Valuation of Intellectual Property 249
Accounting Treatment 249
Placing of Auditors before Annual General Meeting 249
Ceiling on Managerial Remuneration 249
Lock-in 249
Listing 250
Applicability of Takeover 250
LESSON ROUND UP 250
GLOSSARY 250
LESSON 11
SEBI (PROHIBITION OF INSIDER TRADING) REGULATIONS, 2015
Introduction 254
SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 255
Definitions 255
Communication or Procurement of Unpublished Price Sensitive Information 258
xxxiii
Trading when in possession of Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI) 258
Trading Plans 260
Disclosures of Trading by Insiders 261
Disclosures of interest by Certain Persons 261
Initial Disclosures [Regulation 7 (1)] 261
Continual Disclosures [Regulation 7 (2)] 261
Informant Incentives and Rewards 262
Informant 262
Submission of Original Information to the Board [Regulation 7 (B)] 263
Receipt of Original Information by the Board [Regulation 7 (C)] 263
Informant Reward [Regulation 7(D)] 264
Determination of amount of Reward [Regulation 7 (E)] 264
Application for Reward [Regulation 7 (F)] 264
Rejection of claim for Reward [Regulation 7 (G)] 265
Informant Confidentiality [Regulation 7 (H)] 265
Protection against Retaliation and Victimization [Regulation 7 (I)] 265
Code of Fair Disclosure [Regulation 8] 266
Code of Conduct [Regulation 9] 267
Minimum Standards for Code of Conduct 268
Institutional Mechanism for Prevention of Insider trading [Regulation 9A] 270
Penalty Provisions for Violations of the Regulations 271
Appeal to Securities Appellate Tribunal 272
Role of Company Secretary as Compliance Officer 272
Recent Judgments and Developments 274
LESSON ROUND UP 274
GLOSSARY 275
LESSON 12
MUTUAL FUNDS
Introduction 278
What is a Mutual Fund? 278
Structure of a Mutual Fund 278
Overview of Mutual Funds Industry in India 279
xxxiv
Schemes according to Investment Objective 281
Advantages of Mutual Funds 282
Risks involved in Mutual Funds 283
Eligibility Criteria for Registration of Mutual Funds 283
Key Players in Mutual Fund 284
Eligibility Criteria for Appointment of Asset Management Company 285
Terms and Conditions of Registration 287
Mutual Fund Terminology 287
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in Mutual Fund 290
Net Asset Value 290
Expense Ratio 291
Holding Period Return 292
Evaluating Performance OF Mutual Fund 292
SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations, 1996 293
SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 294
LESSON ROUNDUP 295
GLOSSARY 295
SELF-TEST QUESTIONS 295
LESSON 13
COLLECTIVE INVESTMENT SCHEMES
Introduction 298
SEBI (Collective Investment Schemes) Regulations, 1999 – An Overview 300
Restrictions on Business Activities 300
Obligations of Collective Investment Management Company 301
Submission of Information and Documents 301
Trustees and their Obligations 301
Contents of Trust Deed 302
Eligibility for Appointment as Trustee 302
Rights and Obligations of the Trustee 302
Termination of Trusteeship 303
Termination of the Agreement with the Collective Investment Management Company 304
Procedure for Launching of Schemes 305
Disclosures in the Offer Document 305
xxxv
Allotment of Units and Refunds of Money 305
Unit Certificates 305
Transfer of Units 305
Investments and Segregation of Funds 306
Listing of Schemes 306
Winding up of Scheme 306
Directions by the SEBI 307
Penal Provisions 308
LESSON ROUND UP 309
GLOSSARY 309
LESSON 14
SEBI (OMBUDSMAN) REGULATIONS, 2003
Introduction 312
Investor Grievances 312
SCORES (SEBI Complaints Redress System) 312
Complaints that come under the purview of SEBI 314
Matters not considered as Complaints in SCORES 314
Complaints against which type of Companies cannot be dealt on SCORES 315
When can a case be referred for Arbitration? 315
Time line for Lodging Complaint on SCORES 316
When can SEBI take action for Non-resolution of Investor Complaints? 316
Ombudsman 316
Territorial Jurisdiction 317
Powers and Functions of Ombudsman 317
Procedure for Redressal of Grievance 317
Procedure for filing a Complaint 318
Power to Call for Information 319
Settlement by Mutual Agreement 319
Evidence act not to apply in the Proceedings before Ombudsman 321
Cost and Interest 321
Implementation of the Award 321
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Display of the Particulars of the Ombudsman 321
SEBI (Informal Guidance) Scheme, 2003 322
Confidentiality of Request 323
LESSON ROUND UP 324
GLOSSARY 324
LESSON 15
STRUCTURE OF CAPITAL MARKET
CAPITAL MARKET INVESTMENT INSTITUTIONS 328

Introduction 328
National Level Institutions 328
State Level Institutions 330
Qualified Institutional Buyers 330
Foreign Portfolio Investor 331
Categories of FPI 331
Alternative Investment Funds 332
Private Equity 333
Types of Private Equity 334
Angel Fund 334
High Net Worth Individuals 335
Venture Capital 335
Areas of Investment 335
Pension Fund 335
Legislations 336
Government Pension 336
CAPITAL MARKET INSTRUMENTS 336
Equity Shares 336
Shares with Differential Voting Rights 338
Preference Shares 339
Debentures 339
Categories of Debentures 340
Fully Convertible Debentures 340
Non Convertible Debentures (NCDs) 340
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Partly Convertible Debentures (PCDs) 340
Optionally Fully Convertible Debenture (OFCD) 341
Bonds 341
Characteristics of a Bond 341
Types of Bond 342
Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBS) 342
Foreign Currency Exchangeable Bonds (FCEBS) 343
Indian Depository Receipts 343
Derivatives 344
Future 344
Options 344
Warrant 345
C. ASPECTS OF PRIMARY MARKET 346
Book Building 346
Anchor Investors 348
Application Supported By Block Amount (ASBA) 349
Self-Certified Syndicate Bank 349
ASBA Process 349
Use of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with ASBA in public issue process 350
Green Shoe Option 351
PART II SECONDARY MARKET 354
Stock Exchange 355
Trading Mechanism 356
Types of Securities 356
Margins 356
Book Closure and Record Date 357
Block Deal 357
Bulk Deal 358
Basis of Sensex 358
Nifty 358
Market Surveillance 359
Risk Management in Secondary Market 360
Impact of various Policies on Stock Markets 361
FED Policy 361
xxxviii
Credit Policy of RBI 362
Inflation Index 363
Impact of Policies on Indian Stock Market 365
LESSON ROUND UP 365
GLOSSARY 366
LESSON 16
SECURITIES MARKET INTERMEDIARIES
Introduction 370
Regulatory Framework of Intermediaries 371
Internal Audit of Intermediaries by Company Secretary in Practice 388
LESSON ROUND UP 389
GLOSSARY 389
GLOSSARY 391
CASE LAW 397
TEST PAPER 426
BIBLIOGRAPHY 429
xxxix
xl
Lesson 1
Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956
LESSON OUTLINE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
– Introduction
Stock Market plays a significant role in
– Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956
development of a country’s Economy. Stock
– Non-applicability
Market facilitates mobilization of funds from small
– Definitions investors and channelizes these resources into
– Recognition of Stock Exchanges various development needs of various sectors
– Withdrawal of Recognition of the economy. In order to prevent undesirable
– Powers of Central Government transactions in securities by regulating the business
of dealing therein, and by providing for certain
– Powers of Recognised Stock Exchange
other matters connected therewith, the Securities
– Clearing Corporation
Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 was enacted
– Punishments for Contraventions by Parliament. The Government promulgated the
– Powers of SEBI Securities Contracts (Regulations) Rules, 1957
– Public Issue and Listing of Securities for carrying into effect the objects of the Securities
– Exclusion of Spot Delivery Contracts Contracts (Regulation) Act.
– Contracts in Derivatives After going through this lesson, the student will
– Conditions for Listing be able to know about the Powers of Central
Government, Stock Exchange and SEBI under
– Delisting of Securities
the SCRA Act, the penal provisions, procedures,
– Right of Appeal to SAT
offences, procedure for appeal to Securities
– Penalties Appellate Tribunal, Right of Investors, and
– Factors to be taken into account by the Securities Contracts (Regulations) Rules, 1957
Adjudicating Officer etc.
– Crediting sum realised by way of penalties to
Consolidated Fund of India
– Offences
– Composition of Certain Offences
– Offences by Companies
– Certain Offences to be Cognizable
– Cognizance of Offences by courts
– Special provisions related to Commodity
Derivatives
– Securities Contracts (Regulations) Rules, 1957
– LESSON ROUND UP
– GLOSSARY
– SELF-TEST QUESTIONS
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INTRODUCTION, GENESIS AND OBJECTIVES OF SECURITIES CONTRACTS

(REGULATION) ACT, 1956
The object of Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 is to provide for the regulation of stock exchanges,
and of transactions in securities dealt on them with a view to preventing undesirable speculation in them. The
Act also seeks to regulate the buying and selling of securities outside the limits of stock exchanges, through the
licensing of security dealers.
The stock market helps in the mobilization of the funds from the small savings of the investors and channelizes
such resources into different development needs of various sectors of the economy. The stock market is the
platform of securities trading. But the stock exchanges also suffer from certain limitations and require strict
control over their activities in order to ensure safety in dealings thereon. Hence, in 1956, the Securities Contracts
(Regulation) Act was passed which provided for recognition of stock exchanges by the Central Government.
The provisions of this Act came into force with effect from February 20, 1957.
The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 (‘SCRA’) provides for direct and indirect control of all aspects of
the securities trading including the running of stock exchanges which aims to prevent undesirable transaction in
securities by regulating the business of dealing therein. It gives the Central Government regulatory jurisdiction
over:
(a) Stock exchanges through a process of recognition and continued supervision,
(b) contracts in securities, and
(c) listing of securities on stock exchanges.
As a condition of recognition, a stock exchange complies with the requirements prescribed by the Central
Government. The stock exchanges frame, their own listing regulations in consonance with the minimum listing
criteria set out in Securities Contracts (Regulations) Rules, 1957.
The Government promulgated the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957 (‘SCRR’) for carrying into
effect the objects of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act. These rules provide among other things,
for the procedure to be followed for recognition of Stock Exchanges; Submission of periodical returns and
annual reports by recognised stock exchanges; inquiry into the affairs of stock exchanges and their members
; and requirements for listing of securities. The rules are statutory and they constitute a code of standardised
regulations uniformly applicable to all the recognised stock exchanges.
Under the SCRR, the Government and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issue notifications,
guidelines, and circulars which need to be complied with by market participants. Most of the powers under the
SCRA are exercisable by Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) while a few others by SEBI. The powers of
the DEA under the SCRA are also concurrently exercised by SEBI. The powers in respect of the contracts for
sale and purchase of securities, gold related securities, money market securities and securities derived from
these securities and carry forward contracts in debt securities are exercised concurrently by Reserve Bank of
India (RBI).
I. SECURITIES CONTRACTS (REGULATION) ACT, 1956

The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, extends to the whole of India and came into force on February
20, 1957. The Act defines various terms in relation to securities and provides the detailed procedure for the
stock exchanges to get recognition from Government/SEBI, procedure for listing of securities of companies and
operations of the brokers in relation to purchase and sale of securities on behalf of investors.
Lesson 1 n Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 3
NON-APPLICABILITY
Section 28 provides that the provisions of this Act shall not apply to –
(a) the Government, the Reserve Bank of India, any local authority or any corporation set up by a special
law or any person who has effected any transaction with or through the agency of any such authority
as is referred to in this clause;
(b) any convertible bond or share warrant or any option or right in relation thereto, in so far as it entitles the
person in whose favour any of the foregoing has been issued to obtain at his option from the company
or other body corporate, issuing the same or from any of its shareholders or duly appointed agents,
shares of the company or other body corporate, whether by conversion of the bond or warrant or
otherwise, on the basis of the price agreed upon when the same was issued.
If the Central Government is satisfied that in the interest of trade and commerce or the economic development
of the country, it is necessary or expedient so to do, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify any
class of contracts as contracts to which this Act or any provision contained therein shall not apply, and also the
conditions, limitations or restrictions, if any, subject to which it shall not so apply.
DEFINITIONS
Section 2 of this Act contains definitions of various terms used in the Act. Some of the important definitions are
given below:
Securities
Securities include
(i) shares, scrips, stocks, bonds, debentures, debenture stock or other marketable securities of a like
nature in or of any incorporated company or body corporate;
(ii) derivative;
(iii) units or any other instrument issued by any Collective Investment Scheme to the Investors in such
schemes;
(iv) security receipt as defined in clause (zg) of Section 2 of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of
Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002;
(v) units or any other such instrument issued to the investors under any Mutual Fund Scheme;
Explanation : “Securities” shall not include any unit linked insurance policy or scripts or any such
instrument or unit, by whatever name called, which provides a combined benefit risk on the life of the
persons and investment by such person and issued by an insurer referred to in clause (9) of section 2
of the Insurance Act, 1938;
(vi) any certificate or instrument (by whatever name called) issued to an investor by any issuer being a
special purpose distinct entity which possess any debt or receivable, including mortgage debt, assigned
to such entity, and acknowledging beneficial interest of such investor in such debt or receivable,
including mortgage debt, as the case may be;
(vii) government securities;
(viii) such other instruments as may be declared by the Central Government to be securities; and
(ix) rights or interests in securities.
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Contract
“Contract” means a contract for or relating to the purchase or sale of securities.
Spot Delivery Contract

Spot delivery contract means a contract which provides for –
(a) actual delivery of securities and the payment of a price therefore either on the same day as the date
of the contract or on the next day, the actual period taken for the dispatch of the securities or the
remittance of money therefor through the post being excluded from the computation of the period
aforesaid if the parties to the contract do not reside in the same town or locality;
(b) transfer of the securities by the depository from the account of a beneficial owner to the account of
another beneficial owner when such securities are dealt with by a depository.
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange means –
(a) any body of individuals, whether incorporated or not, constituted before corporatisation and
demutualisation under Sections 4A and 4B, or
(b) a body corporate incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 (erstwhile Companies Act, 1956)
whether under a scheme of corporatisation and demutualisation or otherwise,
for the purpose of assisting, regulating or controlling the business of buying, selling or dealing in securities.
Recognised Stock Exchange

Recognised Stock Exchange means a stock exchange which is for the time being recognised by the Central
Government.
Government security
Government security means a security created and issued whether before or after the commencement of this
Act, by the Central Government or a State Government for the purpose of raising a public loan and having one
of the forms specified in clause (2) of section 2 of the Public Debt Act, 1944.
Derivative
Derivative includes –
(a) a security derived from a debt instrument, share, loan, whether secured or unsecured, risk instrument
or contract for differences or any other form of security;
(b) a contract which derives its value from the prices or index of prices, of underlying securities;
(c) Commodity derivatives; and
(d) such other instruments as may be declared by the Central Government to be derivatives.
Securities Appellate Tribunal

Securities Appellate Tribunal means a Securities Appellate Tribunal established under sub-section (1) of section
15K of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.
MEMBER
Member means a member of a recognised stock exchange;
RECOGNITION OF STOCK EXCHANGES

Section 3 lays down that any stock exchange, desirous of being recognized for the purposes of this Act may
make an application in the prescribed manner to the Central Government. Every application shall contain such
particulars as may be prescribed, and shall be accompanied by a copy of the bye-laws of the stock exchange
for the regulation and control of contracts and also a copy of the rules relating in general to the constitution of
the stock exchange and in particular to –
(a) the governing body of such stock exchange, its constitution and powers of management and the manner
in which its business is to be transacted;
(b) the powers and duties of the office bearers of the stock exchange;
(c) the admission into the stock exchange of various classes of members, the qualifications, for membership,
and the exclusion, suspension, expulsion and re-admission of members therefrom or thereinto;
(d) the procedure for the registration of partnerships as members of the stock exchange in cases where the
rules provide for such membership; and the nomination and appointment of authorized representatives
and clerks.
Section 4 lays down that if the Central Government is satisfied (powers are exercisable by SEBI also) after
making such inquiry as may be necessary in this behalf and after obtaining such further information, if any, as
it may require;
(a) that the rules and bye-laws of a stock exchange applying for registration are in conformity with such
conditions as may be prescribed with a view to ensure fair dealing and to protect investors;
(b) that the stock exchange is willing to comply with any other conditions (including conditions as to the
number of members) which the Central Government, after consultation with the governing body of the
stock exchange and having regard to the area served by the stock exchange and its standing and the
nature of the securities dealt with by it, may impose for the purpose of carrying out the objects of this
Act; and
(c) that it would be in the interest of the trade and also in the public interest to grant recognition to the stock
exchange;
It may grant recognition to the stock exchange subject to the conditions imposed upon it as aforesaid and in
such form as may be prescribed.
The conditions which the Central Government (powers are exercisable by SEBI also) may prescribe for the
grant of recognition to the stock exchanges may include, among other matters, conditions relating to,—
(i) the qualifications for membership of stock exchanges;
(ii) the manner in which contracts shall be entered into and enforced as between members;
(iii) the representation of the Central Government on each of the stock exchange by such number of
persons not exceeding three as the Central Government may nominate in this behalf; and
(iv) the maintenance of accounts of members and their audit by chartered accountants whenever such
audit is required by the Central Government.
Every grant of recognition to a stock exchange under this section shall be published in the Gazette of India and
also in the Official Gazette of the State in which the principal office of the stock exchange is situated, and such
6 EP-SL&CM
recognition shall have effect as from the date of its publication in the Gazette of India.
No application for the grant of recognition shall be refused except after giving an opportunity to the stock
exchange concerned to be heard in the matter; and the reasons for such refusal shall be communicated to the
stock exchange in writing.
WITHDRAWAL OF RECOGNITION
If the Central Government is of opinion that the recognition granted to a stock exchange should in the interest
of the trade or in the public interest, be withdrawn, the Central Government may serve on the governing body of
the stock exchange a written notice that the Central Government is considering the withdrawal of the recognition
for the reasons stated in the notice and after giving an opportunity to the governing body to be heard in the
matter, the Central Government may withdraw, by notification in the Official Gazette, the recognition granted to
the stock exchange;
However, the withdrawal shall not affect the validity of any contract entered into or made before the date of the
notification, and the Central Government may, after consultation with the stock exchange, make such provision
as it deems fit in the notification of withdrawal or in any subsequent notification similarly published for the due
performance of any contracts outstanding on that date.
Where the recognized stock exchange has not been corporatized or demutualised or it fails to submit the scheme
within the specified time therefore or the scheme has been rejected by the SEBI, the recognition granted to such
stock exchange, shall, stand withdrawn and the Central Government shall publish, by notification in the Official
Gazette, such withdrawal of recognition.
However, such withdrawal shall not affect the validity of any contract entered into or made before the date of the
notification, and SEBI may, after consultation with the stock exchange, make such provisions as it deems fit in
the order rejecting the scheme published in the Official Gazette.
It is to be noted that the powers under Section 4 (3), 4(5) and Section 5 have been delegated concurrently to
SEBI also. Hence, SEBI may exercise these powers.
POWERS OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

To call for periodical returns and make direct enquiries
[Section 6]
To direct rules or make rules [Section 8]
To Supersede governing body of a recognised

Stock Exchanges [Section 11]
Powers of the CG
To Suspend Business of Recognised Stock Exchange

[Section 12]
To Issue Directions [Section 12A]
To prohibit contracts in certain cases [Section 16]
To grant Immunity [Section 23-O]
To delegate or to make rules [Section 29A]

To call for periodical returns and make direct enquiries

Every recognised stock exchange shall furnish to the SEBI, such periodical returns relating to its affairs as may
be prescribed.
Every such stock exchange and every member thereof shall maintain and preserve for not exceeding five years
such books of accounts, and other documents as the Central Government, after consultation with the stock
exchange concerned, may prescribe in the interest of the trade or in the public interest, and such books of
account, and other documents shall be subject to inspection to all reasonable times by SEBI.
Every stock exchange shall furnish to the Central Government (powers are exercisable by SEBI also) a copy
of its annual report which shall contain such particulars as may be prescribed by Central Government/SEBI.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India, if it is satisfied that it is in the interest of the trade or in the public
interest so to do, may, by order in writing,–
l call upon a recognised stock exchange or any member thereof to furnish in writing such information
or explanation relating to the affairs of the stock exchange or of the member in relation to the stock
exchange as the SEBI may require; or
l appoint one or more persons to make an inquiry in the prescribed manner in relation to the affairs of
the governing body of a stock exchange or the affairs of any of the members of the stock exchange in
relation to the stock exchange and submit a report of the result of such inquiry to the SEBI within such
time as may be specified in the order or, in the case of an inquiry in relation to the affairs of any of the
members of a stock exchange, direct the governing body to make the inquiry and submit its report to
the SEBI;
l Where an inquiry in relation to the affairs of a recognised stock exchange or the affairs of any of its
members in relation to the stock exchange has been undertaken:
(a) every director, manager, secretary or other officer of such stock exchange;
(b) every member of such stock exchange;
(c) if the member of the stock exchange is a firm, every partner, manager, secretary or other officer
of the firm; and
(d) every other person or body of persons who has had dealings in the course of business with any
of the persons mentioned in clauses (a), (b) and (c), whether directly or indirectly;
shall be bound to produce before the authority making the inquiry all such books of account, and other documents
in his custody or power relating to or having a bearing on the subject-matter of such inquiry and also to furnish
the authorities within such time as may be specified with any such statement or information relating thereto as
may be required of him.
To Direct Rules or make Rules

Section 8 deals with the power of Central Government to make rules or direct rules to be made in respect of
recognised stock exchange. Where, after consultation with the governing bodies of stock exchanges generally
or with the governing body of any stock exchange in particular, the Central Government is of opinion that it is
necessary or expedient so to do, it may, by order in writing together with a statement of the reasons therefor,
direct the recognised stock exchanges generally or any recognised stock exchange in particular, as the case
may be, to make any rules or to amend any rules already made in respect of all or any of the matters or to
amend any rules already made in respect of all or any of the matters as specified, within a period of two months
from the date of the order.
8 EP-SL&CM
If any recognised stock exchange fails or neglects to comply with any order, within the period specified therein,
the Central Government may make the rules for, or amend the rules made by, the recognised stock exchange,
either in the form proposed in the order or with such modifications thereof as may be agreed to between the
stock exchange and the Central Government.
Where in pursuance of this section any rules have been made or amended, the rules so made or amended
shall be published in the Gazette of India and also in the Official Gazette or Gazettes of the State or States in
which the principal office or offices of the recognised stock exchange or exchanges is or are situate, and, on the
publication thereof in the Gazette of India, the rules so made or amended shall, notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in the Companies Act, 2013 or in any other law for the time being in force, have effect as if
they had been made or amended by the recognised stock exchange or stock exchanges, as the case may be.
To Supersede governing bodies of a recognised stock exchange

Without prejudice to any other powers vested in the Central Government under this Act, where the
Central Government is of opinion that the governing body of any recognised stock exchange should be
superseded, then, the Central Government may serve on the governing body a written notice that the
Central Government is considering the super session of the governing body for the reasons specified in the
notice and after giving an opportunity to the governing body to be heard in the matter, it may, by notification
in the Official Gazette, declare the governing body of such stock exchange to be superseded, and may
appoint any person or persons to exercise and perform all the powers and duties of the governing body,
and, where more persons than one are appointed, may appoint one of such persons to be the chairman
and another to be the vice-chairman thereof.
On the publication of a notification in the Official Gazette, the following consequences shall ensure, namely –
(a) the members of the governing body which has been superseded shall, as from the date of the notification
of super session, cease to hold office as such members;
(b) the person or persons appointed may exercise and perform all the powers and duties of the governing
body which has been superseded;
(c) all such property of the recognised stock exchange as the person or persons appointed may, by order
in writing, specify in this behalf as being necessary for the purpose of enabling him or them to carry on
the business of the stock exchange, shall vest in such person or persons.
The governing body of which is superseded, the person or persons appointed shall hold office for such period
as may be specified in the notification published and, the Central Government may from time to time, by
notification, vary such period.
The Central Government, may at any time before the determination of the period of office of any person or
persons appointed call upon the recognised stock exchange to reconstitute the governing body in accordance
with its rules and on such re-constitution all the property of the recognised stock exchange which has vested in,
or was in the possession of, the person or persons appointed, shall vest or re-vest, as the case may be, in the
governing body so re-constituted;
However, until a governing body is so re-constituted, the person or persons appointed, shall continue to exercise
and perform their powers and duties.
To Suspend business of Recognised Stock Exchange

If in the opinion of the Central Government, an emergency has arisen and for the purpose of meeting the
emergency, the Central Government considers it expedient so to do, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette,
for reasons to be set out therein, direct a recognised stock exchange to suspend such of its business for such
period not exceeding seven days and subject to such conditions as may be specified in the notification, and if,
in the opinion of the Central Government, the interest of the trade or the public interest requires that the period
should be extended, may, by like notification extend the said period from time to time;
However, where the period of suspension is to be extended beyond the first period, no notification extending
the period of suspension shall be issued unless the governing body of the recognised stock exchange has been
given an opportunity of being heard in the matter.
To Issue Directions
Section 12A provides that if, after making or causing to be made an inquiry, the SEBI is satisfied that it is
necessary –
(a) in the interest of investors, or orderly development of securities market; or
(b) to prevent the affairs of any recognised stock exchange, or, clearing corporation, or such other agency
or person, providing trading or clearing or settlement facility in respect of securities, being conducted in
a manner detrimental to the interests of investors or securities market; or
(c) to secure the proper management of any such stock exchange or clearing corporation or agency or
person, referred to in clause (b)
it may issue such directions –
(i) to any stock exchange or clearing corporation or agency or person referred to in clause (b) or any
person or class of persons associated with the securities market; or
(ii) to any company whose securities are listed or proposed to be listed in a recognised stock exchange,
as may be appropriate in the interests of investors in securities and the securities market.
Explanation: The power to issue directions under this section shall include and always be deemed to have
been included the power to direct any person, who made profit or averted loss by indulging in any transaction
or activity in contravention of the provisions of this Act or regulations made thereunder, to disgorge an amount
equivalent to the wrongful gain made or loss averted by such contraventions.
Without prejudice to the provisions of section 12 A(1) and section 23-I, the SEBI may, by an order, for reasons
to be recorded in writing, levy penalty under sections 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D, 23E, 23F, 23G, 23GA and 23H after
holding an inquiry in the prescribed manner.
Section 13 provides that if the Central Government is satisfied, having regard to the nature or the volume of
transactions in securities in any State or States or area, that it is necessary so to do, it may, by notification in the
Official Gazette, declare that section 13 to apply to such State or States or area, and thereupon every contract
in such State or States or area which is entered into after date of the notification otherwise than between
members of a recognised stock exchange or recognized stock exchanges in such State or States or area or
through or with such member shall be illegal.
However, any contract entered into between members of two or more recognised stock exchanges in such
State or States or area, shall –
(i) be subject to such terms and conditions as may be stipulated by the respective stock exchanges with
prior approval of the SEBI;
(ii) require prior permission from the respective stock exchanges if so stipulated by the stock exchanges
with prior approval of the SEBI.
10 EP-SL&CM
To Prohibit Contracts in Certain Cases

Section 16 stipulates that if the Central Government is of opinion that it is necessary to prevent undesirable
speculation in specified securities in any State or area, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare
that no person in the State or area specified in the notification shall, save with the permission of the Central
Government, enter into any contract for the sale or purchase of any security specified in the notification except
to the extent and in the manner, if any, specified therein.
All contracts in contravention of the provisions of sub-section (1) entered into after the date of the notification
issued thereunder shall be illegal.
To Grant Immunity
Section 23-O deals with the power to grant immunity.
The Central Government may, on recommendation by the SEBI, if the Central Government is satisfied, that any
person, who is alleged to have violated any of the provisions of this Act or the rules or the regulations made
thereunder, has made a full and true disclosure in respect of alleged violation, grant to such person, subject to
such conditions as it may think fit to impose, immunity from prosecution for any offence under this Act, or the
rules or the regulations made thereunder or also from the imposition of any penalty under this Act with respect
to the alleged violation.
However, no such immunity shall be granted by the Central Government in cases where the proceedings for
the prosecution for any such offence have been instituted before the date of receipt of application for grant of
such immunity.
Further that the recommendation of the SEBI are not binding upon the Central Government.
An immunity granted to a person as mentioned above may, at any time, be withdrawn by the Central Government,
if it is satisfied that such person had, in the course of the proceedings, not complied with the condition on which
the immunity was granted or had given false evidence, and thereupon such person may be tried for the offence
with respect to which the immunity was granted or for any other offence of which he appears to have been guilty
in connection with the contravention and shall also become liable to the imposition of any penalty under this Act
to which such person would have been liable, had not such immunity been granted.
To Delegate or to Make Rules

Section 29A stipulates The Central Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, direct that the
powers (except the power under section 30) exercisable by it under any provision of this Act shall, in relation
to such matters and subject to such conditions, if any, as may be specified in the order, be exercisable also by
the Securities and Exchange Board of India or the Reserve Bank of India constituted under section 3 of the
Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
Section 30 empowers the Central Government to make rules for the purpose of carrying into effect the objects
of this Act by notification in the Official Gazette.
In particular,such rules may provide for,–
(a) the manner in which applications may be made, the particulars which they should contain and the levy
of a fee in respect of such applications;
(b) the manner in which any inquiry for the purpose of recognising any stock exchange may be made,
the conditions which may be imposed for the grant of such recognition, including conditions as to the
admission of members if the stock exchange concerned is to be the only recognised stock exchange in
the area; and the form in which such recognition shall be granted;
(c) the particulars which should be contained in the periodical returns and annual reports to be furnished
to the Central Government;

(d) the documents which should be maintained and preserved under section 6 and the periods for which
they should be preserved;
(e) the manner in which any inquiry by the governing body of a stock exchange shall be made under
section 6;
(f) the manner in which the bye-laws to be made or amended under this Act shall before being so made or
amended be published for criticism;
(g) the manner in which applications may be made by dealers in securities for licences under section 17, the
fee payable in respect thereof and the period of such licences, the conditions subject to which licences
may be granted, including conditions relating to the forms which may be used in making contracts, the
documents to be maintained by licensed dealers and the furnishing of periodical information to such
authority as may be specified and the revocation of licences for breach of conditions;
(h) the requirements which shall be complied with—
(A) by public companies for the purpose of getting their securities listed on any stock exchange;
(B) by collective investment scheme for the purpose of getting their units listed on any stock exchange;
(ha) the grounds on which the securities of a company may be delisted from any recognised stock exchange
under sub-section (1) of section 21A;
(hb) the form in which an appeal may be filed before the Securities Appellate Tribunal under sub-section (2)
of section 21A and the fees payable in respect of such appeal;
(hc) the form in which an appeal may be filed before the Securities Appellate Tribunal under section 22A and
the fees payable in respect of such appeal;
(hd) the manner of inquiry under sub-section (1) of section 23-I;
(he) the form in which an appeal may be filed before the Securities Appellate Tribunal under section 23L and
(i) any other matter which is to be or may be prescribed.
Every rule made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of
Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in
two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or
the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both Houses
agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of
no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice
to the validity of anything previously done under that rule.
POWERS OF RECOGNISED STOCK EXCHANGE
Make Rules
Restricting Voting
Rights Etc.
[Section 7A] To Make Bye-laws
[Section 9]
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To make Rules restricting voting rights etc.

Section 7A of the Act stipulates that a recognised stock exchange may make rules or amend any rules made by
it to provide for all or any of the following matters, namely –
(a) the restriction of voting rights to members only in respect of any matter placed before the stock exchange
at any meeting;
(b) the regulation of voting rights in respect of any matter placed before the stock exchange at any meeting
so that each member may be entitled to have one vote only, irrespective of his share of the paid-up
equity capital of the stock exchange;
(c) the restriction on the right of a member to appoint another person as his proxy to attend and vote at a
meeting of the stock exchange; and
(d) such incidental, consequential and supplementary matters as may be necessary to give effect to any of
the matters specified in clauses (a) (b) and (c).
Powers have been delegated concurrently to SEBI also.
No rules of a recognised stock exchange made or amended in relation to any matter referred to in clauses (a)
to (d) shall have effect until they have been approved by the Central Government (Powers are exercisable by
SEBI also) and published by that Government in the Official Gazette.
To make Bye-laws
Section 9 of the Act provides that any recognised stock exchange may, subject to the previous approval of the
SEBI, make bye-laws for the regulation and control of contracts.
In particular, such bye-laws may provide for :
(a) the opening and closing of markets and the regulation of the hours of trade;
(b) a clearing house for the periodical settlement of contracts and differences thereunder, the delivery of
and payment for securities, the passing on of delivery orders and the regulation and maintenance of
such clearing house;
(c) the submission to the Securities and Exchange Board of India by the clearing house as soon as may be
after each periodical settlement of all or any of the following particulars as the Securities and Exchange
Board of India may, from time to time, require, namely:—
(i) the total number of each category of security carried over from one settlement period to another;
(ii) the total number of each category of security, contracts in respect of which have been squared up
during the course of each settlement period;
(iii) the total number of each category of security actually delivered at each clearing;
(d) the publication by the clearing house of all or any of the particulars submitted to the Securities and
Exchange Board of India under clause (c) subject to the directions, if any, issued by the Securities and
Exchange Board of India in this behalf;
(e) the regulation or prohibition of blank transfers;
(f) the number and classes of contracts in respect of which settlements shall be made or differences paid
through the clearing house;
(g) the regulation, or prohibition of budlas or carry-over facilities;
(h) the fixing, altering or postponing of days for settlements;
(i) the determination and declaration of market rates, including the opening, closing highest and lowest
rates for securities;
(j) the terms, conditions and incidents of contracts, including the prescription of margin requirements, if
any, and conditions relating thereto, and the forms of contracts in writing;
(k) the regulation of the entering into, making, performance, rescission and termination, of contracts,
including contracts between members or between a member and his constituent or between a member
and a person who is not a member, and the consequences of default or insolvency on the part of a
seller or buyer or intermediary, the consequences of a breach or omission by a seller or buyer, and the
responsibility of members who are not parties to such contracts;
(l) the regulation of taravani business including the placing of limitations thereon;
(m) the listing of securities on the stock exchange, the inclusion of any security for the purpose of dealings
and the suspension or withdrawal of any such securities, and the suspension or prohibition of trading in
any specified securities;
(n) the method and procedure for the settlement of claims or disputes, including settlement by arbitration;
(o) the levy and recovery of fees, fines and penalties;
(p) the regulation of the course of business between parties to contracts in any capacity;
(q) the fixing of a scale of brokerage and other charges;
(r) the making, comparing, settling and closing of bargains;
(s) the emergencies in trade which may arise, whether as a result of pool or syndicated operations or
cornering or otherwise, and the exercise of powers in such emergencies, including the power to fix
maximum and minimum prices for securities;
(t) the regulation of dealings by members for their own account;
(u) the separation of the functions of jobbers and brokers;
(v) the limitations on the volume of trade done by any individual member in exceptional circumstances;
(w) the obligation of members to supply such information or explanation and to produce such documents
relating to the business as the governing body may require.
CLEARING CORPORATION
Role of Clearing Corporation

Clearing Corporation is responsible:-
l for clearing and settlement of all trades executed on Stock Exchange and deposit and collateral
management and risk management functions;
l to bring and sustain confidence in clearing and settlement of securities;
l to promote and maintain, short and consistent settlement cycles;
l to provide counter-party risk guarantee, and
l to operate a tight risk containment system.
Section 8A(1) provides that a recognised stock exchange may, with the prior approval of the SEBI, transfer the
duties and functions of a clearing house to a clearing corporation, being a company incorporated under the
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Companies Act, 2013, for the purpose of –

(a) the periodical settlement of contracts and differences thereunder;
(b) the delivery of, and payment for, securities;
(a) any other matter incidental to, or connected with, such transfer.
Every clearing corporation shall, for the purpose of transfer of the duties and functions of a clearing house to a
clearing corporation, make bye-laws and submit the same to the SEBI for its approval.
SEBI may, on being satisfied that it is in the interest of the trade and also in the public interest to transfer the
duties and functions of a clearing house to a clearing corporation, grant approval to the bye-laws submitted to it
and approve transfer of the duties and functions of a clearing house to a clearing corporation.
PUNISHMENTS FOR CONTRAVENTIONS

Section 9(3) of the Act provides that the bye-laws made may :
(a) specify the bye-laws, the contravention of which shall make a contract entered into otherwise than in
accordance with the bye- laws void.
(b) provide that the contravention of any of the bye-laws shall render the member concerned liable to one
or more of the following punishments, namely;
(i) fine,
(ii) expulsion from membership,
(iii) suspension from membership for a specified period,
(iv) any other penalty of a like nature not involving the payment of money.
Any bye-laws shall be subject to such conditions in regard to previous publication as may be prescribed, and,
when approved by the SEBI, shall be published in the Gazette of India and also in the Official Gazette of the
State in which the principal office of the recognised stock exchange is situated, and shall have effect as from
the date of its publication in the Gazette of India.
However, if the SEBI is satisfied in any case that in the interest of the trade or in the public interest any bye-laws
should be made immediately, it may, by order in writing specify the reasons therefor, dispense with the condition
of previous publication.
POWERS OF THE SEBI
To make or amend
Bye- laws of To make Regulations
Recognised
Power to adjudicate
Stock Exchanges [Section 31] [Section 23 -I]
[Section 10]
To make or amend Bye-laws of Recognised Stock Exchanges

The SEBI may, either on a request in writing received by it in this behalf from the governing body of a recognised
stock exchange or on its own motion, if it is satisfied after consultation with the governing body of the stock
exchange that it is necessary or expedient so to do and after recording its reasons for so doing, make bye- laws,
for all or any of the matters specified in section 9 or amend any bye-laws made by such stock exchange under
that section.
Where in pursuance of this section any bye-laws have been made or amended, the bye-laws so made or
amended shall be published in the Gazette of India and also in the Official Gazette of the State in which the
principal office of the recognised stock exchange is situated, and on the publication thereof in the Gazette
of India, the bye-laws so made or amended shall have effect as if they had been made or amended by the
recognised stock exchange concerned.
Where the governing body of a recognised stock exchange objects to any bye-laws made or amended by SEBI
on its own motion, it may, within two months of the publication thereof in the Gazette of India apply to SEBI for
revision thereof and SEBI may, after giving an opportunity to the governing body of the stock exchange to be
heard in the matter, revise the bye-laws so made or amended, and where any bye-laws so made or amended
are revised as a result of any action taken under this sub-section, the bye-laws so revised shall be published
and shall become effective as provided in sub-section (2) of Section 10.
The making or the amendment or revision of any bye-laws shall in all cases be subject to the condition of
previous publication.
However, if the SEBI is satisfied in any case that in the interest of the trade or in the public interest any bye-laws
should be made, amended or revised immediately, it may, by order in writing specifying the reasons therefor,
dispense with the condition of previous publication.
To make Regulations
The SEBI may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make regulations consistent with the provisions of this Act
and the rules made thereunder to carry out the purposes of this Act.
In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such regulations may provide for all
or any of the following matter namely :
(a) the manner, in which at least fifty-one per cent of equity share capital of a recognised stock exchange
is held, within twelve months from the date of publication of the order under sub-section (7), of Section
4B by the public other than shareholders having trading rights under sub-section (8) of that section;
(b) the eligibility criteria and other requirements under Section 17A;
(c) The terms determined by the SEBI Board for settlement of proceeding under sub-section (2) of section
23JA and
(d) any other matter which is required to be, or may be, specified by regulations or in respect of which
provision is to be made by regulation.
Every regulation made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of
Parliament, while it is in session for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in
two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session
or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the regulation or both
Houses agree that the regulation should not be made, the regulation shall thereafter have effect only in such
modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall
be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that regulation.
To adjudicate
Section 23-I deals with power to adjudicate by the SEBI.
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The SEBI may appoint any officer not below the rank of a Division Chief of SEBI to be an adjudicating officer
for holding an inquiry in the prescribed manner after giving any person concerned a reasonable opportunity of
being heard for the purpose of imposing any penalty.
While holding an inquiry, the adjudicating officer shall have power to summon and enforce the attendance of any
person acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the case to give evidence or to produce any document,
which in the opinion of the adjudicating officer, may be useful for or relevant to the subject-matter of the inquiry
and if, on such inquiry, he is satisfied that the person has failed to comply with the provisions, he may impose
such penalty as he thinks fit in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
The SEBI may call for and examine the record of any proceedings under this section and if it considers that
the order passed by the adjudicating officer is erroneous to the extent it is not in the interests of the securities
market, it may, after making or causing to be made such inquiry as it deems necessary, pass an order enhancing
the quantum of penalty, if the circumstances of the case so justify. However, no such order shall be passed
unless the person concerned has been given an opportunity of being heard in the matter.
Further, nothing contained in this sub-section shall be applicable after an expiry of a period of three months from
the date of the order passed by the adjudicating officer or disposal of the appeal, whichever is earlier.
LICENSING OF DEALERS IN CERTAIN AREAS

No person shall carry on or purport to carry on, whether on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person, the
business of dealing in securities in any State or area to which section 13 has not been declared to apply and to
which the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare this section to apply, except
under the authority of a license granted by the SEBI in this behalf.
No notification shall be issued with respect to any State or area unless the Central Government is satisfied,
having regard to the manner in which securities are being dealt with in such State or area, that it is desirable or
expedient in the interest of the trade or in the public interest that such dealings should be regulated by a system
of licensing.
The restrictions imposed above in relation to dealings in securities shall not apply to the doing of anything by or
on behalf of a member of any recognised stock exchange.
PUBLIC ISSUE AND LISTING OF SECURITIES

Section 17A provides for public issue and listing of securities.
No securities of the nature referred to in sub-clause (ie) of clause (h) of section 2 shall be offered to the public
or listed on any recognized stock exchange unless the issuer fulfil such eligibility criteria and complies with such
other requirements as may be specified by regulations made by the SEBI.
Every issuer intending to offer the certificates or instruments referred therein to the public shall make an application,
before issuing the offer document to the public, to one or more recognized stock exchanges for permission for such
certificates or instruments to be listed on the stock exchange or each such stock exchange. Where the permission
applied for listing has not been granted or refused by the recognized stock exchanges or any of them, the issuer
shall forthwith repay all moneys, if any, received from applicants in pursuance of the offer document, and if any such
money is not repaid within eight days after the issuer becomes liable to repay it, the issuer and every director or
trustee thereof, as the case may be, who is in default shall, on and from the expiry of the eighth day, be jointly and
severally liable to repay that money with interest at the rate of fifteen percent per annum.
In reckoning the eighth day after another day, any intervening day which is a public holiday under the Negotiable
Instruments Act, 1881, shall be disregarded, and if the eighth day (as so reckoned) is itself such a public
holiday, there shall for the said purposes be substituted the first day thereafter which is not a holiday.
All the provisions of this Act relating to listing of securities of a public company on a recognized stock exchange
shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to the listing of the securities of the nature referred to in sub-clause (ie) of clause
(h) of section 2 by the issuer, being a special purpose distinct entity.
EXCLUSION OF SPOT DELIVERY CONTRACTS

If the Central Government is of opinion that in the interest of the trade or in the public interest, it is expedient to
regulate and control the business of dealing in spot delivery contracts also in any State or area (whether section
13 has been declared to apply to that State or area or not), it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare
that the provisions of section 17 shall also apply to such State or area in respect of spot delivery contracts
generally or in respect of spot delivery contract for the sale or purchase of such securities as may be specified
in the notification, and may also specify the manner in which, and the extent to which, the provisions of that
section shall so apply.
CONTRACTS IN DERIVATIVES
Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, contracts in derivative shall be
legal and valid if such contracts are –
(a) traded on a recognised stock exchange;
(b) settled on the clearing house of the recognised stock exchange, or in accordance with the rules and
bye-laws of such stock-exchange;
(c) between such parties and on such terms as the Central Government may, by notification in the official
Gazette, specify.
STOCK EXCHANGES OTHER THAN RECOGNISED STOCK EXCHANGES PROHIBITED

Section 19 of the Act stipulates that no person shall, except with the permission of the Central Government,
organise or assist in organising or be a member of any stock exchange (other than a recognised stock exchange)
for the purpose of assisting in, entering into or performing any contracts in securities.
CONDITIONS FOR LISTING

Section 21 of the Act provides that where securities are listed on the application of any person in any recognised
stock exchange, such person shall comply with the conditions of the SEBI LODR. .
DELISTING OF SECURITIES
Section 21A provides that a recognised stock exchange may delist the securities, after recording the reasons therefor,
from any recognised stock exchange on any of the ground or grounds as may be prescribed under this Act.
The securities of a company shall not be delisted unless the company concerned has been given a reasonable
opportunity of being heard.
A listed company or an aggrieved investor may file an appeal before the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT)
against the decision of the recognised stock exchange delisting the securities within fifteen days from the date
of the decision of the recognized stock exchange delisting the securities and the provisions of Sections 22B to
22E of this Act, shall apply, as far as may be, to such appeals.
The Securities Appellate Tribunal may, if it is satisfied that the company was prevented by sufficient cause from
filing the appeal within the said period, allow it to be filed within a further period not exceeding one month.
A listed company or an aggrieved investor may file an appeal before the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT)
against the decision of the recognised stock exchange as per the procedure laid down under the Securities
Contracts (Regulation) (Appeal to Securities Appellate Tribunal) Rules, 2000.
18 EP-SL&CM
RIGHT OF APPEAL AGAINST REFUSAL OF STOCK EXCHANGES TO LIST SECURITIES

OF PUBLIC COMPANIES
Where a recognised stock exchange acting in pursuance of any power given to it by its byelaws, refuses to list
the securities of any public company or collective investment scheme, the company or scheme shall be entitled
to be furnished with reasons for such refusal, and may, –
(a) within fifteen days from the date on which the reasons for such refusal are furnished to it, or
(b) where the stock exchange has omitted or failed to dispose of, within the time specified in section 40 of
the Companies Act, 2013 (hereafter in this section referred to as the “specified time”), the application
for permission for the shares or debentures to be dealt with on the stock exchange, within fifteen days
from the date of expiry of the specified time or within such further period, not exceeding one month, as
the Central Government may, on sufficient cause being shown,
allow, appeal to the Central Government against such refusal, omission or failure, as the case may be, and
thereupon the Central Government may, after giving the stock exchange an opportunity of being heard,–
(i) vary or set aside the decision of the stock exchange, or
(ii) where the stock exchange has omitted or failed to dispose of the application within the specified time,
grant or refuse the permission, and where the Central Government sets aside the decision of the
recognised stock exchange or grants the permission, the stock exchange shall act in conformity with
the orders of the Central Government.
RIGHT OF APPEAL TO SAT AGAINST REFUSAL TO LIST SECURITIES OF PUBLIC

COMPANIES BY STOCK EXCHANGES
Where a recognised stock exchange, acting in pursuance of any power given to it by its bye-laws, refuses to
list the securities of any company, the company shall be entitled to be furnished with reasons for such refusal,
and may, –
(a) within fifteen days from the date on which the reasons for such refusal are furnished to it, or
(b) where the stock exchange has omitted or failed to dispose of, within the time specified in section 40 of
the Companies Act, 2013, the application for permission for the shares or debentures to be dealt with
on the stock exchange, within fifteen days from the date of expiry of the specified time or within such
further period, not exceeding one month, as the Securities Appellate Tribunal may, on sufficient cause
being shown, allow
appeal to the Securities Appellate Tribunal having jurisdiction in the matter against such refusal, omission
or failure, as the case may be, and thereupon the Securities Appellate Tribunal may, after giving the stock
exchange, an opportunity of being heard, –
(i) vary or set aside the decision of the stock exchange; or
(ii) where the stock exchange has omitted or failed to dispose of the application within the specified time,
grant or refuse the permission,
and where the Securities Appellate Tribunal sets aside the decision of the recognised stock exchange
or grants the permission, the stock exchange shall act in conformity with the orders of the Securities
Appellate Tribunal.
Every appeal shall be in such form and be accompanied by such fee as may be prescribed. The Securities
Appellate Tribunal shall send a copy of every order made by it to SEBI and parties to the appeal. The appeal
filed before the Securities Appellate Tribunal shall be dealt with by it as expeditiously as possible and endeavour
shall be made by it to dispose off the appeal finally within six months from the date of receipt of the appeal.
The appeal filed before the Securities Appellate Tribunal is as per the procedure laid down under the Securities
Contracts (Regulation) (Appeal to Securities Appellate Tribunal) Rules, 2000.
PROCEDURE AND POWERS OF SECURITIES APPELLATE TRIBUNAL

The Securities Appellate Tribunal shall not be bound by the procedure laid down by the Code of Civil Procedure,
1908, but shall be guided by the principles of natural justice and, subject to the other provisions of this Act and
of any rules, the Securities Appellate Tribunal shall have powers to regulate their own procedure including the
places at which they shall have their sittings.
The Securities Appellate Tribunal shall have, for the purpose of discharging their functions under this Act, the
same powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 while trying a suit, in respect
of the following matters, namely :–
(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath ;
(b) requiring the discovery and production of documents;
(c) receiving evidence on affidavits;
(d) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents;
(e) reviewing its decisions;
(f) dismissing an application for default or deciding it ex parte;
(g) setting aside any order of dismissal of any application for default or any order passed by it ex parte; and
(h) any other matter which may be prescribed.
RIGHT TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION

The appellant may either appear in person or authorise one or more chartered accountants or company
secretaries or cost accountants or legal practitioners or any of its officers to present his or its case before the
Securities Appellate Tribunal.
LIMITATION
The provisions of the Limitation Act, 1963 shall, as far as may be, apply to an appeal made to a Securities
Appellate Tribunal.
CIVIL COURT NOT TO HAVE JURISDICTION

No civil court shall have jurisdiction to entertain any suit or proceeding in respect of any matter which a Securities
Appellate Tribunal is empowered by or under this Act to determine and no injunction shall be granted by any
court or other authority in respect of any action taken or to be taken in pursuance of any power conferred by or
under this Act.
APPEAL TO SUPREME COURT

Any person aggrieved by any decision or order of the Securities Appellate Tribunal may file an appeal to the
Supreme Court within sixty days from the date of communication of the decision or order of the Securities
Appellate Tribunal to him on any question of law arising out of such order.
However the Supreme Court may, if it is satisfied that the appellant was prevented by sufficient cause from filing
the appeal within the said period, allow it to be filed within a further period not exceeding sixty days.
20 EP-SL&CM
PENALTIES
The Act prescribes various penalties against persons who might be found guilty of offences under section 23
the Act. These offences are listed below –
Any person who –
(a) without reasonable excuse (the burden of proving which shall be on him) fails to comply with any
requisition made under sub-section (4) of section 6; or
(b) enters into any contract in contravention of any of the provisions contained in section 13 or section 16; or
(c) contravenes the provisions contained in section 17 or section 17A or section 19; or
(d) enters into any contract in derivative in contravention of section 18A or the rules made under section 30; or
(e) owns or keeps a place other than that of a recognised stock exchange which is used for the purpose
of entering into or performing any contracts in contravention of any of the provisions of this Act and
knowingly permits such place to be used for such purposes; or
(f) manages, controls, or assists in keeping any place other than that of a recognised stock exchange
which is used for the purpose of entering into or performing any contracts in contravention of any of the
provisions of this Act or at which contracts are recorded or adjusted or rights or liabilities arising out of
contracts are adjusted, regulated or enforced in any manner whatsoever; or
(g) not being a member of a recognised stock exchange or his agent authorised as such under the rules or
bye-laws of such stock exchange or not being a dealer in securities licensed under section 17 willfully
represents to or induces any person to believe that contracts can be entered into or performed under
this Act through him; or
(h) not being a member of a recognised stock exchange or his agent authorised as such under the rules
or bye-laws of such stock exchange or not being a dealer in securities licensed under section 17,
canvasses, advertises or touts in any manner either for himself or on behalf of any other person for any
business connected with contracts in contravention of any of the provisions of this Act; or
(i) joins, gathers or assists in gathering at any place other than the place of business specified in the
byelaws of a recognised stock exchange any person or persons for making bids or offers or for entering
into or performing any contracts in contravention of any of the provisions of this Act.
shall, without prejudice to any award of penalty by the Adjudicating Officer or the SEBI under this Act,
on conviction, be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years or with fine,
which may extend to twenty five crore rupees or with both.
Any person who enters into any contract in contravention of the provisions contained in section 15 or
who fails to comply with the provisions of section 21 or section 21A or with the orders of or the Central
Government under section 22 or with the orders of the Securities Appellate Tribunal shall, without prejudice
to any award of penalty by the Adjudicating Officer under this Act, on conviction, be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years or with fine, which may extend to twenty five crore
rupees, or with both.
Penalty for Failure to Furnish Periodical Returns Etc.

If a recognised stock exchange fails or neglects to furnish periodical returns or furnishes false, incorrect
or incomplete periodical returns to the SEBI or fails or neglects to make or amend its rules or bye-laws as
directed by the SEBI or fails to comply with directions issued by SEBI, such recognised stock exchange
shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than 5 lakh rupees and which may extend to 25
Penalty for contravention where no separate penalty has been provided

Whoever fails to comply with any provision of this Act ,the rules or articles or bye-laws or the regulations
of the recognised stock exchange or directions issued by the SEBI for which no separate penalty has
been provided, shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than 1 lakh rupees which may extend
to one crore rupees.
Penalty for failure to furnish information, return, etc.

Any person, who is required under this Act or any rules made thereunder, fails to furnish any information,
document, books, returns or report to a recognised stock exchange or fail to maintain books of account or
records, as per the listing agreement or conditions, or bye-laws of a recognised stock exchange or who
furnishes false, incorrect or incomplete information, document, books, return or report, shall be liable to
a penalty which shall not be less than 1 lakh rupees but which may extend to 1 lakh rupees for each day
during which such failure continues subject to a maximum of 1 crore rupees for each such failure.
To maintain books of account or records, as per the listing agreement or conditions, or bye-laws of a
recognised stock exchange, fails to maintain the same, shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be
less than 1 lakh rupees but which may extend to 1 lakh rupees for each day during which such failure
continue subject to a maximum of one crore rupees.
Penalty for failure by any person to enter into an agreement with clients
Any person, who is required under this Act or any bye-laws of a recognised stock exchange made
thereunder, fails to enter into an agreement with his client, fails to enter into such agreement, he shall
be liable to a penalty, which shall not be less than 1 lakh rupees but which may extend to 1 lakh rupees
for each day during which such failure continues subject to a maximum of 1 crore rupees for every such
failure.
Penalty for failure to redress investors’ grievances

Any stock broker or a company whose securities are listed or proposed to be listed in a recognised stock
exchange, after having been called upon by SEBI or a recognised stock exchange in writing, to redress
the grievances of the investors, fails to redress such grievances within the time stipulated by the SEBI
or a recognized stock exchange, he or it shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than one
lakh rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees for each day during which such failure continues
subject to a maximum of 1 crore rupees.
Penalty for failure to segregate securities or moneys of client or clients

Any person, who is registered as a stock broker with SEBI, fails to segregate securities or moneys of
the client or clients or uses the securities or moneys of a client or clients for self or for any other client,
he shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than 1 lakh rupees but which may extend to one
crore rupees.
Penalty for failure to comply with provision of listing conditions or delisting conditions or grounds
• If a company or any person managing collective investment scheme or mutual fund or real
estate investment trust or infrastructure investment trust or alternative investment fund, fails to
comply with the listing conditions or delisting conditions or grounds or commits a breach thereof,
he shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than 5 lakh rupees but which may extend
to 25 crore rupees.
22 EP-SL&CM
Penalty for excess dematerialisation or delivery of unlisted securities

• If any issuer dematerialises securities more than the issued securities of a company or delivers
in the stock exchanges the securities which are not listed in the recognised stock exchange
or delivers securities where no trading permission has been given by the recognised stock
exchange, he shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than 5 lakh rupees but which
may extend to 25 crore rupees.
Penalty for failure to conduct business in accordance with rules, etc.

Where a stock exchange or a clearing corporation fails to conduct its business with its members or any
issuer or its agent or any person associated with the securities markets in accordance with the rules or
regulations made by the Securities and Exchange Board of India and the directions issued by it under
this Act, the stock exchange or the clearing corporations, as the case may be, shall be liable to penalty
which shall not be less than 5 crore rupees but which may extend to 25 crore rupees or three times the
amount of gains made out of such failure, whichever is higher.
FACTORS TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BY THE ADJUDICATING OFFICER

Section 23J provides for the factors to be taken into account by the adjudicating officer. While adjudging the
quantum of penalty under section 12A and section 23-I, the SEBI or adjudicating officer shall have due regard
to the following factors, namely –
(a) the amount of disproportionate gain or unfair advantage, wherever quantifiable, made as a result of the
default;
(b) the amount of loss caused to an investor or group of investors as a result of the default;
(c) the repetitive nature of the default.
Settlement of Administrative and Civil Proceedings

Section 23JA states that any person, against whom any proceedings have been initiated or may be initiated
under section 12A or section 23-I, may file an application in writing to SEBI proposing for settlement of the
proceedings initiated or to be initiated for the alleged defaults.
The SEBI may, after taking into consideration the nature, gravity and impact of defaults, agree to the proposal
for settlement, on payment of such sum by the defaulter or on such other terms as may be determined by the
SEBI in accordance with the regulations made under the SEBI Act, 1992.
For the purpose of settlement under this section, the procedure as specified by the SEBI under the SEBI Act,
1992 shall apply.
No appeal shall lie under section 23L against any order passed by the SEBI or adjudicating officer, as the case
may be, under this section.
All settlement amounts, excluding the disgorgement amount and legal costs, realised under this Act shall be
credited to the Consolidated Fund of India.
Recovery of Amounts
Section 23JB deals with recovery of amounts. If a person fails to pay the penalty imposed under this act or fails
to comply with any direction of SEBI for refund of monies or fails to comply with a direction of disgorgement
order issued under Section 12A or fails to pay any fees due to SEBI, the Recovery Officer may draw up under
his signature a statement in the specified form specifying the amount due from the person (such statement
being hereafter in this Chapter referred to as certificate) and shall proceed to recover from such person the
amount specified in the certificate by one or more of the following modes, namely:-
(a) attachment and sale of the person’s movable property;
(b) attachment of the person’s bank accounts;
(c) attachment and sale of the person’s immovable property;
(d) arrest of the person and his detention in prison;
(e) appointing a receiver for the management of the person’s movable and immovable properties,
and for this purpose, the provisions of sections 220 to 227, 228A, 229, 232 the second and third schedule to
the Income Tax Act, 1961 and the Income-tax (Certificate Proceedings) Rules, 1962, as in force from time to
time in so far as may be, apply with necessary modifications as of the said provisions and the rules thereunder
were the provisions of this Act and referred to the amount due under this Act instead of to income-tax under the
Income-Tax Act, 1961.
CONTINUANCE OF PROCEEDINGS.
Where a person dies, his legal representative shall be liable to pay any sum which the deceased would have
been liable to pay, if he had not died, in the like manner and to the same extent as the deceased:
However, in case of any penalty payable under this Act, a legal representative shall be liable only in case the
penalty has been imposed before the death of the deceased person.
Any proceeding for disgorgement, refund or an action for recovery before the Recovery Officer under this Act,
except a proceeding for levy of penalty, initiated against the deceased before his death shall be deemed to have
been initiated against the legal representative, and may be continued against the legal representative from the
stage at which it stood on the date of the death of the deceased and all the provisions of this Act shall apply
accordingly;
Any proceeding for disgorgement, refund or an action for recovery before the Recovery Officer under this Act,
except a proceeding for levy of penalty, which could have been initiated against the deceased if he had survived,
may be initiated against the legal representative and all the provisions of this Act shall apply accordingly.
Every legal representative shall be personally liable for any sum payable by him in his capacity as legal
representative if, while his liability for such sum remains undischarged, he creates a charge on or disposes of
or parts with any assets of the estate of the deceased, which are in, or may come into, his possession, but such
liability shall be limited to the value of the asset so charged, disposed of or parted with.
The liability of a legal representative under this section shall, be limited to the extent to which the estate of the
deceased is capable of meeting the liability.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section ‘‘Legal representative” means a person who in law represents
the estate of a deceased person, and includes any person who intermeddles with the estate of the deceased
and where a party sues or is sued in a representative character, the person on whom the estate devolves on
the death of the party so suing or sued.
CREDITING SUM REALISED BY WAY OF PENALTIES TO CONSOLIDATED FUND OF

INDIA
All sums realised by way of penalties under this Act shall be credited to the Consolidated Fund of India.
24 EP-SL&CM
APPEAL TO SECURITIES APPELLATE TRIBUNAL

Any person aggrieved, by the order or decision of the recognized stock exchange or the adjudicating officer or
any order made by the Securities and Exchange Board of India under or sub-section (3) of section 23-I, may
prefer an appeal before the Securities Appellate Tribunal.
Every appeal shall be filed within a period of forty-five days from the date on which a copy of the order or
decision is received by the appellant and it shall be in such form and be accompanied by such fee as may be
prescribed.
However the Securities Appellate Tribunal may entertain an appeal after the expiry of the said period of forty-
five days if it is satisfied that there was sufficient cause for not filing it within that period.On receipt of an appeal
the Securities Appellate Tribunal may, after giving the parties to the appeal, an opportunity of being heard, pass
such orders thereon as it thinks fit, confirming, modifying or setting aside the order appealed against.
The Securities Appellant Tribunal shall send a copy of every order made by it to the parties to the appeal and to
the concerned adjudicating officer.
The appeal filed before the Securities Appellate Tribunal shall be dealt with by it as expeditiously as possible
and endeavour shall be made by it to dispose of the appeal finally within six months from the date of receipt of
the appeal.
The appeal may be prefer before the Securities Appellate Tribunal as per the procedure laid down under the
Securities Contracts (Regulation) (Appeal to Securities Appellate Tribunal) Rules, 2000.
OFFENCES
If any person contravenes or attempts to contravene or abets the contravention of the provisions of this Act or
of any rules or regulations or byelaws made thereunder, for which no punishment is provided elsewhere in this
Act, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years, or with fine, which may
extend to twenty-five crore rupees or with both.
If any person fails to pay the penalty imposed by the adjudicating officer or the SEBI or fails to comply with the
direction or order , he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one month
but which may extend to ten years, or with fine, which may extend to twenty-five crore rupees, or with both.
COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN OFFENCES

Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, any offence punishable under
this Act, not being an offence punishable with imprisonment only, or with imprisonment and also with fine, may
either before or after the institution of any proceeding, be compounded by a Securities Appellate Tribunal or a
court before which such proceedings are pending.
CONTRAVENTION BY COMPANIES
Where a contravention of any of the provisions of this Act or any rule, regulation, direction or order made
thereunder has been committed by a company, every person who, at the time when the contravention was
committed, was in charge of, and was responsible to, the company for the conduct of the business of the
company, as well as the company, shall be deemed to be guilty of the contravention , and shall be liable to be
proceeded against and punished accordingly.
However, any such person shall not be liable to any punishment provided in this Act, if he proves that the
contravention was committed without his knowledge or that he exercised all due diligence to prevent the
commission of such contravention .
Where a contravention of any of the provisions of this Act or any rule, regulation, direction or order made
thereunder has been committed by a company and is proved that the contravention has been committed with
the consent or connivance of, or is attributable to any gross negligence on the part of any director, manager,
secretary or other officer of the company, such director, manager, secretary or other officer of the company shall
also be deemed to be guilty of that contravention and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished
accordingly.
The provisions of this section shall be in addition to and not in derogation of, the provisions of section 22A of
the Act.
CERTAIN OFFENCES TO BE COGNIZABLE

Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, any offence punishable under
section 23 shall be deemed to be cognizable offence within the meaning of that Code.
COGNIZANCE OF OFFENCES BY COURTS

No court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under this Act or any rules or regulations or bye-laws
made thereunder, save on a complaint made by the Central Government or State Government or the SEBI or
a recognised stock exchange or by any person.
Establishment of Special Courts

Section 26A lays down the provisions for establishment of special courts by Central Government for the purpose
of speedy trial.
(a) The Central Government may, for the purpose of providing speedy trial of offences under this Act, by
notification, establish or designate as many Special Courts as may be necessary.
(b) A Special Court shall consist of a single judge who shall be appointed by the Central Government
with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of the High Court within whose jurisdiction the judge to be
appointed is working.
(c) A person shall not be qualified for appointment as a judge of a Special Court unless he is, immediately
before such appointment, holding the office of a Sessions Judge or an Additional Sessions Judge, as
the case may be.
Offences triable by Special Courts

All offences committed under this Act, shall be taken cognizance of and triable by the Special Court established
for the area in which the offence is committed or where there are more Special Courts than one for such area,
by such one of them as may be specified in this behalf by the High Court concerned.
Appeal and Revision

The High Court may exercise, so far as may be applicable, all the powers conferred by Chapters XXIX and
XXX of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 on a High Court, as if a Special Court within the local limits of
the jurisdiction of the High Court were a Court of Session trying cases within the local limits of the jurisdiction
of the High Court.
Application of Code to proceeding before special court

The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 shall apply to the proceeding before a special court and for the purposes
of the said provisions, the special court shall be deemed to be Court of Session and the person conducting
prosecution before a special court shall be deemed to be a public prosecutor within the meaning of the Code of
26 EP-SL&CM
Criminal Procedure, 1973. The persons conducting prosecution should have been in practice as an Advocate
for not less than seven years or shall have held a post, for a period of not less than seven years, under the
Union or a State, requiring special knowledge of law.
Transitional provisions
Any offence committed under this Act, which is triable by a Special Court shall, until a Special Court is established,
be taken cognizance of and tried by a Court of Session exercising jurisdiction over the area, notwithstanding
anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
However, nothing contained in this section shall affect the powers of the High Court under section 407 of the
Code to transfer any case or class of cases taken cognizance by a Court of Session under this section.
Entitlement of the Investors to Dividend declared by the Company

It shall be lawful for the holder of any security whose name appears on the books of the company issuing
the said security to receive and retain any dividend declared by the company in respect thereof for any year,
notwithstanding that the said security has already been transferred by him for consideration, unless the
transferee who claims the dividend from the transferor has lodged the security and all other documents relating
to the transfer which may be required by the company with the company for being registered in his name within
fifteen days of the date on which the dividend became due.
Explanation. – The period specified in this section shall be extended –

(i) in case of death of the transferee, by the actual period taken by his legal representative to establish
his claim to the dividend;
(ii) in case of loss of the transfer deed by theft or any other cause beyond the control of the transferee,
by the actual period taken for the replacement thereof; and
(iii) in case of delay in the lodging of any security and other documents relating to the transfer due to
causes connected with the post, by the actual period of the delay.
Nothing contained in above paragraph shall affect –

(a) the right of a company to pay any dividend which has become due to any person whose name is for the
time being registered in the books of the company as the holder of the security in respect of which the
dividend has become due; or
(b) the right of the transferee of any security to enforce against the transferor or any other person his rights,
if any, in relation to the transfer in any case where the company has refused to register the transfer of
the security in the name of the transferee.
Right to Receive Income From Collective Investment Scheme

It shall be lawful for the holder of any securities, being units or other instruments issued by collective investment
scheme, whose name appears on the books of the collective investment scheme issuing the said security to
receive and retain any income in respect of units or other instruments issued and declared by the collective
investment scheme in respect thereof for any year, though the said security, being units or other instruments
issued by collective investment scheme, has already been transferred by him for consideration, unless the
transferee who claims the income in respect of units or other instruments issued by collective investment
scheme from the transfer or has lodged the security and all other documents relating to the transfer which may
be required by the collective investment scheme with the collective investment scheme for being registered in
his name within fifteen days of the date on which the income in respect of units or other instruments issued by
the collective investments scheme became due.
Explanation – The period specified in this section shall be extended –

(i) in case of death of the transferee, by the actual period taken by his legal representative to establish his
claim to the income in respect of units or other instruments issued by collective investment scheme;
(ii) in case of loss of the transfer deed by theft or any other cause beyond the control of the transferee, by
the actual period taken for the replacement thereof; and
(iii) in case of delay in the lodging of any security, being units or other instruments issued by the collective
investment scheme, and other documents relating to the transfer due to causes connected with the
post, by the actual period of the delay.
This shall not affect –
(a) the right of a collective investment scheme to pay any income from units or other instruments issued by
collective investment scheme which has become due to any person whose name is for the time being
registered in the books of the collective investment scheme as the registered holder in the books of the
collective investment scheme being units or other instruments issued by collective investment scheme
in respect of which the income in respect of units or other instruments issued by Collective Investment
Scheme has become due; or
(b) the right of transferee of any security, being units or other instruments issued by collective investment
scheme, to enforce against the transferor or any other person his rights, if any, in relation to the transfer
in any case where the company has refused to register the transfer of the security being units or other
instruments issued by the collective investment scheme in the name of the transferee.
Right to receive Income from Mutual Fund

Section 27B provides that it shall be lawful for the holder of any securities, being units or other instruments
issued by any mutual fund, whose name appears on the books of the mutual fund issuing the said security
to receive and retain any income in respect of units or other instruments issued by the mutual fund declared
by the mutual fund in respect thereof for any year, notwithstanding that the said security, being units or other
instruments issued by the mutual fund, has already been transferred by him for consideration, unless the
transferee who claims the income in respect of units or other instruments issued by the mutual fund from the
transferor has lodged the security and all other documents relating to the transfer which may be required by the
mutual fund with the mutual fund for being registered in his name within fifteen days of the date on which the
income in respect of units or other instruments issued by the mutual fund became due.
The period specified in this Section may be extended –
(i) in case of death of the transferee, by the actual period taken by his legal representative to establish his
claim to the income in respect of units or other instrument issued by the mutual fund;
(ii) in case of loss of the transfer deed by theft or any other cause beyond the control of transferee, by the
actual period taken for the replacement thereof;
(iii) in case of delay in the lodging of any security, being units or other instruments issued by the mutual
fund, and other documents relating to the transfer due to cause connected with the post, by the actual
period of the delay.
This shall not affect –
(a) the right of a mutual fund to pay any income from units or other instruments issued by the mutual fund
which has become due to any person whose name is for the time being registered in the books of the
mutual fund as the holder of the security being units or other instruments issued by the mutual fund in
respect of which the income in respect of units or other instruments issued by mutual fund has become
28 EP-SL&CM
due; or
(b) the right of transferee of any security, being units or other instruments issued by the mutual fund, to
enforce against the transferor or any other person his rights, if any, in relation to the transfer in any
case where the mutual fund has refused to register the transfer of the security being units or other
instruments issued by the mutual fund in the name of the transferee.
PROTECTION OF ACTION TAKEN IN GOOD FAITH

No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding whatsoever shall lie in any court against the governing body
or any member, office bearer or servant of any recognised stock exchange or against any person or persons
appointed under sub-section (1) of section 11 for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done in
pursuance of this Act or of any rules or bye-laws made thereunder.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATED TO COMMODITY DERIVATIVES

Section 30A deals with following special provisions relating to commodity derivatives:-
(1) This Act shall not apply to non-transferable specific delivery contracts. However, no person shall
organise or assist in organising or be a member of any association in any area to which the provisions
of section 13 have been made applicable (other than a stock exchange) which provides facilities for the
performance of any non-transferable specific delivery contract by any party thereto without having to
make or receive actual delivery to or from the other party to the contract or to or from any other party
named in the contract.
(2) Where in respect of any area, the provisions of section 13 have been made applicable in relation to
commodity derivatives for the sale or purchase of any goods or class of goods, the Central Government
may, by notification, declare that in the said area or any part thereof as may be specified in the notification
all or any of the provisions of this Act shall not apply to transferable specific delivery contracts for the
sale or purchase of the said goods or class of goods either generally, or to any class of such contracts
in particular.
(3) If the Central Government is of the opinion that in the interest of the trade or in the public interest it is
expedient to regulate and control non-transferable specific delivery contracts in any area, it may, by
notification in the Official Gazette, declare that all or any of the provisions of this Act shall apply to such
class or classes of non-transferable specific delivery contracts in such area in respect of such goods or
class of goods as may be specified in the notification, and may also specify the manner in which and
the extent to which all or any of the said provisions shall so apply.
II. SECURITIES CONTRACTS (REGULATION) RULES, 1957

These rules were made by the Central Government in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 30 of the
Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 and notified on February 21, 1957.
Requirements of Listing of Securities with recognised Stock Exchanges

This is one of the most important provisions of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957. Rule 19
provides for the complete procedure in this regard. A public company as defined under the Companies Act,
2013, desirous of getting its securities listed on a recognised stock exchange, shall apply for the purpose to the
stock exchange and forward along with its application the following documents and particulars:
(a) Memorandum and articles of association and, in the case of a debenture issue, a copy of the trust
deed.
(b) Copies of all prospectuses or statements in lieu of prospectuses issued by the company at any time.
(c) Copies of offers for sale and circulars or advertisements offering any securities for subscription or sale
during the last five years.
(d) Copies of balance sheets and audited accounts for the last five years, or in the case of new companies,
for such shorter period for which accounts have been made up.
(e) A statement showing –
i. dividends and cash bonuses, if any, paid during the last ten years (or such shorter period as the
company has been in existence, whether as a private or public company),
ii. dividends or interest in arrears, if any.
(f) Certified copies of agreements or other documents relating to arrangements with or between –
i. vendors and/or promoters,
ii. underwriters and sub-underwriters,
iii. brokers and sub-brokers.
(g) Certified copies of agreements with –
i. managing agents and secretaries and treasurers,
ii. selling agents,
iii. managing directors and technical directors,
iv. general manager, sales manager, managers or secretary.
(h) Certified copy of every letter, report, balance sheet, valuation contract, court order or other document,
part of which is reproduced or referred to in any prospectus, offer for sale, circular or advertisement
offering securities for subscription or sale, during the last five years.
(i) A statement containing particulars of the dates of, and parties to all material contracts, agreements
(including agreements for technical advice and collaboration), concessions and similar other documents
(except those entered into in the ordinary course of business carried on or intended to be carried on by
the company) together with a brief description of the terms, subject-matter and general nature of the
documents.
(j) A brief history of the company since its incorporation giving details of its activities including any
reorganization, reconstruction or amalgamation, changes in its capital structure (authorised, issued
and subscribed) and debenture borrowings, if any.
(k) Particulars of shares and debentures issued (i) for consideration other than cash, whether in whole or
part, (ii) at a premium or discount, or (iii) in pursuance of an option.
(l) A statement containing particulars of any commission, brokerage, discount or other special terms
including an option for the issue of any kind of the securities granted to any person.
(m) Certified copies of –
i. acknowledgment card or the receipt of filing offer document with the SEBI;
ii. agreements, if any, with the Industrial Finance Corporation, Industrial Credit and Investment
Corporation and similar bodies.
(n) Particulars of shares forfeited.
(o) A list of highest ten holders of each class or kind of securities of the company as on the date of
application along with particulars as to the number of shares or debentures held by and the address of
30 EP-SL&CM
each such holder.

(p) Particulars of shares or debentures for which permission to deal is applied for;
However, a recognised stock exchange may either generally by its bye-laws or in any particular case call for
such further particulars or documents as it deems proper.
Rule 19(2)
Sub-rule 2 of Rule 19 provides that apart from complying with such other terms and conditions as may be laid
down by a recognised stock exchange, an applicant company shall satisfy the stock exchange that;
(a) Its articles of association provide for the following among others –
(i) that the company shall use a common form of transfer;
(ii) that the fully paid shares will be free from all lien, while in the case of partly laid shares, the
company’s lien, if any, will be restricted to moneys called or payable at a fixed time in respect of
such shares;
(iii) that any amount paid-up in advance of calls on any share may carry interest but shall not entitle
the holder of the share to participate in respect thereof, in a dividend subsequently declared;
(iv) there will be no forfeiture of unclaimed dividends before the claim becomes barred by law;
(v) that option or right to call of shares shall not be given to any person except with the sanction of
the company in general meeting;
However, a recognised stock exchange may provisionally admit to dealings the securities of a
company which undertakes to amend its articles of association at its next general meeting so as
to fulfill the foregoing requirements and agrees to act in the meantime strictly in accordance with
the provisions of this clause.
Rule 19(2)(b)
The minimum offer and allotment to public in terms of an offer document shall be-
(i) at least twenty five per cent of each class or kind of equity shares or debenture convertible into equity
shares issued by the company, if the post issue capital of the company calculated at offer price is less
than or equal to one thousand six hundred crore rupees;
(ii) at least such percentage of each class or kind of equity shares or debentures convertible into equity
shares issued by the company equivalent to the value of four hundred crore rupees, if the post issue
capital of the company calculated at offer price is more than one thousand six hundred crore rupees but
less than or equal to four thousand crore rupees;
(iii) at least ten percent of each class or kind of equity shares or debentures convertible into equity shares
issued by the company, if the post issue capital of the company calculated at offer price is above four
thousand crore rupees.
However, the company referred to in sub-clause (ii) or sub-clause (iii), shall increase its public
shareholding to at least twenty five per cent within a period of three years from the date of listing of the
securities, in the manner specified by the SEBI.
Conditions precedent to submission of application for listing by Stock Exchange

Sub-rule (3) of Rule 19 provides that company while applying for listing shall, as conditions precedent, undertake
inter alia –
(a) (i) that letters of allotment will be issued simultaneously and that, in the event of its being impossible to
issue letters of regret at the same time, a notice to that effect will be inserted in the press so that it will
appear on the morning after the letters of allotment have been posted.
(ii) that letters of right will be issued simultaneously,
(iii) that letters of allotment, acceptance or rights will be serially numbered, printed on good quality
paper and, examined and signed by a responsible officer of the company and that whenever possible,
they will contain the distinctive numbers of the securities to which they relate.
(iv) that letters of allotment and renounceable letters of right will contain a proviso for splitting and that,
when so required by the exchange, the form of renunciation will be printed on the back of or attached
to the letters of allotment and letters of right.
(v) that letters of allotment and letters of right will state how the next payment of interest or dividend on
the securities will be calculated;
(b) to issue, when so required, receipts for all securities deposited with it whether for registration, subdivision,
exchange or for other purposes; and not to charge any fees for registration of transfers, for sub-division
and consolidation of certificates and for sub-division of letters of allotment, renounceable letters of right,
and split consolidation, renewal and transfer receipts into denominations of the market unit of trading;
(bb) to issue, when so required, consolidation and renewal certificates in denominations of the market unit of
trading, to split certificates, letters of allotment, letters of right, and transfer, renewal, consolidation and
split receipts into smaller units, to split call notices, issue duplicates thereof and not require any discharge
on call receipts and to accept the discharge of members of stock exchange on split, consolidation and
renewal receipts as good and sufficient without insisting on the discharge of the registered holders;
(c) when documents are lodged for sub-division or consolidation (or renewal) through the clearing house
of the exchange;
(i) to accept the discharge of an official of the stock exchange clearing house on the company’s
split receipts and (consolidation receipts and renewal receipts) as good and sufficient discharge
without insisting on the discharge of the registered holders; and
(ii) to verify when the company is unable to issue certificates or split receipt or (consolidation receipts
or renewal receipts) immediately on lodgement whether the discharge of the registered holders,
on the documents lodged for sub-division or consolidation (or renewal) and their signatures on the
relative transfers are in order;
(d) on production of the necessary documents by shareholders or by members of the exchange, to make on
transfers an endorsement to the effect that the power of attorney or probate or letters of administration
or death certificate or certificate of the Controller of Estate Duty or similar other document has been
duly exhibited to and registered by the company;
(e) to issue certificates in respect of shares or debentures lodged for transfer within a period of one month
of the date of lodgement of transfer and to issue balance certificates within the same period where the
transfer is accompanied by a larger certificate;
(f) to advise the stock exchange of the date of the board meeting at which the declaration or recommendation
of a dividend (or the issue or right or bonus share) will be considered;
(g) to recommend or declare all dividends and/or cash bonuses at least five days before the commencement
of the closure of its transfer books or the record date fixed for the purpose and so advise the stock
exchange in writing of all dividends and/or cash bonuses recommended or declared immediately after
a meeting of the board of the company has been held to finalise the same;
32 EP-SL&CM
(h) to notify the stock exchange of any material change in the general character or nature of the company’s
business;
(i) to notify the stock exchange of any change –
(i) in the company’s directorate by death, resignation, removal or otherwise,
(ii) of managing director, managing agent or secretaries and treasurers,
(iii) of auditors appointed to audit the books and accounts of the company;
(j) to forward to the stock exchange copies of statutory and annual reports and audited accounts as soon
as issued, including directors’ reports;
(k) to forward to the stock exchange as soon as they are issued, copies of all other notices and circulars
sent to the shareholders including proceedings of ordinary and extraordinary general meetings of the
company and to file with the stock exchange certified copies of resolutions of the company as soon as
such resolutions become effective;
(l) to notify the stock exchange prior to intimating the shareholders, of any new issue of securities whether
by way of right, privilege, bonus or otherwise and the manner in which it is proposed to offer or allot the
same;
(m) to notify the stock exchange in the event of re-issue of any forfeited securities or the issue of securities
held in reserve for future issue;
(n) to notify the stock exchange of any other alteration of capital including calls;
(o) to close the transfer books only for the purpose of declaration of dividend or issue of right or bonus
shares or for such other purposes as the stock exchange may agree and to give notice to the stock
exchange as many days in advance as the exchange may from time to time reasonably prescribe,
stating the dates of closure of its transfer books (or, when the transfer books are not to be closed, the
date fixed for taking a record of its shareholders or debenture holders) and specifying the purpose or
purposes for which the transfer books are to be closed (or the record is to be taken) and in the case of
a right or bonus issue to so close the transfer books or fix a record date only after the sanctions of the
competent authority subject to which the issue is proposed to be made have been duly obtained, unless
the exchange agrees otherwise;
(p) to forward to the stock exchange an annual return immediately after each annual general meeting of
at least ten principal holders of each class of security of the company along with particulars as to the
number of shares or debentures held by, and address of, each such holder;
(q) to grant to shareholders the right of renunciation in all cases of issue of rights, privileges and benefits
and to allow them reasonable time not being less than four weeks within which to record, exercise, or
renounce such rights, privileges and benefits, and to issue, where necessary, coupons or fractional
certificates or provide for the payment of the equivalent of the value of the fractional right in cash unless
the company in general meeting or the stock exchange agrees otherwise;
(r) to promptly notify the stock exchange–
(i) of any action which will result in the redemption, cancellation or retirement in whole or in part of
any securities listed on the exchange,
(ii) of the intention to make a drawing of such securities, intimating at the same time the date of
the drawing and the period of the closing of the transfer books (or the date of the striking of the
balance) for the drawing;
(iii) of the amount of securities outstanding after any drawing has been made;
(s) to intimate the stock exchange any other information necessary to enable the shareholders to appraise
the position of the company and to avoid the establishment of a false market in the shares of the
company;
(t) that in the event of the application for listing being granted, such listing shall be subject to the rules
and bye-laws of the exchange in force from time to time and that the company will comply within a
reasonable time, with such further listing requirements as may be promulgated by the exchange as a
general condition for new listings.
Application for listing of new securities

Rule 19(4) stipulates that an application for listing shall be necessary in respect of the following:
(a) all new issues of any class or kind of securities of a company to be offered to the public;
(b) all further issues of any class or kind of securities of a company if such class or kind of securities of the
company are already listed on a recognised stock exchange.
Suspension or withdrawal of admission to dealings in securities on stock exchange

A recognised stock exchange may suspend or withdraw admission to dealings in the securities of a company or
body corporate either for a breach of or non-compliance with, any of the conditions of admission to dealings or
for any other reason, to be recorded in writing, which in the opinion of the stock exchange justifies such action;
However, no such action shall be taken by a stock exchange without affording to the company or body corporate
concerned a reasonable opportunity by a notice in writing, stating the reasons, to show cause against the
proposed action.
Further, where a recognised stock exchange has withdrawn admission to dealings in any security, or where
suspension of admission to dealings has continued for a period exceeding three months, the company or
body corporate concerned may prefer an appeal to the Securities Appellate Tribunal constituted under section
15K of the SEBI Act, 1992 and the procedure laid down under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) (Appeal
to Securities Appellate Tribunal) Rules, 2000 shall apply to such appeal. The Securities Appellate Tribunal
may, after giving the stock exchange an opportunity of being heard, vary or set aside the decision of the stock
exchange and its orders shall be carried out by the stock exchange. [Rule 19(5)]
A recognised stock exchange may, either at its own discretion or shall in accordance with the orders of the
Securities Appellate Tribunal restore or re-admit to dealings any securities suspended or withdrawn from the
list. [Rule 19(6)]
All requirements with respect to listing prescribed by these rules shall, so far as they may be, also apply to a
public sector company. [Rule 19(6A)]
The SEBI may, at its own discretion or on the recommendation of a recognised stock exchange, waive or relax
the strict enforcement of any or all of the requirements with respect to listing prescribed by these rules. [Rule
19(7)]
MINIMUM SHAREHOLDING
Rule 19A (1) stipulates that every listed company other than public sector company shall maintain public
shareholding of at least 25%. However, any listed company which has public shareholding below 25%, shall
increase its public shareholding to at least twenty five per cent, within a period of four years from the date of
commencement of amendment to the said rules in 2014, in the manner specified by the SEBI.
Explanation : For the purposes of this sub-rule, a company whose securities has been listed pursuant to an
34 EP-SL&CM
offer and allotment made to public in terms of clause (b) of sub-rule (2) of rule 19, shall maintain minimum 25%
public shareholding from the date on which the public shareholding in the company reaches the level of 25% in
terms of said sub-clause.
Sub-rule (2) provides that where the public shareholding in a listed company falls below 25 % at any time, such
company shall bring the public shareholding to 25% within a maximum period of twelve months from the date
of such fall in the manner specified by the SEBI.
However every listed public sector company whose public shareholding falls below twenty five per-cent. at any
time after the commencement of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) (Second Amendment) Rules, 2018, shall
increase its public shareholding to at least twenty five per-cent, within a period of two years from such fall, in
the manner specified by the SEBI.
Where the public shareholding in a listed company falls below 25% in consequence to SCRR (Amendment)
Rules, 2015, such company shall increase its shareholding to atleast 25%, in the manner specified by the SEBI
within a period of three years, as the case may be, from the date of notification of:
(a) the Depository Receipts Scheme, 2014, in cases where the public shareholding falls below 25% as a
result of such Scheme;
(b) the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014, in cases where the public shareholding
falls below 25%, as a result of such regulations.
Sub rule (5) provides that where the public shareholding in a listed company falls below twenty-five per cent, as
a result of implementation of the resolution plan approved under section 31 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy
Code, 2016, such company shall bring the public shareholding to twenty-five per cent within a maximum period
of three years from the date of such fall, in the manner specified by the Securities and Exchange Board of India.
However, if the public shareholding falls below ten per cent, the same shall be increased to at least ten per cent,
within a maximum period of eighteen months from the date of such fall, in the manner specified by the Securities
and Exchange Board of India.
Delisting of securities
Rule 21 deals with delisting of securities. A recognized stock exchange may, without prejudice to any
other action that may be taken under the Act or under any other law for the time being in force, delist any
securities listed thereon on any of the following grounds in accordance with the regulations made by the
SEBI, namely:–
(a) the company has incurred losses during the preceding three consecutive years and it has negative
networth;
(b) trading in the securities of the company has remained suspended for a period of more than six months;
(c) the securities of the company have remained infrequently traded during the preceding three years;
(d) the company or any of its promoters or any of its director has been convicted for failure to comply with
any of the provisions of the Act or the SEBI Act, 1992 or the Depositories Act, 1996 or rules, regulations,
agreements made thereunder, as the case may be and awarded a penalty of not less than rupees one
crore or imprisonment of not less than three years;
(e) the addresses of the company or any of its promoter or any of its directors, are not known or false
addresses have been furnished or the company has changed its registered office in contravention of
the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013; or
(f) shareholding of the company held by the public has come below the minimum level applicable to the
company as per the SEBI LODR and the company has failed to raise public holding to the required
level within the time specified by the recognized stock exchange.
However, no securities shall be delisted unless the company concerned has been given a reasonable opportunity
of being heard.
(2) If the securities is delisted under clause (1),
(a) the company, promoter and director of the company shall be jointly and severally liable to purchase the
outstanding securities from those holders who wish to sell them at a fair price determined in accordance
with regulations made by the SEBI, under the Act; and
(b) the said securities shall be delisted from all recognized stock exchanges.
(3) A recognized stock exchange may, on the request of the company, delist any securities listed thereon in
accordance with the regulations made under the Act by the SEBI, subject to the following conditions, namely :
(a) the securities of the company have been listed for a minimum period of three years on the recognized
stock exchange;
(b) the delisting of such securities has been approved by the two-third of public shareholders; and
(c) the company, promoter and/or the director of the company purchase the outstanding securities from
those holders who wish to sell them at a price determined in accordance with regulations made by SEBI
under the Act.
However, the condition at (c) may be dispensed with by the SEBI if the securities remain listed at least on the
National Stock Exchange of India Limited or the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited.
LESSON ROUND UP
– The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 (‘SCRA‘) was enacted by Parliament to prevent
undesirable transactions in securities by regulating the business of dealing therein, and by providing
for certain other matters connected therewith.
– Section 2 of this Act contains definitions of various terms used in the Act.
– Section 17A of the Act provides for public issue and listing of securities.
– The Act prescribes various penalties against persons who might be found guilty of offences under the
Act.
– Section 21 of the Act provides that where securities are listed on the application of any person in any
recognised stock exchange, such person shall comply with the conditions of the SEBI LODR.
– Section 31 provides that without prejudice to the provisions contained in Section 30 of SEBI Act, 1992,
SEBI may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make regulations consistent with the provisions of this
Act and the rules made thereunder to carry out the purposes of this Act.
– The Government promulgated the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957 for carrying into
effect the object of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1956.
– Rule 19 dealt with the requirement with respect to the listing of securities on a recognised stock
exchange.
– Rule 19A provides the detailed provision regarding continuous listing agreement.
36 EP-SL&CM
GLOSSARY
Admission to Dealing The process of granting permission to the securities of a company to be listed on
a Stock Exchange and to provide trading facilities for the securities in the market.
Appointed date It means the date which the SEBI may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint
and different appointed dates may be appointed for different recognized stock
exchanges.
Commodity Derivative It means a contract - (i) for the delivery of such goods, as may be notified by the
Central Government in the Official Gazette, and which is not a ready delivery
contract; or (ii) for differences, which derives its value from prices or indices of
prices of such underlying goods or activities, services, rights, interests and events,
as may be notified by the Central Government, in consultation with the SEBI, but does
not include securities as referred to in sub-clauses (A) and (B) of clause (ac) of
Section 2 under Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956.
Dividend Payable A current liability showing the amount due to stock holders/shareholders for
dividend declared but not paid.
Stock Exchange Anybody of individuals, whether incorporated or not, constituted for the purpose of
assisting, regulating controlling the business of buying, selling or dealing in
securities.
SELF TEST QUESTIONS

(These are meant for recapitulation only. Answer to these questions are not to be submitted for evaluation.)
1. Briefly discuss the powers of stock exchange under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956.
2. What is the remedy available a accompany if a stock exchange refuse to list its securities under
Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956?
3. Briefly explain the provision relating to continuous listing requirement under the Securities Contracts
(Regulation) Rules, 1957.
4. State the grounds on which a stock exchanges can delist the securities of a company under the
Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957.
5. What are the provisions relating to listing of securities with a recognised stock exchanges?
Lesson 2
Securities and Exchange Board of India
Act, 1992
LESSON OUTLINE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
– Introduction
The first statutory regulatory body that the
– Objective of SEBI Government of India set up post the reforms of
– SEBI Act, 1992 1991 was the Securities and Exchange Board of
India (SEBI). The SEBI has been established with
– Composition of SEBI
two objectives of protecting the interest of investors
– Functions and Powers of SEBI and to promote the development of and to regulate
the Securities Market. Since its establishment in
– Registration of Intermediaries
1992, a lot of initiatives have been taken to protect
– Prohibition of Manipulative and deceptive the interests of the investors. SEBI under the
devices, insider trading etc. SEBI Act, 1992 has been empowered to frame
– Penalties for failure subordinate legislation and to investigate wrong
doing, impose relevant penalties and to conduct
– Penalties for adjudication search and seizure operations.
– Securities Appellate Tribunal The Company Secretary is recognised to appear
as authorised representative under the SEBI Act,
– Powers of Central Government
1992, therefore a student pursuing CS course
– Delegation of Powers needs to update with the various provisions,
– Appeal to the Central Government penalties and compliances under the SEBI Act.
This lesson will describe the students about the
– Bar of Jurisdiction functions and powers of SEBI; the legal process
– Public Servants at SEBI with a focus in the enforcement process
and specifically on the quasi-judicial functions like
– Offences & Punishments
Powers of Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT),
– Cognizance of Offences by Courts appeal to Supreme Court, etc.
– Recovery of Amounts
– Consent Order
– Role of Company Secretary
– LESSON ROUND UP
– GLOSSARY
– SELF TEST QUESTIONS
38 EP-SL&CM
INTRODUCTION
The SEBI Act, 1992 was enacted to empower SEBI with statutory powers for (a) protecting the interests of
investors in securities, (b) promoting the development of the securities market, and (c) regulating the securities
market. Its regulatory jurisdiction extends over corporates in the issuance of capital and transfer of securities, in
addition to all intermediaries and persons associated with securities market. The SEBI – can specify the matters
to be disclosed and the standards of disclosure required for the protection of investors in respect of issues; –
can issue directions to all intermediaries and other persons associated with the securities market in the interest
of investors or of orderly development for securities market; and – can conduct enquiries, audits and inspection
of all concerned and adjudicate offences under the Act. In short, it has been given necessary autonomy and
authority to regulate and develop an orderly securities market. As per Section 1 of the Act, this Act may be
called the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992. It extends to the whole of India. It shall be deemed
to have come into force on the 30th day of January, 1992.
OBJECTIVE OF SEBI
• To protect the interests of investors in securities; and
• To promote the development of; and
• To regulate, the securities market and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
SEBI ACT, 1992

The SEBI Act, 1992 is divided into ten chapters which are discussed below:
SEBI ACT, 1992 Chapter I Definitions of various terms

Chapter II Establishment of SEBI
Chapter III Transfer of assets, liabilities, etc., of existing SEBI
Chapter IV Powers and Functions of SEBI
Chapter V Registration Certificate
Chapter VA Prohibition of Manipulative and Deceptive Devices, Insider Trading
and Substantial Acquisition of Securities or Control
Chapter VI Finance, Accounts And Audit
Chapter VIA Penalties and Adjudication
Chapter VI B Establishment, Jurisdiction, Authority and Procedure of Securities
Appellate Tribunal
Chapter VII Miscellaneous
In terms of section 3 of the Act, the SEBI is a body corporate having perpetual succession and a common seal
with power to acquire, hold and dispose off property, both movable and immovable and to contract, and shall
sue and be sued in its own name. The SEBI has its Head Office at Mumbai and has powers to establish its
offices at other places in India.
Lesson 2 n Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 39
COMPOSITION OF THE SEBI

Section 4(1) of the SEBI Act provides that the SEBI shall consist of the following members, namely:
Chairman
Composition of the SEBI
Two members from amongst the officials of the Ministry of

the Central Government dealing with finance and
administration of the Companies Act, 2013
One member from amongst the officials of the Reserve Bank
Five other members of whom at least three shall be the whole

time members, to be appointed by the Central Government.
FUNCTIONS AND POWERS OF THE SEBI

Chapter IV of the SEBI Act, 1992 deals with the powers and functions of SEBI.
Section 11 Functions of the SEBI
Section 11A To Regulate or Prohibit Issue of

Prospectus, Offer Document or Advertisement
Soliciting Money for Issue of Securities
Section 11AA To Regulate Collective Investment

Schemes
Section 11B Power to Issue Directions and Levy Penalty
Section 11C Investigations
Section 11D Cease and Desist Proceedings
Functions of the SEBI

– Section 11 of the Act lays down that it shall be the duty of SEBI to protect the interests of the investors in
securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate the securities markets by such measures
as it thinks fit.
40 EP-SL&CM
– Section 11(2) provides that without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provisions, the measures
referred to therein may provide for –
Measures
l Regulating the business in stock exchanges and any other securities markets;
l Registering and regulating the working of stock brokers, sub-broker, share transfer agents,
bankers to an issue, trustees of trust deeds, registrars to an issue, merchant bankers,
underwriters, portfolio managers, investment advisers and such after intermediaries who may
be associated with securities markets in any manner;
l Registering and regulating the working of the depositories, participants, custodians of
securities, foreign institutional investors, credit rating agencies and such other intermediaries
as the SEBI, may by notification specify in this behalf;
l Registering and regulating the working of venture capital funds and collective investment
schemes, including mutual funds;
l Promoting and regulating self-regulatory organisations;
l Prohibiting fraudulent and unfair trade practices relating to securities markets;
l Promoting investors’ education and training of intermediaries of securities markets;
l Prohibiting insider trading in securities;
l Regulating substantial acquisition of shares and takeover of companies;
l Calling for information, undertaking inspection, conducting inquiries and audits of the stock
exchanges, mutual funds, other persons associated with the securities markets, intermediaries
and self regulatory organisations in the securities market;
l Calling for information and records:
 from any person including any bank or any authority or board or corporation
established or constituted by or under any central or state Act, which in the opinion
of the SEBI, shall be relevant to any investigation or inquiry by the SEBI in respect
of any transaction in securities;
 to any such agencies, as may be specified by the SEBI, such information as may
be considered necessary by it for the efficient discharge of its functions;
 to other authorities, whether in India, or outside India having functions similar to
those of the SEBI, in the matters relating to the prevention or detection of violation
in respect of securities laws, subject to the provisions of other laws for the time
being in force in this regard.
However, SEBI for the purpose of furnishing any information to any authority outside India,
may enter into an arrangement or agreement or understanding with such authority with the
approval of the Central Government.
l Performing such functions and exercising such powers under the provisions of the Securities
Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, as may be delegated to it by the Central Government;
l Levying fees or other charges for carrying out the purposes of this section;
l Conducting research for the above purposes;
l Calling from or furnishing to any such agencies, as may be specified by the SEBI such
information as may be considered necessary by if for the efficient discharge of its functions.
l Performing such other functions as may be prescribed.
Section 11(2A) prescribes that SEBI may take measures to undertake inspection of any book, or register, or
other document or record of any listed public company or a public company (not being intermediaries referred
to in section 12) which intends to get its securities listed on any recognised stock exchange where SEBI has
reasonable grounds to believe that such company has been indulging in insider trading or fraudulent and unfair
trade practices relating to securities market.
Section 11(3) of the SEBI Act provides that for carrying out the duties assigned to it under the Act, the SEBI
has been vested with the same powers as are available to a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure,
1908 for trying a suit in respect of the following matters:
(i) the discovery and production of books of account and other documents at such place and such time
indicated by SEBI.
(ii) summoning and enforcing the attendance of persons and examining them on oath.
(iii) inspection of any books, registers and other documents of any person listed referred in section 12 of
the Act at any place.
(iv) inspection of any book or register or other document or record of any listed company or a public
company which intends to get its securities listed on any recognized stock exchange.
(v) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents.
As per Section 11(4), the SEBI, may, by an order or for reasons to be recorded in writing, in the interest of
investors or securities market take any of the following measures either pending investigation or inquiry or on
completion of such investigation or enquiry namely:
(a) suspend the trading of any security in a recognised stock exchange.
(b) restrain persons from accessing the securities market and prohibit any person associated with securities
market to buy, sell or deal in securities.
(c) suspend any office-bearer of any stock exchange or self regulatory organisation from holding such
position.
(d) impound and retain the proceeds or securities in respect of any transaction which is under investigation.
(e) attach, for a period not exceeding ninety days, bank accounts or other property of any intermediary
or any person associated with the securities market in any manner involved in violation of any of the
provisions of this Act, or the rules or the regulations made thereunder;
However, the SEBI shall, within ninety days of the said attachment, obtain confirmation of the said
attachment from the Special Court, established under section 26A, having jurisdiction and on such
confirmation, such attachment shall continue during the pendency of the aforesaid proceedings and on
conclusion of the said proceedings, the provisions of section 28A shall apply;
Further, only property, bank account or accounts or any transaction entered therein, so far as it relates
to the proceeds actually involved in violation of any of the provisions of this Act, or the rules or the
regulations made thereunder shall be allowed to be attached.
(f) direct any intermediary or any person associated with the securities market in any manner not to
dispose of or alienate an asset forming part of any transaction which is under investigation.
The SEBI may take any of the measures specified in clause (d) or clause (e) or clause (f) in respect of any
listed public company or a public company not being an intermediary which intends to get its securities listed
on any recognised stock exchange where the SEBI has reasonable grounds to believe that such company has
42 EP-SL&CM
been indulging in insider trading or fraudulent and unfair trade practices relating to securities market. Further,
SEBI shall, either before or after passing such orders, gives an opportunity of hearing to such intermediaries
or persons concerned.
Without prejudice to the provisions contained in sub-sections (1), (2), (2A), (3) and (4), section 11B and section
15-I, the SEBI may, by an order, for reasons to be recorded in writing, levy penalty under sections 15A, 15B,
15C, 15D, 15E, 15EA, 15EB, 15F, 15G, 15H, 15HA, 15HAA and 15HB after holding an inquiry in the prescribed
manner.
Section 11(5) of the Act authorises SEBI to disgorge the amount, pursuant to direction issued under section 11B
or section 12A of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 or section 19 of the Depositories Act, 1996, or
under a settlement made under section 15JB or section 23JA of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956
or section 19-IA of the Depositories Act, 1996, as the case may be, shall be credited to the Investor Protection
and Education Fund established by the SEBI and such amount shall be utilized by the SEBI in accordance with
the regulations made under this Act.
Section 11A – To Regulate or Prohibit Issue of Prospectus, Offer Document or Advertisement

Soliciting Money for Issue of Securities
Section 11A(1) of SEBI Act, 1992 provides that without prejudice to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013,
the SEBI may, for the protection of investors, –
(a) specify, by regulations –
(i) the matters relating to issue of capital, transfer of securities and other matters incidental thereto;
and
(ii) the manner in which such matters shall be disclosed by the companies;
(b) by general or special orders –
(i) prohibit any company from issuing prospectus, any offer document, or advertisement soliciting
money from the public for the issue of securities;
(ii) specify the conditions subject to which the prospectus, such offer document or advertisement, if
not prohibited, may be issued.
Without prejudice to the provisions of section 21 of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, the SEBI
may specify the requirements for listing and transfer of securities and other matters incidental thereto.
Section 11AA – To Regulate Collective Investment Schemes

11AA (1) of the SEBI Act, provides that any scheme or arrangement which satisfies the conditions referred to in
sub-section (2) or sub-section (2A) shall be a collective investment scheme. (This section has been discussed
in Lesson No. 13)
However, any pooling of funds under any scheme or arrangement, which is not registered with the SEBI or is
not covered under sub-section (3), involving a corpus amount of one hundred crore rupees or more shall be
deemed to be a collective investment scheme.
Section 11B – Power to Issue Directions and Levy Penalty

Section 11B of the Act provides that if the SEBI is satisfied after making or causing to be made an enquiry due
enquiries, that it is necessary:
(i) in the interest of investors, or orderly development of securities market; or
(ii) to prevent the affairs of any intermediary or other persons referred to in section 12 being conducted in
a manner detrimental to the interests of investors or securities market; or
(iii) to secure the proper management of any such intermediary or person,

the SEBI may issue such directions, –
(a) to any person or class of persons referred to in section 12, or associated with the securities
market; or
(b) to any company in respect of matters relating to issue of capital, transfer of securities and other
matter incidental thereto, as may be appropriate in the interests of investors in securities and the
securities market.
The power to issue directions under this section shall include and always be deemed to have been included
the power to direct any person, who made profit or averted loss by indulging in any transaction or activity in
contravention of the provisions of this Act or regulations made thereunder, to disgorge an amount equivalent to
the wrongful gain made or loss averted by such contravention.
Without prejudice to the provisions contained in sub-section (1), sub-section (4A) of section 11 and section 15-I,
the SEBI may, by an order, for reasons to be recorded in writing, levy penalty under sections 15A, 15B, 15C,
15D, 15E, 15EA, 15EB, 15F, 15G, 15H, 15HA and 15HB after holding an inquiry in the prescribed manner.
Section 11C – Investigations

(1) Grounds for Investigation
– Section 11C of the Act provides that where the SEBI has reasonable ground to believe that:
 the transactions in securities are being dealt with in a manner detrimental to the investors or the
securities market; or
 any intermediary or any person associated with the securities market has violated any of the
provisions of this Act or the rules or the regulations made or directions issued by SEBI thereunder;
it may, at any time by order in writing, direct any person specified in the order to investigate the affairs
of such intermediary or persons associated with the securities market and to report thereon to the SEBI.
(2) Duty of officers to produce Accounts and Records
– It is the duty of every manager, managing director, officer and other employee of the company and
every intermediary or every person associated with the securities market to preserve and to produce
to the Investigating Authority or any person authorised by it in this behalf, all the books, registers, other
documents and record of, or relating to, the company or, as the case may be, of or relating to, the
intermediary or such person, which are in their custody or power.
(3) Powers of Investigating Authority
– The Investigating Authority may require any intermediary or any person associated with securities
market in any manner to furnish such information to, or produce such books, or registers, or other
documents, or record before it or any person authorized by it in this behalf as it may consider necessary
if the furnishing of such information or the production of such books, or registers, or other documents,
or record is relevant or necessary for the purposes of its investigation.
– The Investigating Authority may keep in its custody any books, registers, other documents and record
produced for six months and thereafter shall return the same to any intermediary or any person
associated with securities market by whom or on whose behalf the books, registers, other documents
and record are produced.
However, the investigating officer may call for buy back, register, other document and record if they are needed
again. Further, if the person on whose behalf the books, registers, other documents and record are produced
requires certified copies of the books, registers, other documents and record produced before the Investigating
44 EP-SL&CM
Authority, it shall give certified copies of such books, registers, other documents and record to such person or
on whose behalf the books, registers, other documents and record were produced.
(4) To examine on oath
– Any person, directed to make an investigation may, examine on oath, any manager, managing director,
officer and other employee of any intermediary or any person associated with securities market in any
manner, in relation to the affairs of his business and may administer an oath accordingly and for that
purpose may require any of those persons to appear before it personally.
– If any person fails without reasonable cause or refuses:
• to produce to the Investigating Authority or any person authorised by it in this behalf any book,
register, other document and record which is his duty to produce; or
• to furnish any information which it is his duty to furnish; or
• to appear before the Investigating Authority personally when required to do so or to answer any
question which is put to him by the Investigating Authority; or
• to sign the notes of any examination,
he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, which
may extend to one crore rupees, or with both, and also with a further fine which may extend to five lakh
rupees for every day after the first during which the failure or refusal continues.
(5) To take notes on examination
– Notes of any examination shall be taken down in writing and shall be read over to, or by, and signed by,
the person examined, and may thereafter be used in evidence against him.
(6) Seizure of Records
– Where in the course of an investigation, the Investigating Authority has reasonable ground to believe
that the books, registers, other documents and record of, or relating to any, any intermediary or any
person associated with securities market in any manner may be destroyed, mutilated, altered, falsified
or secreted, the Investigating Authority may make an application to the Magistrate or Judge of such
designated Court in Mumbai, as may be notified by the Central Government for an order for the seizure
of such books, registers, other documents and records.
– The authorised officer may requisition the services of any police officer or any office of the Central
Government, or of both, to assist him for all or any of the purposes specified above and it shall be the
duty of every such officer to comply with such requisition.
– After considering the application and hearing the Investigating Authority, if necessary, the Magistrate or
Judge of the Designed Court may, by order, authorize the investigating authority –
(a) to enter, with such assistance, as may be required, the place or places where such books,
registers, other documents and record are kept.
(b) to search that place or those places in the manner specified in the order and.
(c) to seize books, registers and other documents and records, it consider necessary for the purpose
of the investigation.
However, the Magistrate or Judge of the Designated Court shall not authorize seizure of books,
registers, other documents and record of any listed public company or a public company (not being
the intermediary specified under section 12) which intends to get its securities listed on any recognized
stock exchange unless such company indulges in insider trading or market manipulation.
– The Investigating Authority shall keep in its custody the books, registers, other documents and record
seized under this section for such period not later than the conclusion of the investigation as it considers
necessary and thereafter shall return the same to the company or the other body corporate, or, as the
case may be, to the managing director or the manager or any other person, from whose custody or
power they were seized and inform the Magistrate or Judge of the Designated Court of such return.
– The Investigating Authority may, before returning such books, registers, other documents and record as
aforesaid, place identification marks on them or any part thereof.
– Every search or seizure made under this section shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions
of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 relating to searches or seizures made under that Code.
Cease and Desist Proceedings

Section 11D deals with the cease and desist powers of the SEBI. If the SEBI finds, after causing an inquiry
to be made, that any person has violated, or is likely to violate any provisions of this Act, or any rules
or regulations made thereunder, it may pass an order requiring such person to cease and desist from
committing or causing such violation. However, the SEBI shall not pass such order in respect of any listed
public company or a public company which intends to get its securities listed on any recognized stock
exchange unless SEBI has reasonable grounds to believe that such company has indulged in insider
trading or market manipulation.
REGISTRATION OF INTERMEDIARIES
Chapter V of the Act provides for registration of various intermediaries such as stock broker, sub-broker, share
transfer agents etc.
Section 12(1) of the Act provides that the following intermediaries are required to obtain a registration certificate
from the SEBI to buy, sell or deal in securities :
– Stock-Broker
– Sub-Broker
– Share Transfer Agent
– Banker to an issue
– Trustee of Trust Deed
– Registrar to an Issue
– Merchant Banker
– Underwriter
– Portfolio Manager
– Investment Adviser
– Depository Participant
– Custodian of Securities
– Foreign Institutional Investor
– Credit Rating Agency
– Such other intermediary
– Above intermediaries are discussed in Chapter 16 of the study
A person shall not sponsor or cause to be sponsored or carry on or cause to be carried on any venture capital
funds or collective investment schemes including mutual funds, unless he obtains a certificate of registration
from the SEBI in accordance with the regulations.
It is clarified by the SEBI that a collective investment scheme or mutual fund shall not be include any unit linked
46 EP-SL&CM
insurance policy or scrips or any such instrument or unit, by whatever name called, which provides a component
of investment besides the component of insurance issued by an insurer.
Every application for registration would in such manner and on payment of such fees as may be determined by
the SEBI Regulations. The SEBI may, by order, suspend or cancel a certificate of registration in such manner
as may be determined by the SEBI Regulations. However, no such order shall be made unless the person
concerned has been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
PROHIBITION OF MANIPULATIVE AND DECEPTIVE DEVICES, INSIDER TRADING ETC.

Chapter VA of the Act deals with prohibition of manipulative and deceptive devices, insider trading and substantial
acquisition of securities or control.
Section 12A of the Act provides that a person shall not directly or indirectly:
(a) use or employ, in connection with the issue, purchase or sale of any securities listed or proposed to
be listed on a recognized stock exchange, any manipulative or deceptive device or contrivance in
contravention of the provisions of this Act or the rules or the regulations made thereunder;
(b) employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud in connection with issue or dealing in securities which
are listed or proposed to be listed on a recognized stock exchange;
(c) engage in any act, practice, course of business which operates or would operate as fraud or deceit
upon any person, in connection with the issue, dealing in securities which are listed or proposed to be
listed on a recognized stock exchange, in contravention of the provisions of this Act or the rules or the
regulations made thereunder;
(d) engage in insider trading;
(e) deal in securities while in possession of material or non-public information or communicate such
material or non-public information to any other person, in a manner which is in contravention of the
provisions of this Act or the rules or the regulations made thereunder;
(f) acquire control of any company or securities more than the percentage of equity share capital of a
company whose securities are listed or proposed to be listed on a recognized stock exchange in
contravention of the regulations made under this Act.
PENALTIES FOR FAILURES

Chapter VIA of the SEBI Act deals with penalties which can be imposed under the Act for various failures,
defaults, non-disclosure and other offences.
It may be recalled that Section 11(2)(i) empowers SEBI to call for information and conduct enquiries and audits
of the stock exchanges, mutual funds, other persons associated with securities markets, intermediaries and
self-regulatory organisations in the security market.
Also Section 11(2)(ia) of the Act requires calling for information and record from any bank or any other authority
or SEBI or corporation established or constituted by or under any central, state or provincial Act in respect of
any transaction in securities which is under investigation or inquiry by the SEBI.
PENALTIES AND ADJUDICATION

Sl No. Section Particulars
1. Section 15A Failure to furnish information, return, etc.

2. Section 15B Failure by any person to enter into agreement with clients.
3. Section 15C Failure to redress investors’ grievances.
4. Section 15D Default in case of Mutual Funds.
5. Section 15E Failure to observe rules and regulations by an asset management company.
6. Section 15EA Default in case of alternative investment funds, infrastructure investment trusts and
real estate investment trusts.
7. Section 15EB Default in case of investment adviser and research analyst.
8. Section 15F Default in case of stock brokers.
9. Section 15G Insider Trading.
10. Section 15H Non-Disclosure of Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers.
11. Section 15HAA Penalty for alteration, destruction, etc., of records and failure to protect the electronic
database of SEBI.
12. Section 15HA Fraudulent and unfair trade practices.
13. Section 15HB Contravention where no separate penalty has been provided.
14. Section 15I Adjudications.
15. Section Factors to be taken into account by the adjudicating officer.

15J-15JA
16. Section 15JB Settlement of administrative and civil proceedings.
Penalty for failure to furnish information, return, etc.

• Section 15A lays down that if any person who is required under the SEBI Act or any rules or
regulations made thereunder:
(a) to furnish any document, return or report to the SEBI, fails to furnish the same or who furnishes
or files false, incorrect or incomplete information, return, report, books or other documents;
(b) to file any return or furnish any information, books or other documents within the time
specified therefor in the regulations, fails to file return or furnish the same within the time
specified therefor in the regulations or who furnishes or files false, incorrect or incomplete
information, return, report, books or other documents;
(c) to maintain books of accounts or records, fails to maintain the same.
shall be liable to pay a penalty which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend
to one lakh rupees for each day during which such failure continues subject to a maximum of one
crore rupees.
Penalty for failure by any person to enter into an agreement with clients
• Section 15B lays down that if any person who is registered as an Intermediary and is required
to enter into an agreement with his client, fails to enter into such agreement, he shall be liable
to pay a penalty which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to one lakh
rupees for each day during which such failure continues subject to a maximum of one crore
rupees.
48 EP-SL&CM
Penalty for failure to redress investors’ grievances
• Section 15C lays down that if any listed company or any person who is registered as an
Intermediary, after having been called upon by the SEBI in writing including by any means of
electronic communication, to redress the grievances of investor, fails to redress such grievances
within the time specified by the SEBI, such company or intermediary shall be liable to pay a
penalty which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees
for each day during which such failure continues subject to a maximum one crore rupees.
Penalties for default in case of mutual funds
• Section 15D lays down that in case of mutual funds, if any person who is:
(a) required to obtain a certificate of registration the from the SEBI for sponsoring or carrying on
any collective investment scheme, including mutual funds, sponsors or carries on any collective
investment scheme, including mutual funds, without obtaining such certificate of registration,
he shall liable to a penalty, which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend
to one lakh rupees for each day during which he sponsors or carries on any such collective
investment scheme including mutual fund subject to a maximum of one crore rupees;
(b) registered with the SEBI as a collective investment scheme, including mutual funds, for
sponsoring or carrying on any investment scheme, fails to comply with the terms and conditions
of certificate of registration;
(c) registered with the SEBI as a collective investment scheme, including mutual funds, fails to
make an application for listing of its schemes as provided for in the regulations governing such
listing;
(d) registered as a collective investment scheme, including mutual funds, fails to dispatch unit
certificates of any scheme in the manner provided in the regulation governing such despatch;
(e) registered as a collective investment scheme, including mutual funds, fails to refund the
application monies paid by the investors within the period specified in the regulations;
(f) registered as a collective investment scheme, including mutual funds, fails to invest money
collected by such collective investment schemes in the manner or within the period specified in
the regulations,
he shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than 1 lakh rupees and which may extend
to one lakh rupees for each day during which such failure continues subject to a maximum of
one crore rupees.
Penalty for failure to observe rules and regulations by an asset management company
• Section 15E lays down that where any asset management company of a mutual fund registered
under the SEBI Act fails to comply with any of the regulation providing for restrictions on the
activities of such company, it shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than one lakh
rupees but which may extend one lakh rupees for each day during which such failure continues
subject to a maximum of one crore rupees.
Penalty for default in case of alternative investment funds, infrastructure investment

trusts and real estate investment trusts
Section 15EA of the Act lays down that where any person fails to comply with the regulations made
by the SEBI in respect of alternative investment funds, infrastructure investment trusts and real estate
investment trusts or fails to comply with the directions issued by the SEBI, such person shall be liable
to penalty which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees for
each day during which such failure continues subject to a maximum of one crore rupees or three times
the amount of gains made out of such failure, whichever is higher.
Penalty for default in case of investment adviser and research analyst
Section 15EB of the Act lays down that where an investment adviser or a research analyst fails to
comply with the regulations made by the SEBI or directions issued by the SEBI, such investment
adviser or research analyst shall be liable to penalty which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but
which may extend to one lakh rupees for each day during which such failure continues subject to a
maximum of one crore rupees.
Penalties for default in case of stock brokers
• Section 15F provides if any person registered as a stock broker under the SEBI Act -
(a) fails to issue contract notes in the form and in the manner specified by the stock exchange
of which such broker is a member, he shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than
one lakh rupees but which may extend to one crore rupees for which the contract note was
required to be issued by that broker;
(b) fails to deliver any security or fails to make payment of the amount due to the investor
in the manner within the period specified in the regulations, he shall be liable to a penalty
which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees for
each day during which such failure continues subject to a maximum of one crore rupees;
(c) charges an amount of brokerage which is in excess of the brokerage specified in the
regulations, he shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but
which may extend to five times the amount of brokerage charged in excess of the specified
brokerage, whichever is higher.
Penalty for Insider Trading
• Section 15G lays down that if any insider:

(i) either on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person, deals in securities of a body
corporate listed on any stock exchange on the basis of any unpublished price sensitive
information; or
(ii) communicates any unpublished price sensitive information to any person, with or without
his request for such information except as required in the ordinary course of business or under
any law; or
50 EP-SL&CM
(iii) counsels, or procures for any other person to deal in any securities of anybody corporate
on the basis of unpublished price sensitive information,
shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than ten lakh rupees but which may extend
to twenty five crore rupees or three times the amount of profits made out of insider trading,
whichever is higher.
Penalty for Non-Disclosure of Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers
• Section 15H lays down that if any person fails to:
(i) disclose the aggregate of his shareholding in the body corporate before he acquires any
shares of that body corporate; or
(ii) make such a public announcement to acquire shares at a minimum price; or
(iii) make a public offer by sending letter of offer to the shareholders of the concerned company;
or
(iv) make payment of consideration to the shareholders who sold their shares pursuant to letter
of offer.
he shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than ten lakh rupees but which may
extend to twenty five crore rupees or three times the amount of profits made out of such failure,
Penalty for fraudulent and unfair trade practices
• Section 15HA provides that if any person indulges in fraudulent and unfair trade practices
relating to securities, he shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than five lakh rupees
but which may extend to twenty five crore rupees or three times the amount of profits made out
of such practices, whichever is higher.
Penalty for alteration, destruction, etc., of records and failure to protect the electronic database of SEBI
Section 15HAA provides that any person, who – (a) knowingly alters, destroys, mutilates, conceals,
falsifies, or makes a false entry in any information, record, document (including electronic records), which
is required under this Act or any rules or regulations made thereunder, so as to impede, obstruct, or
influence the investigation, inquiry, audit, inspection or proper administration of any matter within the
jurisdiction of the SEBI.
Explanation.—A person shall be deemed to have altered, concealed or destroyed such information, record
or document, in case he knowingly fails to immediately report the matter to the SEBI or fails to preserve
the same till such information continues to be relevant to any investigation, inquiry, audit, inspection or
proceeding, which may be initiated by the SEBI and conclusion thereof;
(b) without being authorised to do so, access or tries to access, or denies of access or modifies access
parameters, to the regulatory data in the database;
(c) without being authorised to do so, downloads, extracts, copies, or reproduces in any form the regulatory
data maintained in the system database;

(d) knowingly introduces any computer virus or other computer contaminant into the system database and
brings out a trading halt;
(e) without authorisation disrupts the functioning of system database;
(f) knowingly damages, destroys, deletes, alters, diminishes in value or utility, or affects by any means, the
regulatory data in the system database; or
(g) knowingly provides any assistance to or causes any other person to do any of the acts specified in
clauses (a) to (f)
shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to ten crore
rupees or three times the amount of profits made out of such act, whichever is higher.
Penalty for contravention where no separate penalty has been provided
• Section 15HB whoever fails to comply with any provision of this Act, the rules or regulations
made or directions issued by the SEBI thereunder for which no separate penalty has been
provided, shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which
may extend to one crore rupees.
Adjudications
Section 15-I deal with the SEBI’s power to adjudicate.
The SEBI may appoint any of its officers not below the
rank of Division Chief to be an adjudicating officer for
holding an inquiry in the prescribed manner after giving
any person concerned a reasonable opportunity of being
heard for the purpose of imposing any penalty.
The adjudicating officer has powers to summon and enforce

the attendance of any person acquainted with the facts and
circumstances of the case to give evidence or to produce any
document which in the opinion of the adjudicating officer,
may be useful for or relevant to the subject matter of the
inquiry and if, on such inquiry, he is satisfied that the person
has failed to comply with the provisions, he may impose such
penalty as he thinks fit in accordance with the provisions of
any of those sections.
The SEBI may call for and examine the record of any proceedings
under this section and if it considers that the order passed by the
adjudicating officer is erroneous to the extent it is not in the
interests of the securities market, it may, after making or causing
to be made such inquiry as it deems necessary, pass an order
enhancing the quantum of penalty, if the circumstances of the
case so justify.
However, no such order shall be passed unless the person
concerned has been given an opportunity of being heard in
the matter. Further, nothing contained in this section shall
be applicable after an expiry of a period of three months
from the date of the order passed by the adjudicating
officer or disposal of the appeal under section 15-T,
whichever is earlier.
52 EP-SL&CM
Factors to be Taken into Account by the Adjudicating Officer

Section 15J lays down that while adjudging the amount of penalty, the adjudicating officer shall have due regard
to the following factors, viz. –
The amount of loss caused

to an investor or group of
investors as a result of the
default;
Factors
Section 15JA provides that all sums realised by way of penalties under this Act shall be
Settlement of Administrative and Civil Proceedings

Section 15JB deals with settlement of administrative and civil proceeding by SEBI. Any person against where
any proceedings have been initiated or may be initiated under section 11, Section 11B, section 11D, section
12(3) or section 15-I, may file an application in writing to the SEBI proposing for settlement of proceeding
initiated or to be initiated for the alleged defaults. The SEBI, may, after taking into consideration the nature,
gravity and impact of defaults, agree to the proposal for settlement, on payment of such seem by the defaulter
or on such other terms as may be determined by the SEBI in accordance with the regulations made under this
Act.
The settlement proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with the procedure specified in the regulations
made under this Act. No appeal shall lie under section 15T against any order passed by the SEBI or adjudicating
officer as the case may be.
All the settlement amounts excluding the disgorgement amount and legal costs, realised under this Act shall be
SECURITIES APPELLATE TRIBUNAL

In order to afford proper appellate remedies, Chapter VIB of the SEBI Act provides for the establishment of the
Securities Appellate Tribunals (SAT) to consider appeals against the SEBI’s orders, or penalties.
Sl. No. Section Particulars

1. Section 15K Establishment of Securities Appellate Tribunals
2. Section 15L Composition of Securities Appellate Tribunal
3. Section 15M, 15MA, Qualification for appointment as Presiding Officer or Member of Securities
15MB, 15MC Appellate Tribunal
4. Section 15N Tenure of office of Presiding Officer and other Members of Securities
Appellate Tribunal
5. Section 15O Salary and allowances and other terms and conditions of service of
Presiding Officers
6. Section 15P, 15 PA Filling up of vacancies
7. Section 15Q Resignation and removal
8. Section 15R Orders constituting Appellate Tribunal to be final and not to invalidate its
proceedings
9. Section 15S Staff of the Securities Appellate Tribunal
10. Section 15T Appeal to the Securities Appellate Tribunal
11. Section 15U Procedure and powers of the Securities Appellate Tribunal
12. Section 15V Right to legal representation
13. Section 15W Limitation
14. Section 15X Presiding Officer, Members and staff of Securities Appellate Tribunals to be
public servants
15. Section 15Y Civil Court not to have jurisdiction
16. Section 15Z Appeal to Supreme Court
As per Section 15K, the Central Government is empowered to establish a Tribunal, to be known as the Securities
Appellate Tribunal to exercise the jurisdiction, power and authorities conferred on it or under the Act or any
other law for the time being in force. The Central Government has set up a Tribunal by Mumbai. The Central
Government shall also specify in the notification the matters and places in relation to which the Securities
Appellate Tribunal may exercise jurisdiction.
Composition of Securities Appellate Tribunal

According to Section 15 L, the Securities Appellate Tribunal shall consist of a Presiding Officer and such number
of Judicial Members and Technical Members as the Central Government may determine, by notification, to
exercise the powers and discharge the functions conferred on the Securities Appellate Tribunal under this Act
or any other law for the time being in force.
Subject to the provisions of this Act,—
(a) the jurisdiction of the Securities Appellate Tribunal may be exercised by Benches thereof;
(b) a Bench may be constituted by the Presiding Officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal with two or
more Judicial or Technical Members as he may deem fit;
However, every Bench constituted shall include at least one Judicial Member and one Technical
Member;
(c) the Benches of the Securities Appellate Tribunal shall ordinarily sit at Mumbai and may also sit at such
other places as the Central Government may, in consultation with the Presiding Officer, notify.
The Presiding Officer may transfer a Judicial Member or a Technical Member of the Securities Appellate Tribunal
from one Bench to another Bench.
Qualification for appointment as Presiding Officer or Member of Securities Appellate Tribunal

As per Section 15M of the Act, a person shall not be qualified for appointment as the Presiding Officer or a
Judicial Member or a Technical Member of the Securities Appellate Tribunal, unless he:
54 EP-SL&CM
Qualification
Presiding Judicial Technical

officer member member
is, or has been, a Judge of the Supreme

Court or a Chief Justice of a High Court or a
Judge of High Court for at least seven years,
in the case of the Presiding Officer; and
is, or has been, a Judge of High Court for at

least five years, in the case of a Judicial
Member; or
(i) is, or has been, a Secretary or an Additional Secretary in the

The Presiding Officer and Judicial Members of the
Ministry or Department of the Central Government or any
Securities Appellate Tribunal shall be appointed by
equivalent post in the Central Government or a State
the Central Government in consultation with the
Government; or
Chief Justice of India or his nominee.
(ii) is a person of proven ability, integrity and standing having
special knowledge and professional experience, of not less
than fifteen years, in financial sector including securities
market or pension funds or commodity derivatives or
insurance.
The Technical Members of the Securities Appellate Tribunal shall be appointed by the Central Government on
the recommendation of a Search-cum-Selection Committee consisting of the following, namely:––
(a) Presiding Officer, Securities Appellate Tribunal – Chairperson;
(b) Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs – Member;
(c) Secretary, Department of Financial Services – Member; and
(d) Secretary, Legislative Department or Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs – Member.
The Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs shall be the Convener of the Search-cum-Selection Committee.
The Search-cum-Selection Committee shall determine its procedure for recommending the names of persons
to be appointed under sub-section (1).
Validity of appointment
As per Section 15MC, no appointment of the Presiding Officer, a Judicial Member or a Technical Member of the
Securities Appellate Tribunal shall be invalid merely by reason of any vacancy or any defect in the constitution
of the Search cum- Selection Committee.
A member or part time member of the SEBI or the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority or the
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority, or any person at senior management level equivalent to
the Executive Director in the SEBI or in such Authorities, shall not be appointed as Presiding Officer or Member
of the Securities Appellate Tribunal, during his service or tenure as such with the SEBI or with such Authorities,
as the case may be, or within two years from the date on which he ceases to hold office as such in the SEBI or
in such Authorities.
The Presiding Officer or such other member of the Securities Appellate Tribunal, holding office on the date of
commencement of Part VIII of Chapter VI of the Finance Act, 2017 shall continue to hold office for such term
as he was appointed and the other provisions of this Act shall apply to such Presiding Officer or such other
member, as if Part VIII of Chapter VI of the Finance Act, 2017 had not been enacted.
Tenure of office of Presiding Officer and other Members of Securities Appellate Tribunal
Section 15N lays down that the Presiding Officer or every Judicial or Technical Member of the Securities
Appellate Tribunal shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office, and
shall be eligible for reappointment for another term of maximum five years;
However, no Presiding Officer or the Judicial or Technical Member shall hold office after he has attained the
age of seventy years.
Orders Constituting Appellate Tribunal to be Final and not to invalidate its Proceedings
Section 15R makes it clear that no order of the Central Government appointing any person as the Presiding
Officer or a member of a Securities Appellate Tribunal shall be called in question in any manner, and no Act
or proceeding before a Securities Appellate Tribunals shall be called in question in any manner on the ground
merely of any defect in the constitution of a Securities Appellate Tribunal.
Appeal to the Securities Appellate Tribunal

Section 15T and 15U deal with the appeal procedure and powers of Securities Appellate Tribunal.
Any person aggrieved by an order of

the SEBI made or by an order made
by an adjudicating officer under this
Act or by an order of the IRDA or the
PFRDA may prefer an appeal to a
SAT shall dispose of the appeal within 6
SAT having jurisdiction in the matter.

months
Within a period of forty-five days from the date on

which a copy of the order made by the SEBI or the
Adjudicating Officer or the IRDA or the PFRDA as
the case may be, is received by him and it shall be
in such form and be accompanied by such fee as
may be prescribed
On receipt of appeal and after giving the parties to

opportunity of being heard, pass order as thinks fit,
confirming, modifying or setting aside the order
appealed against.
The Securities Appellate Tribunal may entertain an appeal

after the expiry of the said period of forty-five days if it is
satisfied that there was sufficient cause for not filing it
within that period.
56 EP-SL&CM
l The Securities Appellate Tribunal shall send a copy of every order made by it to the SEBI or
the IRDA or the PFRDA, as the case may be, the parties to the appeal and to the concerned
Adjudicating Officer.
l The appeal filed before the Securities Appellate Tribunal shall be dealt with by it as expeditiously as
possible and endeavour shall be made by it to dispose of the appeal finally within six months from the
date of receipt of the appeal.
Procedure
Section 15U lays down that the Securities Appellate Tribunal shall not be bound by the procedure laid down
by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by the principles of natural justice and subject to the
other provisions of this Act and of any rules, the Securities Appellate Tribunal shall have powers to regulate their
own procedure including the places at which they shall have their sittings.
Powers of SAT
The Securities Appellate Tribunals shall have, for the purposes of discharging their functions under this Act,
the same powers as are vested in a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, while trying a suit, in
respect of the following matters, namely:
(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;
(b) requiring the discovery and production of documents;
(c) receiving evidence on affidavits;
(d) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents;
(e) reviewing its decisions;
(f) dismissing an application for default or deciding it ex parte;
(g) setting aside any order of dismissal of any application for default or any order passed by it ex parte;
(h) any other matter which may be prescribed.
Every proceeding before the Securities Appellate Tribunal shall be deemed to be a judicial proceeding within
the meaning of sections 193 and 228, and for the purposes of section 196 of the Indian Penal Code and the
Securities Appellate Tribunal shall be deemed to be a civil court for all the purposes of section 195 and Chapter
XXVI of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
Where benches are constituted, the Presiding Officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal may, form time to time
make provisions as to the distribution of the business of the Securities Appellate Tribunal amongst the benches
and also provide for the matters which may be dealt with, by each bench.
On the application of any of the parties and after notice to the parties, and after hearing such of them as he may
desire to be heard, or on his own motion without such notice, the Presiding Officer of the Securities Appellate
Tribunal may transfer any case pending before one Bench, for disposal, to any other Bench.
If a Bench of the Securities Appellate Tribunal consisting of two members differ in opinion on any point, they
shall state the point or points on which they differ, and make a reference to the Presiding Officer of the Securities
Appellate Tribunal who shall either hear the point or points himself or refer the case for hearing only on such
point or points by one or more of the other members of the Securities Appellate Tribunal and such point or points
shall be decided according to the opinion of the majority of the members of the Securities Appellate Tribunal
who have heard the case, including those who first heard it.
Limitation
As per the Section 15W, the provisions of the Limitations Act, 1963 shall apply to an appeal made to Securities
Appellate Tribunal.
Public Servants
As per section 15X, the Presiding Officer and other officers and employees of Securities Appellate Tribunal shall
be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of Section 21 of the Indian Penal Code.
Jurisdiction of Civil Court

Section 15Y lays down that no civil court has jurisdiction to entertain any suit or proceeding in respect of
any matter which an Adjudicating Officer appointed under this Act or a Securities Appellate Tribunal under
this Act is empowered by or under this Act to determine and no injunction shall be granted by any court
or other authority in respect of any action taken or to be taken in pursuance of any power conferred by or
under this Act.
Appeal to Supreme Court

Section 15Z lays down that any person aggrieved by any decision or order of the Securities Appellate Tribunal
may file an appeal to the Supreme Court within 60 days from the date of communication of the decision or order
of the Securities Appellate Tribunal to him on any question of law arising out of such order.
It has been provided that the Supreme Court may, if it is satisfied that the applicant was prevented by sufficient
cause from filing the appeal within the said period, allow it to be filed within a further period not exceeding 60
days.
What is the time period for filling an appeal with SAT and Supreme Court?
• In case of filing appeal with SAT: Within 45 days from the date of order of the copy made by the
SEBI or the adjudicating officer or the IRDA or the PFRDA, as the case may be.
• In case of filing appeal with Supreme Court: Within 60 days from the date of communication of the
decision or order of SAT.
POWERS OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

(a) To issue directions
Section 16 empowers Central Government to issue directions in writing to the SEBI on questions of policy
as it may deem fit from time to time. However, the Central Government shall as far as practicable, give an
opportunity to the SEBI to express its views before any such directions is given by the Central Government. The
decision of the Central Government whether a question is one of policy or not shall be final.
(b) To Supersede the SEBI

Section 17 lays down that if at any time the Central Government is of opinion that:
(a) on account of grave emergency, the SEBI is unable to discharge the functions and duties imposed on
it by or under the provisions of this Act; or
(b) the SEBI has persistently made default in complying with any direction issued by the Central Government
under this Act or in the discharge of the functions and duties imposed on it by or under the provisions
of this Act and as a result of such default the financial position of the SEBI or the administration of the
SEBI has deteriorated; or
(c) circumstances exist which render it necessary in the public interest so to do,
58 EP-SL&CM
it may, by notification, supersede the SEBI for such period, not exceeding six months, as may be specified in
the notification.
Upon the publication of the notification, it will have the following effects:
(a) all the members shall, as from the date of supersession, vacate their offices as such;
(b) all the powers, functions and duties which may, by or under the provisions of this Act, be exercised
or discharged by or on behalf of the SEBI, shall until the SEBI is reconstituted, be exercised and
discharged by such person or persons as the Central Government may direct; and
(c) all property owned or controlled by the SEBI shall, until the SEBI is reconstituted, vest in the Central
Government.
On the expiration of the period of supersession specified in the notification, the Central Government may
reconstitute the SEBI by a fresh appointment and in such case any person or persons who vacated their offices
because of supersession shall not be deemed disqualified for appointment.
However, the Central Government may, at any time, before the expiration of the period of supersession, take
action. The Central Government shall cause a notification issued and a full report of any action taken under this
section and the circumstances to such action to be laid before each House of Parliament at the earliest.
(c) Power to grant Immunity
As per Section 24B of the Act, the Central Government may on the recommendations by the SEBI, if satisfied
that any person who is alleged to have violated any of the provisions of this Act or the rules or regulations made
thereunder has made a full and true disclosures in respect of alleged violations, grant to such persons, subject to
conditions as it may think fit, immunity from prosecution for any offence under this Act or the rules or the regulations
made thereunder or also from the imposition of any penalty under this Act with respect to the alleged violation.
However, no such immunity shall be granted by the Central Government in cases where the proceedings for the
prosecution for any such offence have been instituted before the date of receipt of application for grant of such
immunity. It has also been provided that recommendations of the SEBI shall not be binding upon the Central
Government.
Further, an immunity granted to a person can be withdrawn by the Central Government, if it is satisfied such
person had, in the course of the proceedings not complied with the condition on which the immunity was
granted or had given false evidence and thereupon such person may be tried for the offence with respect to
which the immunity was granted or for any other offence of which he appears to have been guilty in connection
with the contravention. He shall also become liable to the imposition of any penalty under this Act to which such
person would have been liable had not such immunity been granted.
DELEGATION OF POWERS
In accordance with Section 19 of the SEBI Act, the SEBI may, by general or special order in writing delegate to
any member, officer of the SEBI or any other person subject to such conditions, if any as may be specified in
the order, such of its powers and functions under the Act as it may deem necessary.
APPEAL TO THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

Section 20 of the Act provides that any person aggrieved by an order of the SEBI made under this Act or the
rules or regulations made thereunder, may prefer an appeal to the Central Government within such time as may
be prescribed. The appeal shall not be admitted if it is preferred after the expiry of the period prescribed therefor.
However, an appeal may be admitted after the expiry of the period prescribed therefor if the appellant satisfies
the Central Government that he had sufficient cause for not preferring the appeal within the prescribed period.
Every appeal made under this section shall be made in prescribed form and shall be accompanied by a copy of
the order appealed against by such fees as may be prescribed.
The procedure for disposing of an appeal shall be such as may be prescribed and the appellant shall be given
a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
BAR OF JURISDICTION
Section 20A lays down that no order passed by the SEBI or the adjudicating officer under this Act shall be
appealable except as provided in section 15T or section 20 and no civil court shall have jurisdiction in respect
of any matter which the SEBI (or the adjudicating officer) is empowered by, or under, this Act to pass any order
and no injunction shall be granted by any court or other authority in respect of any action taken or to be taken in
pursuance of any order passed by the SEBI or the adjudicating officer by, or under, the SEBI Act.
PUBLIC SERVANTS
Section 22 of the Act provides that all members, officers and other employees of the SEBI while acting or
purporting to act in pursuance of any of the provisions of the Act shall be deemed to be public servants within
the meaning of Section 21 of the Indian Penal Code.
OFFENCES AND PUNISHMENTS (SECTION 24)
Without prejudice to any award of penalty by the Adjudicating Officer or the

SEBI under the SEBI Act, if any person contravenes or attempts to contravene
or abets the contravention of the provisions of this Act or of any rules or
regulations made thereunder, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a
term which may extend to ten years or with fine which may extend to twenty
five crore rupees or with both.
If any person fails to pay the penalty imposed by the Adjudicating

Officer or the SEBI or fails to comply with any of his directions or
be punishable with imprisonment forhe
orders, a shall
term which shall not be less than
one month but which may extend to ten years or with fine which may
extend to twenty-five crore rupees or with both.
Section 24A provides that any offence punishable under this Act, not being
an offence punishable with imprisonment only or with imprisonment and
alsowith fine, may before or after the institutions of any proceeding, be
compounded by a Securities Appellate Tribunal or a Court before which
such proceedings are pending.
COGNIZANCE OF OFFENCES BY COURTS

1. Section 26 Cognizance of Offences by Courts
2. Section 26A Establishment of Special Courts
3. Section 26B Offences triable by Special Courts
4. Section 26C Appeal and revision
5. Section 26D Application of Code to proceedings before Special Court
60 EP-SL&CM
Section 26(1) lays down that no court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under
this Act or any rules or regulations made thereunder, save on a complaint made by SEBI.
Section 26A(1) empowered the Central Government for providing speedy trial of offences
under this Act, by notification, establish or designate as many Special Courts as may be
necessary.
Section 26A(2) provides that Special Court shall consist of a single judge who shall
be appointed by the Central Government with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of
the High Court within whose jurisdiction the judge to be appointed is working.
Sub-section (3) of Section 26A stipulates that a person shall not be qualified for
appointment as a judge of a Special Court unless he is, immediately before such
appointment, holding the office of a Sessions Judge or an Additional Sessions Judge, as
the case may be.
Offences triable by Special Courts
• Section 26B stipulates that notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure,
1973, all offences under this Act, shall be taken cognizance of and tried by the Special Court established
for the area in which the offence is committed or where there are more Special Courts than one for such
area, by such one of them as may be specified in this behalf by the High Court concerned.
Appeal and revision
• Section 23 C provides for appeal and revision. The High Court may exercise, so far as may be applicable,
all the powers conferred by Chapters XXIX and XXX of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 on a High
Court, as if a Special Court within the local limits of the jurisdiction of the High Court were a Court of
Session trying cases within the local limits of the jurisdiction of the High Court.
Application of Code to proceedings before Special Court
• Section 26D (1) provides that the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 shall apply to the
proceedings before a Special Court and for the purposes of the said provisions, the Special Court shall
be deemed to be a Court of Session and the person conducting prosecution before a Special Court
shall be deemed to be a Public Prosecutor within the meaning of clause (u) of section 2 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1973.
The person conducting prosecution referred to in Section 26D(1) should have been in practice as
an advocate for not less than seven years or should have held a post, for a period of not less than
seven years, under the Union or a state, requiring special knowledge of law.
Transitional provisions
Section 26E provides that any offence committed under this Act, which is triable by a Special Court shall, until a
Special Court is established, be taken cognizance of and tried by a Court of Session exercising jurisdiction over
the area, notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
However, this section shall not affect the powers of the High Court, under section 407 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973 to transfer any case or class of cases taken cognizance by a Court of Session under this section.
Contravention by Companies
Section 27 lays down that:
(1) Where a contravention of any of the provisions of this Act or any rule, regulation, direction or order
made thereunder has been committed by a company, every person who at the time the contravention
was committed was in charge of, and was responsible to, the company for the conduct of the business
of the company, as well as the company, shall be deemed to be guilty of the contravention and shall be
liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
However, this provision shall not render any such person liable to any punishment provided in this Act,
if he proves that the contravention was committed without his knowledge or that he had exercised all
due diligence to prevent the commission of such contravention.
(2) Where an contravention under this Act has been committed by a company and it is proved that the
contravention has been committed with the consent or connivance of, or is attributable to any neglect
on the part of, any director, manager, secretary or other officer of the company, such director, manager,
secretary or other officer shall also be deemed to be guilty of the contravention and shall be liable to be
proceeded against and punished accordingly.
RECOVERY OF AMOUNTS
Section 28A(1) provides that if a person
Fails to comply with Fails to comply with a Fails to pay any fees
Fails to pay the
any direction of the direction of due to the SEBI.
penalty imposed
disgorgement order
under this Act SEBI for refund of
issued under section
monies or
11B or
The Recovery Officer may draw up under his signature a statement in the specified form
specifying the amount due from the person (such statement being hereafter in this
Chapter referred to as certificate).
The Recovery Officer shall proceed to recover amount specified in the certificate by one or
more of the following modes, namely:-
(a) attachment and sale of the person’s movable property;
(b) attachment of the person’s bank accounts;
(c) attachment and sale of the person’s immovable property;
(d) arrest of the person and his detention in prison;
(e) appointing a receiver for the management of the person’s movable and immovable
properties,
and for this purpose, the provisions of section 220 to 227, 228A, 229, 232, the Second
and Third Schedules to the Income-tax Act, 1961 and the Income-tax (Certificate
Proceedings) Rules, 1962, as in force from time to time, in so far as may be, apply with
necessary modifications as if the said provisions and the rules made thereunder were the
provisions of this Act and referred to the amount due under this Act instead of to income-tax
under the Income-tax Act, 1961.
62 EP-SL&CM
“Recovery Officer” means any officer of the SEBI who may be authorized, by general or special order in
writing, to exercise the powers of a Recovery Officer.
Sub-section (2) empowered the Recovery Officer to seek the assistance of the local district administration
while exercising the powers.
The recovery of amounts by a Recovery Officer, pursuant to noncompliance with any direction issued by
the SEBI under section 11B, shall have precedence over any other claim against such person.
Explanation 1 - For the purpose of this sub-section, the person’s movable or immovable property or
monies held in bank accounts shall include any property or monies held in bank accounts which has
been transferred directly or indirectly on or after the date when the amount specified in certificate had
become due, by the person to his spouse or minor child or son’s wife or son’s minor child, otherwise than
for adequate consideration, and which is held by, or stands in the name of, any of the persons aforesaid;
and so far as the movable or immovable property or monies held in bank accounts so transferred to his
minor child or his son’s minor child is concerned, it shall, even after the date of attainment of majority
by such minor child or son’s minor child, as the case may be, continue to be included in the person’s
movable or immovable property or monies held in bank accounts for recovering any amount due from
the person.
Explanation 2 - Any reference under the provisions of the Second and Third Schedules to the Income-tax
Act, 1961 and the Income-tax (Certificate Proceedings) Rules, 1962 to the assessee shall be construed as
a reference to the person specified in the certificate.
Explanation 3 - Any reference to appeal in Chapter XVIID and the Second Schedule to the Income-tax Act, 1961,
shall be construed as a reference to appeal before the Securities Appellate Tribunal under Section 15T of this Act.
Explanation 4 - The interest referred to in Section 220 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 shall commence from
the date the amount became payable by the person.
Continuance of proceedings
Section 28B (1) lays down that where a person dies, his legal representative shall be liable to pay any sum
which the deceased would have been liable to pay, if he had not died, in the like manner and to the same extent
as the deceased.
However, in case of any penalty payable under this Act, a legal representative shall be liable only in case the
penalty has been imposed before the death of the deceased person.
For the purposes of sub-section (1),—
(a) any proceeding for disgorgement, refund or an action for recovery before the Recovery Officer under
this Act, except a proceeding for levy of penalty, initiated against the deceased before his death, shall
be deemed to have been initiated against the legal representative, and may be continued against the
legal representative from the stage at which it stood on the date of the death of the deceased and all
the provisions of this Act shall apply accordingly;
(b) any proceeding for disgorgement, refund or an action for recovery before the Recovery Officer under
this Act, except a proceeding for levy of penalty, which could have been initiated against the deceased if
he had survived, may be initiated against the legal representative and all the provisions of this Act shall
apply accordingly.
Every legal representative shall be personally liable for any sum payable by him in his capacity as legal
representative if, while his liability for such sum remains undischarged, he creates a charge on or disposes of
or parts with any assets of the estate of the deceased, which are in, or may come into, his possession, but such
liability shall be limited to the value of the asset so charged, disposed of or parted with.
The liability of a legal representative under this section shall be limited to the extent to which the estate of the
deceased is capable of meeting the liability.
Explanation.– For the purposes of this section “legal representative” means a person who in law represents the
estate of a deceased person, and includes any person who inter-meddles with the estate of the deceased and
where a party sues or is sued in a representative character, the person on whom the estate devolves on the
death of the party so suing or sued.
POWER TO MAKE RULES

As per Section 29 of SEBI Act, 1992, the Central Government may, by notification, make rules for carrying out
the purposes of this Act. In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules
may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely :–
– the term of office and other conditions of service of the Chairman and the members under sub-section
(1) of section 5;
– the additional functions that may be performed by the Board under section 11;
– the manner in which the accounts of the Board shall be maintained under section 15;
– the manner of inquiry under sub-section (1) of section 15-I;
– the salaries and allowances and other terms and conditions of service of the 178[Presiding Officers,
Members] and other officers and employees of the Securities Appellate Tribunal under section 15-O
and sub-section (3) of section 15S;
– the procedure for the investigation of misbehaviour or incapacity of the 179[Presiding Officers, or other
Members] of the Securities Appellate Tribunal under sub-section (3) of section 15Q;
– the form in which an appeal may be filed before the Securities Appellate Tribunal under section 15T and
– the form and the manner in which returns and report to be made to the Central Government under
section 18;
– any other matter which is to be, or may be, prescribed, or in respect of which provision is to be, or may
be, made by rules.
POWER TO MAKE REGULATIONS

As per Section 30 of SEBI Act, 1992, the SEBI may, by notification, make regulations consistent with this Act
and the rules made thereunder to carry out the purposes of this Act. In particular, and without prejudice to
the generality of the foregoing power, such regulations may provide for all or any of the following matters,
namely :–
– the times and places of meetings of the Board and the procedure to be followed at such meetings under
sub-section (1) of section 7 including quorum necessary for the transaction of business;
– the terms and other conditions of service of officers and employees of the SEBI under sub-section (2)
of section 9;
64 EP-SL&CM
– the matters relating to issue of capital, transfer of securities and other matters incidental thereto and the
manner in which such matters shall be disclosed by the companies under section 11A;
– the utilisation of the amount credited under sub-section (5) of section 11;
– the fulfilment of other conditions relating to collective investment scheme under subsection (2A) of
section 11AA;
– the conditions subject to which certificate of registration is to be issued, the amount of fee to be paid
for certificate of registration and the manner of suspension or cancellation of certificate of registration
under section 12;
– the terms determined by the SEBI for settlement of proceedings under sub-section (2) and the procedure
for conducting of settlement proceedings under sub-section (3) of section 15JB;
– any other matter which is required to be, or may be, specified by regulations or in respect of which
provision is to be made by regulations.
CONSENT ORDER
Consent Order means an order settling administrative or civil proceedings between the regulator and a person
(Party) who may prima facie be found to have violated securities laws. Consent Order provides flexibility of
wider array of enforcement and remedial actions which will achieve the twin goals of an appropriate sanction,
remedy and deterrence without resorting to litigation, lengthy proceedings and consequent delays.
Settlement for securities laws violations, was introduced in India in the year 2007. It has weathered the
challenges in their implementation and facilitated the market regulator to provide a more effective mechanism;
the essential concomitants of a legal proceeding, without compromising on deterrence or providing equitable
remedies to the affected investors.
Prior to the Securities Laws (Amendment) Act, 2014, the SEBI Act, 1992, the Securities Contracts (Regulation)
Act, 1956 and the Depositories Act, 1996, did not contain any express provision specifically empowering SEBI
to pass settlement orders.
As per section 15T of the SEBI Act, no appeal shall lie to the Securities Appellate Tribunal from an order made
by the SEBI or by an adjudicating officer, with the consent of the parties. Similar provision is provided in the
Depositories Act.
This enabled the SEBI to pass consent orders and accordingly, SEBI issued circular dated April 20, 2007
stipulating guidelines for passing of consent orders. This circular was later amended by circular dated May 25,
2012. Thus, SEBI has been settling administrative and civil actions, e.g. proceedings under sections 11, 11B,
11D, 12(3) and adjudication proceedings under section 15-I of the SEBI Act and equivalent proceedings under
the SCRA and the Depositories Act and appeals before the Securities Appellate Tribunal / courts arising out of
such proceedings. The Amendment circular dated May 25, 2012 had streamlined the settlement procedure and
provided guidelines to arrive at the settlement terms in case of each type of alleged defaults under the securities
laws.
Subsequently, in order to have an express provision specifically empowering SEBI to pass settlement orders,
section 15JB for ‘Settlement of administrative and civil proceedings’ was inserted in the SEBI Act by the
Securities Laws (Amendment) Act, 2014.
The Settlement process was codified and the SEBI (Settlement of Administrative and Civil Proceedings)
Regulations were notified on January 9, 2014. In pursuit of the objectives of SEBI (to protect the interests
of investors in securities and to promote the development of and to regulate the securities market), as new
challenges arise it is important to have a convergence or integration of the quasi-judicial processes within SEBI
with the alternate dispute resolution process of settlement, to bring forth a more effective harmonized scheme
to operate without any conflict and delay. The 2014 Regulations were a major advancement in introducing a
mathematical and transparent system of calculating the settlement amount, however certain shortcomings were
noticed over a period of time. The SEBI constituted a High Level Committee under the Chairmanship of Justice
Anil R. Dave (Retd. Judge of the Supreme Court of India) in December, 2017 for revising the SEBI. (Settlement
of Administrative and Civil Proceedings) Regulations, 2014.
Accordingly, the Committee recommended the repeal of the existing SEBI (Settlement of Administrative and
Civil Proceedings) Regulations, 2014 and issuance of the SEBI (Settlement Proceedings) Regulations, 2018.
Pursuant to this, the SEBI notified the SEBI (Settlement Proceedings) Regulations, 2018 on November 30,
2018 which have come into effect from January 1, 2019.
ROLE OF COMPANY SECRETARY

• Right to Legal Representation (Section 15V of the SEBI Act): Any person aggrieved (the appellant)
may either appear in person or authorise one or more chartered accountants or company secretaries
(PCS) or cost accountants or legal practitioners or any of its officers to present his or its case before
the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT).
LESSON ROUND UP
– The SEBI Act, 1992, was notified to protect the interests of the investors and to promote the development
of, and to regulate the securities markets by such measures as it thinks fit.
– The SEBI regulates the securities market and the SAT acts as a watchdog to ensure justice.
– The SEBI Act, 1992 empowers an aggrieved person for remedies against the SEBI’s order or penalties
by establishing Securities Appellate Tribunal.
– Any person aggrieved by any decision or order of the SAT can file an appeal to the Supreme Court.
– Section 15 Y of the SEBI Act provides that no civil court shall have jurisdiction to entertain a suit or
proceeding in respect of any matter in which an adjudicating officer (`AO’) is appointed under the Act
or SAT is empowered by or under the Act to determine and no injunction shall be granted by any court
or other authority in respect of any action taken or to be taken in pursuance of any power conferred by
or under the Act.
– The SEBI is empowered to issue directions under section 11B of the Act.
– The SEBI is further empowered to conduct inspections of registered intermediaries.
– Besides inspection, the SEBI is empowered to conduct investigations in case of breach of any
regulation or in case of action determental to the interest of investors.
GLOSSARY
Compounding Compounding of offence allows the accused to avoid a lengthy process of
of offences criminal prosecution, which would save cost, time, mental agony, etc. in return for
payment of compounding charges.
Injunction A court order by which an individual is required to perform, or is restrained from
performing, a particular act.
Ordinance An ordinance is an executive order issued by the President of India that holds the
same force and effect on an Act passed by the Parliament.
66 EP-SL&CM
Securities Appellate Securities Appellate Tribunal is a quasi-judicial body established by Central

Tribunal (SAT) Government by notification to exercise the jurisdiction, powers and authority
conferred on such Tribunal by or under the SEBI Act or any other law for the time being
in force.
Tribunal Article 227 of the Constitution of India defines ‘tribunal’ as a person or a body other
than a Court set up by the State for deciding rights of contending parties in accordance
with rules framed for regulation having force of law.
SELF TEST QUESTIONS

1. Discuss the various functions and powers of the SEBI.
2. Explain the role of the SEBI in strengthening regulatory framework and fostering investor confidence.
3. Enumerate the various penalties which can be imposed under the SEBI Act, 1992 for various failures,
defaults, non-disclosure and other offences.
4. Explain the procedure for Appeal to the Securities Appellate Tribunal.
5. Discuss the various powers of the Central Government under the SEBI Act, 1992.
Lesson 3
Depositories Act, 1996
LESSON OUTLINE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
– Introduction
The inception of depository system in the Indian
– Benefits of Depository System
Capital market has been started during the 90’s.
– Depository System - An Overview The erstwhile settlement system on Indian stock
– Models of Depository exchanges involved movement of paper securities
– Legal Linkage to the issuer for registration, with the change of
ownership being evidenced by an endorsement
– Depository Participant
on the security certificate. Theft, forgery, mutilation
– Registrar/Issuer of certificates and other irregularities provided the
– Dematerialisation issuer right to refuse the transfer of a security.
– Rematerialisation
Added costs and delays in settlement, restricted
liquidity and made investor grievance redressal
– Electronic Credit in New Issues
time consuming. To obviate these problems,
– Trading System the Depositories Act, 1996 was passed and
– Corporate Actions subsequently the regulations were notified.
Depositories are also treated as Infrastructure
– Legal Framework
Institutions. Further, a Company Secretary in
– Depositories Act, 1996 Practice is authorised by SEBI to conduct internal/
– Power of SEBI concurrent audit of depositories participants and
– Penalties and Adjudication also to conduct the reconciliation of share capital.
– Offences and Cognizance This lesson is designed to enable the student

– Membership Rights in respect of securities
to understand the basic concept of depository,
held by a Depository depository participants, its functions, rights and
obligations of depositories, benefits of depositories,
– Evidentiary Value of the records of the
dematerialisation process, and the regulatory
Depository
framework for depository in India, etc.
– SEBI (Depositories and Participants)
Regulations, 2018
– Audit under SEBI (Depositories and
Participants) Regulations, 2018
– Internal Audit of operations of Depository
Participants
– Concurrent Audit
– LESSON ROUND UP
– GLOSSARY
68 EP-SL&CM
INTRODUCTION
A Depository is an organization like a Central Bank where the securities of a shareholder are held in the
electronic form at the request of the shareholder through the medium of a Depository Participant. To utilize the
services offered by a Depository, the investor has to open an account with the Depository through a Depository
Participant.
According to Section 2(e) of the Depositories Act, 1996, Depository means a company formed and registered
under the Companies Act, 2013 and which has been granted a certificate of registration under Section 12(1A)
of the SEBI Act, 1992.
Section 2 (g) of the Depository Act, 1996 defines participant as a person registered as such under sub-section
(1A) of section 12 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.
A depository cannot act as a depository unless it obtains a certificate of commencement of business
from the SEBI. There are two Depositories functioning in India, namely the National Securities Depository
Limited (NSDL) and the Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL). Under the provisions of the
Depositories Act, these Depositories provide various services to investors and other Participants in the
capital market, such as, clearing members, stock exchanges, investment institutions, banks and issuing
corporates. These include basic facilities like account opening, dematerialization, settlement of trades and
advanced facilities like pledging, distribution of non-cash corporate actions, distribution of securities to
allottees in case of public issues, etc.
All the securities held by a depository shall be dematerialized and shall be in a fungible form. To utilize the
services offered by a depository, the investor has to open an account with the depository through a participant,
similar to the opening of an account with any of the bank branches to utilize services of that bank. Registration
of the depository is required under the SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018 and is a pre-
condition to the functioning of the depository. Depository and depository participant both are regulated by the
SEBI.
Depository Functions
– Account opening
– Dematerialisation
– Rematerialisation
– Settlement
– Initial Public Offers (IPO’s), corporate benefits
– Creation of encumbrance
Difference between Depository and Custodian

Both depository and custodian services are responsible for safe keeping of securities but they are different in
the sense that the Depository can legally transfer beneficial ownership, while a custodian cannot. The main
objective of a Depository is to minimize the paper work involved with the ownership, trading and transfer of
securities.
BENEFITS OF DEPOSITORY SYSTEM

In the depository system, the ownership and transfer of securities takes place by means of electronic book
entries. At the outset, this system rids the capital market of the dangers related to handling of paper. The system
provides numerous direct and indirect benefits, like:
Lesson 3 n Depositories Act, 1996 69
Elimination of bad deliveries - In the depository environment, once the holdings of an investor are
dematerialised, the question of bad delivery does not arise i.e. they cannot be held “under objection”. In
the physical environment, buyer of shares was required to take the risk of transfer and face uncertainty
of the quality of assets purchased, while in a depository environment good money certainly begets good
quality of assets.
Elimination of all risks associated with physical certificates - Dealing in physical securities have associated
security risks of theft, mutilation of certificates, loss of certificates during movements through and from the
registrars, thus exposing the investors to the cost of obtaining duplicate certificates, loss of certficates and
advertisements, etc. This problem does not arise in the depository environment.
Immediate transfer and registration of securities - In the depository environment, once the securities are
credited to the investor’s account on pay out, he becomes the legal owner of the securities. There is no further
need to send it to the company’s registrar for registration. If securities are purchased in the physical environment,
the investor has to send it to the company’s Share Transfer Agent so that the change of ownership can be
registered. This process usually takes around three to four months and is rarely completed within the statutory
framework of two months thus exposing the investor to opportunity cost of delay in transfer and to risk of loss
in transit. To overcome this, the normally accepted practice is to hold the securities in street names i.e. not to
register the change of ownership. However, if the investors miss a book closure the securities are not good for
delivery and the investor would also stand to loose their corporate entitlements.
Faster disbursement of non-cash corporate benefits like rights, bonus, etc. – Depository system provides
for direct credit of non-cash corporate entitlements to an investors account, thereby ensuring faster disbursement
and avoiding risk of loss of certificates in transit.
Reduction in brokerage by many brokers for trading in dematerialized securities – Brokers provide this
benefit to investors as dealing in dematerialized securities reduces their back office cost of handling paper and
also eliminates the risk of being the introducing broker.
Reduction in handling of huge volumes of paper and periodic status reports to investors on their holdings and
transactions, leading to better controls.
Elimination of problems related to change of address of investor, transmission, etc. – In case of change
of address or transmission of demat shares, investors are saved from undergoing the entire change procedure
with each company or registrar. Investors have to only inform their DP with all relevant documents and the
required changes are effected in the database of all the companies, where the investor is a registered holder
of securities.
Elimination of problems related to selling securities on behalf of a minor – A natural guardian is not
required to take court approval for selling demat securities on behalf of a minor.
DEPOSITORY SYSTEM – AN OVERVIEW

The Depository System functions very much like the banking system. A bank holds funds in accounts whereas
a Depository holds securities in accounts for its clients. A Bank transfers funds between accounts whereas a
Depository transfers securities between accounts. In both systems, the transfer of funds or securities happens
without the actual handling of funds or securities. Both the Banks and the Depository are accountable for the
safe keeping of funds and securities respectively.
In the depository system, share certificates belonging to the investors are to be dematerialized and their names
are required to be entered in the records of depository as beneficial owners. Consequent to these changes, the
investors’ names in the companies’ register are replaced by the name of depository as the registered owner
of the securities. The depository, however, does not have any voting rights or other economic rights in respect
70 EP-SL&CM
of the shares as a registered owner. The beneficial owner continues to enjoy all the rights and benefits and is
subject to all the liabilities in respect of the securities held by a depository. Shares in the depository mode are
fungible and cease to have distinctive numbers. The transfer of ownership changes in the depository is done
automatically on the basis of delivery vs. payment.
In the Depository mode, corporate actions such as IPOs, rights, conversions, bonus, mergers/amalgamations,
subdivisions & consolidations are carried out without the movement of paper, saving both cost & time. Information
of beneficiary owners is readily available. The issuer gets information on changes in shareholding pattern on a
regular basis, which enables the issuer to efficiently monitor the changes in shareholdings.
The Depository system links the issuing corporates, Depository Participants (DPs), the Depositories and
clearing corporations of stock exchanges. This network facilitates holding of securities in the soft form and
effects transfers by means of account transfers.
The following paragraphs discusses all about depositories, its concepts, models of depositories, depository
functions, Legal linkage, depository participants, Registrars and issuers, dematerialisation, rematerialisation,
electronic credit in new issues, trading system and corporate action.
MODELS OF DEPOSITORY
Immobilisation – Where physical share certificates are kept in vaults with the depository for safe custody and all
subsequent transactions in these securities take place in book entry form. The actual owner has the right to withdraw
his physical securities as and when desired. The immobilization of fresh issue may be achieved by issuing a jumbo
certificate representing the entire issue in the name of depository, as nominee of the beneficial owners.
Dematerialisation – No Physical scrip in existence, only electronic records maintained by depository. This type
of system is cost effective and simple and has been adopted in India.
LEGAL LINKAGE
ISSUE
R STD. LEGAL
AGREEMENT
DEPOSITORY
STD. LEGAL
DP AGREEMENT
STD. LEGAL
INVESTOR
R AGREEMENT
DEPOSITORY PARTICIPANT
Just as a brokers act an agent of the investor at the Stock Exchange; a Depository Participant (DP) is the
representative (agent) of the investor in the depository system providing the link between the Company and
investor through the Depository. The Depository Participant maintains securities’ account balances and intimates
the status of holding to the account holder from time to time. According to the SEBI guidelines, Financial
Institutions like banks, custodians, stock-brokers etc. can become participants in the depository.
– Transmission requests/nomination
– Acts as an Agent of Depository
– Customer interface of Depository
– Functions like Securities Bank
Characteristics – Account opening
of a DP – Facilitates dematerialisation/rematerialisation
– Instant transfer on pay-out
– Enables off market transfers
– Settles trades in electronic segment
– Pledge/enforcement of pledge etc.
A DP is one with whom an investor needs to open an account to deal in shares in electronic form. While the
Depository can be compared to a Bank, DP is like a branch of that bank with which an account can be opened.
REGISTRAR/ISSUER
“Issuer” means person making an issue of securities.
Only those securities, which are admitted into the depositary system are available for dematerialisation to
the holders of such securities or can be allotted in electronic record form by the issuer. Securities include
shares, debentures, bonds, commercial paper (C.P.), certificate of deposits (C.D.), pass through certificates
(PTCs), government securities and mutual fund units. Both listed and unlisted securities can be admitted into
the depository system.
Functions of Issuer Dematerialisation

Confirmation of Beneficiary Holdings
Corporate Actions – Rights, Bonus, etc.
Reconciliation of Depository Holdings
Rematerialisation
DEMATERIALISATION
Dematerialization is a process by which the physical share certificates of an investor are taken back by the
Company and an equivalent number of securities are credited his account in electronic form at the request of
the investor. An investor will have to first open an account with a Depository Participant and then request for the
dematerialization of his share certificates through the Depository Participant so that the dematerialized holdings
can be credited into that account. This is very similar to opening a Bank Account.
Dematerialization of shares is optional and an investor can still hold shares in physical form. However, he/she
has to demat the shares if he/she wishes to sell the same through the Stock Exchanges, as physical shares
are to be sold through a separate session and are sold at a big discount to the market prices. Similarly, if an
investor purchases shares from the Stock Exchange, he/she will get delivery of the shares in demat form. Odd
lot share certificates can also be dematerialized. Similarly, in Public Issues/Right Issues, shares are issued only
in demat form.
72 EP-SL&CM
PROCEDURE FOR DEMATERIALISATION

Fills
Dematerialisation
Investor lodges DRF
Investor opens Request Form (DRF)
and certificates with
account with DP for registered shares
DP
alongwith share
certificate
DP sends certificates
Depository intimates DP intimates the
and DRF to
Registrar/Issuer Depository
Registrar/Issuer
Registrar/Issuer
Depository credits
confirms demat to
investor a/c
Depository
REMATERIALISATION
Rematerialisation is the process of converting securities held in electronic form in a demat account back in
physical certificate form. For the purpose of rematerialisation, the client has to submit the rematerialisation
request to the DP with whom he has an account. A client can rematerialise his dematerialised holdings at any
point of time. The securities sent for rematerialisation cannot be traded.
PROCEDURE FOR REMATERIALISATION
Client submits Rematerialisation Request Form (RRF) to DP
DP enters the request in its system which blocks the client's holdings
DP intimates to Depository and simultaneously, DP sends the RRF to the

Registrar/Issuer
Registrar/Issuer prints certificates and dispatch to the client
Registrar/Issuer electronically confirms remat to Depository
Client's account with DP debited
ELECTRONIC CREDIT IN NEW ISSUES

– Investor opens account with DP
– Submits application with option to hold securities in depository giving DP-Id and Client-Id
– Registrar uploads list of allottees to Depository

– Depository credits allottee’s account with DP
– Refunds sent by Registrar as usual.
TRADING SYSTEM
– Separate quotes in Book Entry
– Trading Member to have Clearing Account with DP
– Settlement as per Settlement Calendar of Stock Exchange
– Trading can be introduced in any Stock exchange if settlement is guaranteed.
CORPORATE ACTIONS
– Dividends/cash benefits, these benefits are directly forwarded to the investors by the company or its
registrar and transfer agent.
– Non-cash benefits, viz. Bonus, Rights Issue, etc. these benefits are electronically credited to the
beneficial owner’s account through Depository.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
The legal framework for a depository system has been laid down by the Depositories Act, 1996 and is regulated
by SEBI. The depository business in India is regulated by –
– The Depositories Act, 1996
– The SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018
– Bye-laws of Depository
– Business Rules of Depository.
Apart from the above, Depositories are also governed by certain provisions of:
– The Companies Act, 2013
– The Indian Stamp Act, 1899
– Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992
– Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956
– Benami Transaction (Prohibition) Act, 1988
– Income Tax Act, 1961
– Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891
The legal framework for depository system in the Depositories Act, 1996 provides for the establishment of
multiple depositories. Anybody to be eligible for providing depository services must be formed and registered
as a company under the Companies Act, 2013 and seek registration with SEBI and obtain a Certificate of
Commencement of Business from the SEBI on fulfillment of the prescribed conditions. The investors opting to
join depository mode are required to enter into an agreement with depository through a participant who acts
as an agent of the depository. The agencies such as custodians, banks, financial institutions, large corporate
brokerage firms, non-banking financial companies etc. act as participants of depositories. The companies
issuing securities are also required to enter into an agreement with the Depository.
74 EP-SL&CM
DEPOSITORIES ACT, 1996
Objectives
The depositories’ legislation as per the Statement of Objects and Reasons appended to the Depositories Act,
1996 aims at providing :
– A legal basis for establishment of depositories to conduct the task of maintenance of ownership records
and effecting changes in ownership records through book entry;
– Dematerilisation of securities in the depositories mode as well as giving option to an investor to choose
between holding securities in physical mode and holding securities in a dematerialized form in a
depository;
– Making the securities fungible;
– Making the shares, debentures and any interest thereon of a public limited company freely transferable;
and
– Exempting all transfers of shares within a depository from stamp duty.
Certificate of Commencement of Business by Depositories

No depository shall act as a depository unless it obtains a certificate of commencement of business from the
SEBI in such form as may be specified by the SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018. The SEBI
shall not grant a certificate unless it is satisfied that the depository has adequate systems and safeguards to
prevent manipulation of records and transactions. However no certificate shall be refused unless the depository
concerned has been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
Eligibility Condition for Depository Services

Any company or other institution to be eligible to provide depository services must:
– be formed and registered as a company under the Companies Act, 2013.
– be registered with SEBI as a depository under SEBI Act, 1992.
– has framed bye-laws with the previous approval of SEBI.
– has one or more participants to render depository services on its behalf.
– has adequate systems and safeguards to prevent manipulation of records and transactions to the
satisfaction of SEBI.
– complies with Depositories Act, 1996 and SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018.
– meets eligibility criteria in terms of constitution, network, etc.
Any person, through a participant, may enter into an agreement, in such form as may be specified by the bye-
laws, with any depository for availing its services.
Eligible Securities required to be in the Demat Mode

Section 8 of the Depositories Act gives the option to the investors to receive securities in physical form or in
dematerialised mode.
It is not necessary that all eligible securities must be in the depository mode. In the scheme of the Depositories
legislation, the investor has been given supremacy. The investor has the choice of holding physical securities
or opts for a depository based ownership record.
However, in case of fresh issue of securities all securities issued have to be in dematerialized form. However,
after that investor will also have the freedom to switch from depository mode to physical mode and vice versa.
The decision as to whether or not to hold securities within the depository mode and if in depository mode, which
depository or participant, would be entirely with the investor.
Is dematerialization of securities compulsory?

According to the Depositories Act, 1996, an investor has the option to hold securities either in physical or
electronic form. Part of holding can be in physical form and part in demat form. However, SEBI has notified
that settlement of market trades in listed securities should take place only in the demat mode.
What type of instruments are available for demat at Depository?

All types of equity/ debt instruments viz. equity shares, preference Shares, partly paid shares, bonds,
debentures, commercial papers, certificates of deposit, government securities (G-SEC) etc. irrespective of
whether these instruments are listed / unlisted / privately placed can be dematerialized with depository, if they
have been admitted with the depository.
SEBI has recently amended relevant provisions of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015 to disallow listed companies from accepting request for transfer of securities which are held
in physical form, with effect from April 1, 2019. The shareholders who continue to hold shares and other types
of securities of listed companies in physical form even after this date, will not be able to lodge the shares with
company / its RTA for further transfer. They will need to convert them to demat form compulsorily if they wish
to effect any transfer. Only the requests for transmission and transposition of securities in physical form, will be
accepted by the listed companies / their RTAs.
This amendment will help in curbing fraud and manipulation risk in physical transfer of securities by unscrupulous
persons. Further, with shares held in demat form will improve ease, convenience and safety of transactions for
investors.
Fungibility
Section 9 states that securities in depositories shall be in fungible form.
The Act envisages that all securities held in depository shall be fungible i.e. all certificates of the same security
shall become interchangeable in the sense that investor loses the right to obtain the exact certificate he
surrenders at the time of entry into depository. It is like withdrawing money from the bank without bothering
about the distinctive numbers of the currencies.
Rights of Depositories and Beneficial Owner

Section 10 lays down that a depository should be deemed to be the registered owner for the purposes of
effecting transfer of ownership of security on behalf of a beneficial owner. The depository as a registered owner
should not have any voting rights or any other rights in respect of securities held by it. The beneficial owner
is entitled to all the rights and benefits and is subject to all the liabilities in respect of his securities held by a
depository.
Register of Beneficial Owner

Section 11 provides that every depository is required to maintain a register and an index of beneficial owners in
the manner provided in the Companies Act, 2013.
Pledge or Hypothecation of Securities held in a Depository

Section 12 lays down that a beneficial owner may with the previous approval of the depository create a pledge
76 EP-SL&CM
or hypothecation or any other encumbrance in respect of a security owned by him through a depository. Every
beneficial owner should give intimation of such pledge or hypothecation to the depository participant and such
depository is required to make entries in its records accordingly. Any entry in the records of a depository should
be evidence of a pledge or hypothecation.
Furnishing of Information and Records by Depository and Issuer

Section 13 stipulates that depository shall furnish to the issuer information about the transfer of securities in the name
of beneficial owners at such intervals and in such manner as may be specified by the bye-laws. Every issuer shall
make available to the depository copies of the relevant records in respect of securities held by such depository.
Option to opt out in respect of any Security

Section 14 of the Act provides that if a beneficial owner seeks to opt out of a depository in respect of any security
he shall inform the depository accordingly. After the receipt of intimation the depository should make appropriate
entries in its records and also inform the issuer. Every issuer may, within thirty days of the receipt of intimation
from the depository and on fulfillment of such conditions and on payment of such fees as may be specified by
the regulations, issue the certificate of securities to the beneficial owner or the transferee, as the case may be.
Act 18 of 1891 to apply to depositories

Section 15 lays down that the Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891 shall apply in relation to a depository as if it
were a bank as defined in section 2 of that Act.
Depositories to Indemnify Loss in certain cases

As per section 16, any loss caused to the beneficial owner due to the negligence of the depository or the
participant, would be indemnified by the depository to such beneficial owner. Where the loss due to the
negligence of the participant is indemnified by the depository, the depository has the right to recover the same
from such participant.
POWER OF THE SEBI

Section 18 of the Act provides that the SEBI in the public interest or in the interest of investors may by order in
writing to call upon any issuer, depository, participant or beneficial owner to furnish in writing such information
relating to the securities held in a depository as it may require; or authorise any person to make an enquiry or
inspection in relation to the affairs of the issuer, beneficial owner, depository or participant, who shall submit a
report of such enquiry or inspection to it within such period as may be specified in the order.
Sub-section (2) to Section 18 provides that every director, manager, partner, secretary, officer or employee
of the depository or issuer or the participant or beneficial owner shall on demand produce before the person
making the enquiry or inspection all information or such records and other documents in his custody having a
bearing on the subject matter of such enquiry or inspection.
To Give Directions
Section 19 provides that the SEBI, if after making or causing to be made an enquiry or inspection, the SEBI is
satisfied that it is necessary in the interest of investors or the securities market or to prevent the affairs of any
depository or participant being conducted in the manner detrimental to the interests of investors or the securities
market, it may issue such directions, –
(a) to any depository or participant or any person associated with the securities market; or
(b) to any issuer, as may be appropriate in the interest of investors or the securities market.
The Board may, by order, for reasons to be recorded in writing, levy penalty under sections 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D,
19E, 19F, 19FA and 19G after holding an inquiry in the prescribed manner.
PENALTIES AND ADJUDICATION
Sl Section Particulars
No.
1. Section 19A Failure to furnish information, return, etc.
2. Section 19B Failure to enter into an agreement.
3. Section 19C Failure to redress investors’ grievances.
4. Section 19D Delay in dematerialisation or issue of certificate of securities.
5. Section 19E Failure to reconcile records.
6. Section 19F Failure to comply with directions issued by the SEBI under section 19 of the Act.
7. Section 19FA Penalty for failure to conduct business in a fair manner.
8. Section 19G Contravention where no separate penalty has been provided.
9. Section 19H Power to adjudicate.
10. Section 19I Factors to be taken into account by adjudicating officer.
11. Section 19-IA Settlement of Administrative Civil Proceedings.
12. Section 19-IB Recovery of amounts.
13. Section 19J Crediting sums realised by way of penalties to Consolidated Fund of India.
In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (a) of sub-section (2) of section 24 of the Depositories Act, 1996,
the Central Government makes the Depositories (Procedure for Holding enquiry and imposing penalties by
adjudicating officer) Rules, 2005 for holding inquiry for the purpose of imposing penalty under sections 19A, to
19G of the Depositories Act.
78 EP-SL&CM
Penalties
PENALTY
Shall be liable to a penalty
which shall not be less
than one lakh rupees but
which may extend to one
crore rupees. Failure to furnish
information/return
etc.
Contravention where
no separate penalty has Failure to enter into
been provided agreement
Failure to comply iwth

the directions issued by Failure to redress
the SEBI investor's grievances
Delay in dematerialisation
Failure to reconcile or issue of certificate of
records securities
he shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than one lakh rupees
but which may extend to one lakh rupees for each day during which such
failure continues subject to a maximum of one crore rupees.
It shall be liable to penalty which shall not

Penalty for failure to conduct be less than five crore rupees but which
business in a fair manner. may extend to twenty-five crore rupees or
three times the amount of gains made out
of such failure, whichever is higher.
Adjudication
The adjudication procedure as mentioned under Section 19H to 19J of the Depositories Act, 1996 is same as
the adjudication procedure prescribed under the SEBI Act, 1992. Hence, student may refer the same.
OFFENCES AND COGNIZANCE
1. Section 20 Offences
2. Section 21 Contravention by Companies
3. Section 22 Cognizance of Offences by Courts

4. Section 22A Composition of certain Offences
5. Section 22B Power to grant immunity
6. Section 22C Establishment of Special Courts
7. Section 22D Offences triable by Special Courts
8. Section 22E Appeal and revision
9. Section 22F Application of Code to proceedings before Special Court
10. Section 22G Transitional Provisions
11. Section 23 Appeals
12. Section 23A Appeal to SAT
13. Section 23B Procedure and powers of Securities Appellate Tribunal
14. Section 23C Right to legal representation
15. Section 23 D Limitation
16. Section 23E Civil court not to have jurisdiction
17. Section 23F Appeal to Supreme Court
Offences
Offences
If any person
Contravenes or attempts to Fails to pay the penalty

contravene or abets the imposed by the adjudicating
contravention of the officer or the SEBI or fails to
provisionss of the acts the comply with any] directions or
provisions of the Act or any orders,
rules or regulations or bye-
laws made thereunder,
He shall be punishable with He shall be punishable with

imprisonment for a term which may imprisonment for a term which shall not
extend to ten years, or with fine, be less than one month but which may
which may extend to twenty-five crore extend to ten years, or with fine, which
rupees, or with both. may extend to twenty-five crore rupees,
or with both.
80 EP-SL&CM
Contravention by companies
Where a contravention of any Provided that nothing contained Where a contravention of any
of the provisions of this Act or in this sub-section shall render of the provisions of this Act or
any rule, regulation, direction any such person liable to any rule, regulation, direction or
or order made thereunder has any punishment provided in order made thereunder has been
been committed by a company, this Act, if he proves that the committed by a company and it is
every person who at the time the contravention was committed proved that the contravention has
contravention was committed was without his knowledge or that he been committed with the consent
in charge of, and was responsible had exercised all due diligence to or connivance of, or is attributable
to, the company for the conduct prevent the commission of such to any neglect on the part of, any
of the business of the company, contravention. director, manager, secretary or
as well as the company, shall other officer of the company, such
be deemed to be guilty of the director, manager, secretary or
contravention and shall be liable other officer shall also be deemed
to be proceeded against and to be guilty of the contravention
punished accordingly. and shall be liable to be proceeded
against and punished accordingly.
Cognizance of offences by courts

Section 22 provides that no court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under this Act or any rules
or regulations or bye-laws made there under, save on a complaint made by the Central Government or State
Government or the SEBI or by any person.
Composition of certain offences

Section 22A provides that notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, any
offence punishable under this Act, not being an offence punishable with imprisonment only, or with imprisonment
and also with fine, may either before or after the institution of any proceeding, be compounded by a Securities
Appellate Tribunal or a court before which such proceedings are pending.
Miscellaneous provisions
The Miscellaneous provisions from Section 22B to 23F as mentioned above in the table are same as the
provisions as prescribed under the SEBI Act, 1992. The Students may refer the same.
MEMBERSHIP RIGHTS IN RESPECT OF SECURITIES HELD BY A DEPOSITORY

The depository as a registered owner shall not have any voting rights or any other rights in respect of securities
held by it on behalf of the beneficial owners. The beneficial owner shall be entitled to all the rights and benefits
(including the right to vote) and be subjected to all the liabilities in respect of securities held by a depository.
POWER OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT TO MAKE RULES

Section 24 of the Act provides that the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make
rules for carrying out the provisions of this Act. In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the
foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely :—
– the manner of inquiry under sub-section (1) of section 19H;
– the time within which an appeal may be preferred under sub-section (1) of section 23;
– the form in which an appeal may be preferred under sub-section (3) of section 23 and the fees payable
in respect of such appeal
– the procedure for disposing of an appeal under sub-section (4) of section 23;
– the form in which an appeal may be filed before the Securities Appellate Tribunal under section 23A and
the fees payable in respect of such appeal.
POWER OF BOARD TO MAKE REGULATIONS

Section 25 of the Act provides that the SEBI may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make regulations
consistent with the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder to carry out the purposes of this Act.
In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such regulations may provide for—
– the form in which record is to be maintained under clause (i) of sub-section (1) of section 2;
– the form in which the certificate of commencement of business shall be issued under sub-section (2) of
section 3;
– the manner in which the certificate of security shall be surrendered under sub-section (1) of section 6;
– the manner of creating a pledge or hypothecation in respect of security owned by a beneficial owner
under sub-section (1) of section 12;
– the conditions and the fees payable with respect to the issue of certificate of securities under sub-
section (3) of section 14;
– the rights and obligations of the depositories, participants and the issuers under subsection (1) of
section 17;
– the eligibility criteria for admission of securities into the depository under sub-section (2) of section 17.
– the terms determined by the Board for settlement of proceedings under subsection (2) of section 19-IA;
– any other matter which is required to be, or may be, specified by regulations or in respect of which
provision to be made by regulations.
POWER OF DEPOSITORIES TO MAKE BYE-LAWS

A depository shall, with the previous approval of the Board, make bye-laws consistent with the provisions of
this Act and the regulations. In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such
byelaws shall provide for—
– the eligibility criteria for admission and removal of securities in the depository;
– the conditions subject to which the securities shall be dealt with;
– the eligibility criteria for admission of any person as a participant;
– the manner and procedure for dematerialisation of securities;
– the procedure for transactions within the depository;
– the manner in which securities shall be dealt with or withdrawn from a depository;
– the procedure for ensuring safeguards to protect the interests of participants and beneficial owners;
– the conditions of admission into and withdrawal from a participant by a beneficial owner;
– the procedure for conveying information to the participants and beneficial owners on dividend
declaration, shareholder meetings and other matters of interest to the beneficial owners;
82 EP-SL&CM
– the manner of distribution of dividends, interest and monetary benefits received from the company
among beneficial owners;
– the manner of creating pledge or hypothecation in respect of securities held with a depository;
– inter se rights and obligations among the depository, issuer, participants, and beneficial owners;
– the manner and the periodicity of furnishing information to the Board, issuer and other persons;
– the procedure for resolving disputes involving depository, issuer, company or a beneficial owner;
– the procedure for proceeding against the participant committing breach of the regulations and provisions
for suspension and expulsion of participants from the depository and cancellation of agreements
entered with the depository;
– the internal control standards including procedure for auditing, reviewing and monitoring.
Where the SEBI considers it expedient so to do, it may, by order in writing, direct a depository to make any
bye-laws or to amend or revoke any bye-laws already made within such period as it may specify in this behalf.
If the depository fails or neglects to comply with such order within the specified period, the SEBI may make
the bye-laws or amend or revoke the bye-laws made either in the form specified in the order or with such
modifications thereof as the SEBI thinks fit.
SEBI (DEPOSITORIES AND PARTICIPANTS) REGULATIONS, 2018

The Depositories Act, 1996 requires that the registration of the depository, depository participant and the
custodian, is mandatory with the SEBI. These market intermediaries can function or commence business only
after registration from SEBI has been obtained and requisite fee paid to SEBI. The requirement of registration
is a continuing one and the moment the registration is cancelled or revoked or surrendered, the person shall
cease to act as such.
The SEBI, on October 3, 2018, notified the SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018 (‘New DP
Regulations’), repealing the SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 1996 (‘Old DP Regulations’)
introducing amendments largely related to structuring, shareholding and governance of depositories.
These regulations also contain provisions for operations and functioning of depositories, form for application
and certificates used and schedule of fees for participants, etc. It also contains provisions for registration of
depository and depository participants, rights and obligations of various users and constituents, inspection and
procedure for action in case of default.
AUDIT UNDER SEBI (DEPOSITORIES AND PARTICIPANTS) REGULATIONS, 2018

Regulation 76 of SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018 provides that every issuer shall submit
audit report on a quarterly basis to the concerned stock exchanges audited by a practising Company Secretary
or a qualified Chartered Accountant, for the purposes of reconciliation of the total issued capital, listed capital
and capital held by depositories in dematerialized form, the details of changes in share capital during the
quarter and the in-principle approval obtained by the issuer from all the stock exchanges where it is listed in
respect of such further issued capital.
The audit report is required to give the updated status of the register of members of the issuer and confirm that
securities have been dematerialized as per requests within 21 days from the date of receipt of requests by the
issuer and where the dematerialization has not been effected within the said stipulated period, the report would
disclose the reasons for such delay.
The issuer is under an obligation to immediately bring to the notice of the depositories and the stock exchanges,
any difference observed in its issued, listed, and the capital held by depositories in dematerialized form.
INTERNAL AUDIT OF OPERATIONS OF DEPOSITORY PARTICIPANTS

The two Depository service providers in India, viz., National Securities Depository Ltd. (NSDL) and Central
Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) have allowed Company Secretaries in Whole-time Practice to
undertake internal audit of the operations of Depository Participants (DPs).
NSDL has vide its circular No. NSDL/SG/II/010/99 dated 26th March 1999 notified amendment of its Bye Law
10.3.1 of Chapter 10 as follows:
10.3.1 “Every Participant shall ensure that an internal audit in respect of the operations of the Depository
is conducted at intervals of not more than three months by a qualified Chartered Accountant or a
Company Secretary holding a certificate of Practice and a copy of the internal audit report shall be
furnished to the Depository.”
CDSL has vide its letter dated September 28, 1999 notified amendment of its Bye Laws 16.3.1 as follows:
16.3.1 “Every Participant shall ensure that an internal audit shall be conducted in respect of the participant’s
operations relating to CDSL by a qualified Chartered Accountant in accordance with the provisions of
the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 or by a Company Secretary in practice in accordance with the
provisions of the Company Secretaries Act, 1980, at such intervals as may be specified by CDSL from
time to time. A copy of Internal Audit report shall be furnished to CDSL.”
Checklist of Internal Audit of Operations of Depository Participants:
– Account opening
– Reporting to BOs
– Dematerialisation of Securities
– Rematerialisation of Securities
– Market Trades
– Off Market Trades
– Transmission
– Returns to Depository
– Grievance Redressal Mechanism
– Collateral Security
– Assignment of Business
– Freezing of Account
– Closure of Account
– Pledge and Hypothecation
– Invocation of Pledge/Hypothecation by Pledgee
– Lending and Borrowing of Securities
– Records to be Maintained by DPs
– Disclosure and Publication of Information
– Supervision by DP
84 EP-SL&CM
– Code of Ethics for DPs

– Branch of Depository Participants
CONCURRENT AUDIT
National Securities Depository Limited vide its Circular No. NSDL/POLICY/ 2006/0021 dated June 24, 2006
provides for concurrent audit of the Depository Participants. The Circular provides that w.e.f. August 1, 2006,
the process of demat account opening, control and verification of Delivery Instruction Slips (DIS) is subject to
Concurrent Audit.
Depository Participants have been advised to appoint a firm of qualified Chartered Accountant(s) or Company
Secretary(ies) holding a certificate of practice for conducting the concurrent audit. However, the participants in
case they so desire, may entrust the concurrent audit to their Internal Auditors. In respect of account opening,
the auditor should verify all the documents including KYC documents furnished by the Clients and verified by
the officials of the Participants. The scope of concurrent audit with respect to control and verification of DIS
cover the areas given below:
(I) Issuance of DIS

The procedure followed by the Participants with respect to:
(a) Issuance of DIS booklets including loose slips.
(b) Existence of controls on DIS issued to Clients including pre-stamping of Client ID and unique pre-
printed serial numbers.
(c) Record maintenance for issuance of DIS booklets (including loose slips) in the back office.
(II) Verification of DIS

The procedure followed by the Participants with respect to:
(a) Date and time stamping (including late stamping) on instruction slips.
(b) Blocking of used/reported lost/stolen instruction slips in back office system/ manual record.
(c) Blocking of slips in the back office system/manual record which are executed in DPM directly.
(d) Two step verification for a transaction for more than Rs. 5 lakh, especially in case of off-market transactions.
(e) Instructions received from dormant accounts.
The Concurrent Auditor should conduct the audit in respect of all accounts opened, DIS issued and controls on DIS
as mentioned above, during the day, by the next working day. In case the audit could not be completed within the
next working day due to large volume, the auditor should ensure that the audit is completed within a week’s time.
Any deviation and/or non-compliance observed in the aforesaid areas should be mentioned in the audit report of
the Concurrent Auditor. The Management of the Participant should comment on the observations made by the
Concurrent Auditor. The Concurrent Audit Report should be submitted to NSDL, on a quarterly basis, in a hard
copy form. If the Auditor for Internal and Concurrent Audit is the same, consolidated report may be submitted.

– Right to Legal Representation (Section 23C of the Act): In case of any decision of the SEBI, the
aggrieved entity/ company (the appellant) may either appear in person or authorise one or more
chartered accountants or company secretaries (PCS) or cost accountants or legal practitioners or any
of its officers to present his or its case before the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT).
– Internal Audit of Depository Participants: The 2 (two) Depository services providers in India, viz.,
National Securities Depository Ltd. (NSDL) and Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL)
have allowed Company Secretaries in Whole-time Practice to undertake internal audit of the
operations of Depository Participants (DPs). [Ref: NSDL Circular No. NSDL/POLICY/2008/0072 dated
October 17, 2008 and CDSL Bye Law 16.3.1]
– Reconciliation of Share Capital Audit: Company Secretary is authorised to issue quarterly
certificate with regard to reconciliation of the total issued capital, listed capital and capital held by
depositories in dematerialized form, details of changes in share capital during the quarter, and in-
principle approval obtained by the issuer from all the stock exchanges where it is listed in respect of
such further issued capital under SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018. [Regulation
76 of SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018]
– Concurrent Audit of Depository Participants: Practising Company Secretary is authorized to carry
out concurrent audit of Depository Participants which covers audit of the process of demit account
opening, control and verification of Delivery Instruction Slips (DIS).
LESSON ROUND UP
– The legal framework for depository system in the Depositories Act, 1996 provides for the establishment
of single or multiple depositories.
– There are two Depositories functioning in India, namely the National Securities Depository Limited
(NSDL) and the Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL).
– All the securities held by a depository are dematerialized and are in a fungible form.
– In the depository system, the ownership and transfer of securities takes place by means of electronic
book entries.
– A Depository Participant (DP) is the representative (agent) of the investor in the depository system
providing the link between the Company and investor through the Depository.
– The Depository Act, 1996 and SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018 regulates the
function of Depositories and participants.
– Regulation 76 of SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018 provides that every issuer
shall submit audit report on a quarterly basis to the concerned stock exchanges audited by a practising
Company Secretary or a qualified Chartered Accountant, for the purposes of reconciliation of the total
issued capital, listed capital and capital held by depositories in dematerialized form, the details of
changes in share capital during the quarter and the in-principle approval obtained by the issuer from
all the stock exchanges where it is listed in respect of such further issued capital.
– Both the Depositories in India have allowed Practising Company Secretaries to undertake internal
audit of the operations of Depository Participants (DPs).
– Depository Participants are subject to concurrent audit by a Practising Company Secretary or qualified
Chartered Accountant. Concurrent Audit includes audit of process of demat account opening, control
and verification of delivery instruction slips.
GLOSSARY
Beneficial The true owner of a security or property, which may be registered in another
owner (BO) name. Means a person whose name appears as such on the records of the depository.
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ISIN International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) is a code that uniquely

identifies a specific security, which is allocated at the time of admitting the same in
Joint Account It means a bank or a demat account in the names of more than one person
(maximum three in case of a demat account). All the account holders must give
their signature to operate a demat account held jointly.
Pledge Any person having a demat account can pledge securities against loan / credit
facilities extended by a pledgee, who too has a demat account with a DP.
RRN A system generated unique number when a remat request is set up.
Transmission Transmission of securities denotes a process by which ownership of securities is
transferred to a legal heir or to some other person by operation of law. In case of
transmission transfer deed and stamp duty are not required.
SELF TEST QUESTIONS

1. Briefly outline the concept of Depository system in India.
2. Enumerate the enquiry, inspection and penalties under the Depositories Act, 1996.
3. Elucidate the procedure for dematerialisation of shares.
4. Write short note on:
(a) Fungibility
(b) Models of Depository
(c) Internal Audit of Depository Participants
(d) Concurrent Audit
(e) Rematerialisation
Lesson 4
Lesson 4 n An Overview of SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018 87
An Overview of SEBI (Issue of Capital and

Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018
LESSON OUTLINE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
– Introduction
India ushered from a merit based regime
– Types of issues
(Controller of Capital Act) to disclosure based
– Meaning of Draft Offer Document, Letter of regime under SEBI. Under CCI issue size and
Offer and Red Herring Prospectus price were approved by CCI after examining the
– Initial Public Offering/Further Public Offering various parameters/ratios. The SEBI (Disclosure
– Eligibility Requirements to be complied with and Investor Protection) Guidelines, 2000 were
for IPO introduced by SEBI which consist of serious of
provisions.
– General Conditions
Therefore, the DIP Guidelines needed to be
– Eligibility Criteria for further public offer
strengthened and streamlined. The SEBI (Issue of
(FPO)
Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,
– Issue of Warrants [Regulation 13] 2009 were introduced to address these needs and
– Issue of SR Equity Shares are more concise and systematic.
– Filing of offer Document [Regulations 25 & Further the SEBI, in order to align its provisions
123] under the ICDR Regulations with the Companies
– In Case of FPO Act, 2013 and allied regulations, notified the SEBI
(ICDR) Regulations, 2018 which lay down the
– Lock-in Requirements
guidelines pertaining to various conditions and
– Minimum Offer to Public and Reservations procedures for raising funds from public.
– Fast Track FPO
Keeping the above mentioned pertinent issue, this
– Exit Opportunity to Dissenting Shareholders lesson has touched upon the various provisions of
[Scheduled XX] SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018 like prospectus,
– Eligibility of Shareholders for Availing the eligibility criteria, promoter contribution, lock-in
Exit Offer requirements etc.
– Exit Offer Price
– Manner of Providing Exit to Dissenting
Shareholders
–
Maximum Permissible Non-Public
Shareholding
– Procedure for Issue of Securities
– LESSON ROUND UP
– GLOSSARY
88 EP-SL&CM
Introduction
Management of a public issue involves co-ordination of activities and co-operation of a number of agencies
such as managers to the issue, underwriters, brokers, registrar to the issue; solicitors/legal advisors, printers,
publicity and advertising agents, financial institutions, auditors and other Government/Statutory agencies such
as Registrar of Companies, Reserve Bank of India, SEBI etc. The whole process of issue of shares can be
divided into two parts (i) pre-issue activities and (ii) post issue activities. All activities beginning with the planning
of capital issue till the opening of the subscription list are pre-issue activities while all activities subsequent to
the opening of the subscription list may be called post issue activities. Since only the demat shares are being
admitted for dealings on the stock exchanges, hence the securities can be issued only with the purpose of
alloting the shares in Dematerialised Form.
Background
With the repeal of Capital Issues (Control) Act, 1947 all the guidelines, notifications, circulars etc. issued by the
office of the Controller of Capital Issues became defunct. The SEBI was given the mandate to regulate issuance
of securities, which was earlier done by vide its order dated 11.6.1992 called the Guidelines for Disclosure
and Investor Protection, 1992. Later, the SEBI issued a compendium containing consolidated Guidelines,
circulars, instructions relating to issue of capital effective from January 27, 2000. The compendium titled the
SEBI (Disclosure and Investor Protection) Guidelines, 2000 replaced the original Guidelines issued in June
1992 and clarifications thereof. On August 26, 2009 the SEBI rescinded the SEBI (DIP) Guidelines, 2000 and
notified the SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2009.
The SEBI in order to align its provisions under ICDR Regulations with Companies Act, 2013 and allied
regulations, had come with its consultation paper on May 04, 2018 detailing the suggestive changes under
various fund raising options by listed issuers.
Between 2009-till date, numerous amendments have been made to the ICDR Regulations. Different types of
offerings to raise funds in the primary market have been introduced. Further, there have been changes in market
practices and regulatory environment over a period of time. A need was thus felt to review and realign the ICDR
Regulations with these developments and to ensure that they reflect the best practices adopted globally. In
view of the same, the SEBI constituted the Issue of Capital & Disclosure Requirements Committee (“ICDR
Committee”) under the Chairmanship of Shri Prithvi Haldea in June, 2017, to review the ICDR Regulations with
the following objectives:
a) To simplify the language and complexities in the regulations;
b) To incorporate changes/ new requirements which have occurred due to change in market practices and
regulatory environment;
c) To make the regulations more readable and easier to understand.
The ICDR Committee suggested certain policy changes. These suggestions were also taken to the Primary
Market Advisory Committee (PMAC) of the SEBI which comprises of eminent representatives from the Ministry
of Finance, Industry, Market Participants, academicians, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and the
Institute of Company Secretaries of India. The recommendations of the PMAC were incorporated in the draft
of the proposed ICDR Regulations. In addition to the public consultation, the draft regulations along with the
key policy changes were also forwarded to the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for their comments. The provisions of Companies Act, 1956 (wherever
applicable), Companies Act, 2013, the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition & Substantial Takeover) Regulations,
2011, the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 have been suitably incorporated.
The SEBI in its Board Meeting held on June 21, 2018 approved the proposal for replacing SEBI (Issue of
Capital & Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2009 with the new the SEBI (Issue of Capital & Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2018.
In continuation to the same, the SEBI vide its notification dated 11th September, 2018 issued the SEBI (ICDR)
Regulations, 2018 (‘ICDR, 2018’) which is effective from 60th day of its publication in Official Gazette.
Chapter No. under ICDR Particulars

Regulations, 2018
I. Preliminary
II. Initial Public Offer (IPO) on Main Board
III. Right Issue
IV. Further Public Offer
V. Preferential Issue
VI. Qualified Institutions Placement
VII. IPO of Indian Depositary Receipts
VIII. Rights Issue of IDR
IX. IPO by Small and Medium Enterprises (SME)
X. Innovators Growth Platform
XI. Bonus Issue
XII. Miscellaneous
TYPES OF ISSUES
Initial Public
Offer
Qualified
Further
Institutional
Public Offer
Placement
Types of
Issues
Preferential Rights Issue

Allotment of Securities
Private
Placement
90 EP-SL&CM
Primary Market deals with those securities which are issued to the public for the first time. Primary Market
provides an opportunity to issuers of securities, Government as well as corporates, to raise financial resources
to meet their requirements of investment and/or discharge their obligations.
Initial public offer means an offer of specified securities by an unlisted issuer to the public for subscription and
includes an offer for sale of specified securities to the public by any existing holder of such securities in an
unlisted issuer. In order to qualify as an Initial public offer, the offer of securities must be by an unlisted issuer
company and such an issue shall be made to the public and not to the existing shareholders of the unlisted
issuer company.
Further public offer means an offer of specified securities by a listed issuer company to the public for subscription.
In other words, another issue to the public other than its existing shareholders or to a select group of persons
by the listed persons is referred to as a Further Public offer.
Rights Issue of Securities is an issue of specified securities by a company to its existing shareholders as on a
record date in a predetermined ratio.
Private placement refers to an issue where an issuer makes an issue of securities to a select group of persons
not exceeding 200, and which is neither a rights issue nor a public issue.
Preferential allotment refers to an issue, where a listed issuer issues shares or convertible securities, to a
select group of persons in terms of provisions of Chapter V of the SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018 it is called a
preferential allotment. The issuer is required to comply with various provisions which inter alia include pricing,
disclosures in the notice, lock in etc., in addition to the requirements specified in the Companies Act, 2013.
Qualified Institutional Placement refers to an issue by a listed entity to only qualified institutional buyers in
accordance of Chapter VI of the SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018.
MEANING OF DRAFT OFFER DOCUMENT, LETTER OF OFFER AND RED HERRING

PROSPECTUS
Draft Offer Documents

“Draft Offer document” means the offer document in draft stage. The draft offer documents are filed with the SEBI,
at least 30 days prior to the filing of the Offer Document with ROC/SEs. The SEBI may specifies changes, if any,
in the Draft Offer Document and the Issuer or the Lead Merchant banker shall carry out such changes in the draft
offer document before filing the Offer Document with ROC/SEs. The Draft Offer document is available on the SEBI
website for public comments for a period of 21 days from the filing of the Draft Offer Document with the SEBI.
Offer Document
“Offer document” means Prospectus in case of a public issue or offer for sale and Letter of Offer in case of a
right issue, which is filed with Registrar of Companies (ROC) and Stock Exchanges. An offer document covers
all the relevant information to help an investor to make his/ her investment decision.
RHP (Red Herring Prospectus)

“Red Herring Prospectus” is a prospectus, which does not have details of either price or number of shares
being offered, or the amount of issue. This means that in case price is not disclosed, the number of shares and
the upper and lower price bands are disclosed. On the other hand, an issuer can state the issue size and the
number of shares are determined later. An RHP for an FPO can be filed with the ROC without the price band
and the issuer, in such a case will notify the floor price or a price band by way of an advertisement one day
prior to the opening of the issue. In the case of book-built issues, it is a process of price discovery and the price
cannot be determined until the bidding process is completed. Hence, such details are not shown in the Red
Herring prospectus filed with ROC in terms of the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013. Only on completion
of the bidding process, the details of the final price are included in the offer document. The offer document filed
thereafter with ROC is called a prospectus.
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING / FURTHER PUBLIC OFFERING

A public issue of specified securities by an issuer can be either an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or a Further Public
Offering (FPO). An IPO is done by an unlisted issuer while a FPO is done by a listed issuer. As per the ICDR
Regulations, the issuer shall comply with the following conditions before making an IPO of specified securities.
The conditions need to be satisfied both at the time of filing the draft offer document (commonly referred to
as the Draft Red Herring Prospectus) and the time of registering or filing the final offer document (commonly
referred to as the Prospectus) with the Registrar of Companies.
APPLICABILITY OF THE SEBI (ISSUE OF CAPITAL AND DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS)

REGULATIONS, 2018
These regulations shall apply to the following:
(a) an initial public offer by an unlisted issuer;
(b) a rights issue by a listed issuer; where the aggregate value of the issue is ten crore rupees or more;
(c) a further public offer by a listed issuer;
(d) a preferential issue by a listed issuer;
(e) a qualified institutions placement by a listed issuer;
(f) an initial public offer of Indian depository receipts;
(g) a rights issue of Indian depository receipts;
(h) an initial public offer by a small and medium enterprise;
(i) a listing on the innovators growth platform through an issue or without an issue; and
(j) a bonus issue by a listed issuer.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS TO BE COMPLIED WITH FOR IPO
Entities not eligible to make an initial public offer [Regulation 5]

a) If the issuer, any of its promoters,
promoter group, selling shareholders are
debarred from accessing the capital
market by the SEBI.
ENTITIES NOT ELIGIBLE TO MAKE AN IPO
b) If any of the promoters or directors of the issuer

is a promoter or a director of any other company
which is debarred from accessing the capital
market by the SEBI.
c) If the issuer or any of its promoters or directors is a willful

defaulter.
d) If any of the promoters or directors of the issuer is a fugitive

offender.
e) If there are any outstanding convertible securities or any other right which
would entitled any person with any option to receive equity shares of the
issuer.
92 EP-SL&CM
Note: The restrictions under (a) and (b) above shall not apply to the persons or entities mentioned therein, who
were debarred in the past by the SEBI and the period of debarment is already over as on the date of filing of the
draft offer document with the SEBI.
Non applicability of Regulation 5(1) & (2)
Outstanding options Fully paid-up

granted to employees, outstanding convertible
whether currently an securities which are
employee or not, required to be
pursuant to an ESOS converted on or before
in compliance with the the date of filing of the
Companies Act, 2013, red herring prospectus
the relevant Guidance (in case of book-built
Note or accounting issues) or the
standards, if any, prospectus (in case of
issued by ICAI or fixed price issues), as
pursuant to the the case may be.
Companies Act, 2013,
in this regard.
Eligibility requirements for an initial public offer [Regulation 6]

An issuer shall be eligible to make an IPO only if:
a. the issuer has net tangible assets of atleast Rs. 3 crores on a restated and consolidated basis, in each
of the preceding three full years of (12 months each) of which not more than 50% is held in monetary
assets;
However, if more than 50% of the net tangible assets are held in monetary assets, the issuer has
utilized or made firm commitments to utilize such excess monetary assets in its business or project.
This limit of 50% shall not apply in case of IPO is made entirely through an offer for sale.
b. the issuer has an average operating profit of at least Rs.15 crores, calculated on a restated and
consolidated basis, during the three preceding years with operating profit in each of the three preceding
years;
c. the issuer has a networth of atleast Rs.1 crore in each of the preceding three full years, calculated on
a restated and consolidated basis.
d. in case the issuer has changed its name within the last one year, atleast 50% of the revenue calculated
on a restated and consolidated basis, for the preceding one full year has been earned by it from the
activity indicated by the new name.
An issuer not satisfying the above mentioned condition shall be eligible to make an initial public offer only if the
issue is made through the book-building process and the issuer undertakes to allot at least seventy five per
cent. of the net offer to qualified institutional buyers and to refund the full subscription money if it fails to do so.
If an issuer has issued SR equity shares to its promoters/ founders, the said issuer shall be allowed to do an
initial public offer of only ordinary shares for listing on the Main Board subject to compliance with the provisions
of these regulations and these clauses -
 the issuer shall be intensive in the use of technology, information technology, intellectual property, data
analytics, bio-technology or nano-technology to provide products, services or business platforms with
substantial value addition.
 the SR shareholder shall not be part of the promoter group whose collective net worth is more than
rupees 500 crores:
Explanation: While determining the collective net worth, the investment of SR shareholder in the shares
of the issuer company shall not be considered.
 The SR shares were issued only to the promoters/ founders who hold an executive position in the
issuer company;
 The issue of SR equity shares had been authorized by a special resolution passed at a general meeting
of the shareholders of the issuer, where the notice calling for such general meeting specifically provided
for –
a. the size of issue of SR equity shares,
b. ratio of voting rights of SR equity shares vis-à-vis the ordinary shares,
c. rights as to differential dividends, if any
d. sunset provisions, which provide for a time frame for the validity of such SR equity shares,
e. matters in respect of which the SR equity shares would have the same voting right as that of the
ordinary shares.
 The SR equity shares have been held for a period of atleast 6 months prior to the filing of the red herring
prospectus;
 The SR equity shares shall have voting rights in the ratio of a minimum of 2:1 upto a maximum of 10:1
compared to ordinary shares and such ratio shall be in whole numbers only;
 The SR equity shares shall have the same face value as the ordinary shares;
 The issuer shall only have one class of SR equity shares;
 The SR equity shares shall be equivalent to ordinary equity shares in all respects, except for having
superior voting rights.
The above eligibility conditions are explained by the following Example: Eligibility Condition No: 1
In case the issuer is proposing to file its draft offer document with the SEBI in August 2018, then the net tangible
assets for the last 3 full years of 12 months each shall be atleast Rs.3 crores and not more than 50% of the
same shall be held in monetary assets. In the following table, it is seen that the net tangible assets is more than
Rs. 3 crores in the year ended March 31, 2014, March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2016. Further monetary assets
constitute less than 50% of the net tangible assets in each of the three previous financial years:
(Rs. in lacs)
Year Ended March 31 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Net Tangible Assets 1448.56 2275.53 2532.60 3510.33 4657.50
Monetary Assets 292.76 61.97 108.25 302.33 288.17

Monetary Assets as a percentage of 20.21 2.72 4.27 8.61 6.19
Net Tangible Assets
94 EP-SL&CM
“Net Tangible Assets” mean the sum of all net assets of the issuer, excluding intangible assets as defined
in Accounting Standard 26 (AS 26) or Indian Accounting Standard (Ind AS) 38, as applicable, issued by the
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
“Project” means the object for which monies are proposed to be raised to cover the objects of the issue.
Eligibility Condition No: 2

In case the issuer proposes to file its draft offer document with the SEBI in August 2018, then the average
operating profit for three preceding years shall be atleast Rs 15 crores. Further, the company shall have
operating profit in each of the three years. The average of the profits for the 3 preceding years is Rs.15.75
crores which is more than the prescribed average of Rs.15 crores.
(Rs. in lacs)
Year Ended March 31 2016 2017 2018

Operating Profit 1630.31 1232.65 1864.63
GENERAL CONDITIONS
 An issuer making an initial public offer shall ensure that:
a) it has made an application to one or more stock exchanges to seek an in-principle approval for
listing of its specified securities on such stock exchanges and has chosen one of them as the
designated stock exchange;
b) it has entered into an agreement with a depository for dematerialisation of the specified securities
already issued and proposed to be issued;
c) all its specified securities held by the promoters are in dematerialised form prior to filing of the
offer document;
d) all its existing partly paid-up equity shares have either been fully paid-up or have been forfeited;
e) it has made firm arrangements of finance through verifiable means towards seventy five per
cent. of the stated means of finance for a specific project proposed to be funded from the issue
proceeds, excluding the amount to be raised through the proposed public issue or through existing
identifiable internal accruals.
 The amount for general corporate purposes, as mentioned in objects of the issue in the draft offer
document and the offer document shall not exceed 25% of the amount being raised by the issuer.
Additional conditions for an offer for sale
Shares must be fully paid-up.
Shall be held by the sellers for a period of at least one year prior to the
filing of the draft offer document.
The holding period of such convertible securities, including depository

receipts, as well as that of resultant equity shares together shall be
considered for the purpose of calculation of one year period.
In case the equity shares received Further, such holding period of one year shall be required to be
on conversion or exchange of fully complied with at the time of filing of the draft offer document.
paid-up compulsorily convertible
securities including depository
receipts are being offered for sale.
If the equity shares arising out of the conversion or exchange of the fully paid-up compulsorily
convertible securities are being offered for sale, the conversion or exchange should be completed
prior to filing of the offer document (i.e. red herring prospectus in the case of a book built issue and
prospectus in the case of a fixed price issue), provided full disclosures of the terms of conversion
or exchange are made in the draft offer document.
The requirement of holding equity shares for a period of one year shall not apply:
Non-Applicability
The offer for sale of a government company or statutory authority or

corporation or any special purpose vehicle set up and controlled by any
one or more of them, which is engaged in the infrastructure sector;
Equity shares offered for sale were acquired pursuant to any scheme approved by a
High Court under the sections 391 to 394 of Companies Act, 1956, or approved by a
tribunal or the Central Government under the sections 230 to 234 of Companies Act,
2013, as applicable, in lieu of business and invested capital which had been in
existence for a period of more than one year prior to approval of such scheme;
If the equity shares offered for sale were issued under a bonus issue on securities held
for a period of at least one year prior to the filing of the draft offer document with the
Board and further subject to the following:
Such specified securities being issued out

of free reserves and share premium Such equity shares not being issued by
existing in the books of account as at the utilisation of revaluation reserves or
end of the financial year preceding the AND unrealized profits of the issuer.
financial year in which the draft offer
document is filed with SEBI;
96 EP-SL&CM
Explanation:
(i) Partnership Firms
In case of an issuer which had been a partnership firm or a limited liability partnership, the track record of
distributable profits of the partnership firm or the LLP shall be considered only if the financial statements of the
partnership business for the period during which the issuer was a partnership firm, conform to and are revised
in the format prescribed for companies under the Companies Act, 2013 and also comply with the following:
a) adequate disclosures are made in the financial statements as required to be made in the format
prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013;
b) the financial statements are duly certified by a Chartered Accountant stating that:
(i) the accounts and the disclosures made are in accordance with the provisions of Schedule III of
the Companies Act, 2013
(ii) the accounting standards of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India have been followed;
(iii) the financial statements present a true and fair view of the firm’s accounts.
(ii) Spinning off of a division
In case of an issuer formed out of a division of an existing company, the track record of distributable profits of
the division spun-off shall be considered only if the requirements regarding financial statements as provided for
partnership firms and LLPs are complied with.
Eligibility Condition No: 3

In case the issuer proposes to file its draft offer document with the SEBI in August 2018 then the networth shall
be atleast Rs. 1 crore in each of the last 3 financial years. In the following table, it is seen that the company has
a networth of Rs. 1 crore in each of the last three financial years prior to the date of the filing of the draft offer
document with the SEBI.
(Rs. in lacs)
Year Ending March 31 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Equity Share Capital 1448.56 2000.00 2000.00 2000.00 2022.00
Share Application Money 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 165.00
Reserves & Surplus 0.00 304.52 590.02 1430.47 2742.71
Total 1448.56 2304.52 2590.02 3595.47 4764.71
Less : Misc Expenses not 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
written off
Less: Deferred Tax Assets 0.00 0.00 13.45 0.00 61.08
Networth 1448.56 2304.52 2576.57 3595.47 4703.63
Since the all the above eligibility conditions are satisfied in the example and there is no change in the name of
the company, this company is eligible to make an Initial Public Offering.
However, in case an issuer does not satisfy the eligibility conditions stipulated above, it may make an Initial
Public Offer through the book building process and further undertake to allot atleast 75% of the net offer to the
public to qualified institutional buyers and to refund full subscription money if it fails to do so. [Regulation 6(2)]
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR FURTHER PUBLIC OFFER (FPO)
Entities not eligible to make a FPO [Regulation 102]

An issuer shall not be eligible to make a FPO of specified securities:
(a) If the (b) If any of

issuer, any of its the promoters or
promoters, directors of the
promoter group issuer is a (c) If the issuer or (d) If any of the
or directors, promoter or a any of its promoters or
selling director of any promoters or directors of the
shareholders other company directors is a issuer is a
are debarred from which is debarred willful defaulter. fugitive offender.
accessing the from accessing
capital market by the capital market
the SEBI. by the SEBI.
Note : The restrictions under (a) and (b) above shall not apply to the persons or entities mentioned therein, who
were debarred in the past by the SEBI and the period of debarment is already over as on the date of filing of the
draft offer document with the SEBI.
Eligibility requirements for FPO [Regulation 103]

• An issuer may make a FPO if it has changed its name within the last one year and atleast 50% of
the revenue in the preceding one full year has been earned from the activity suggested by the new
name.
• If an issuer does not satisfy the above mentioned conditions, it may make a FPO only, if, the issue is
made through the book-building process and the issuer undertakes to allot at least 75% of the net offer,
to qualified institutional buyers and to refund full subscription money if it fails to make the said minimum
allotment to qualified institutional buyers.
General Conditions for FPO [Regulation 104]

An issuer making an FPO shall ensure that :
a. An application is made for listing of the specified securities to one or more of the recognized stock
exchanges and choose one of the exchanges as the designated stock exchange.
b. An agreement is entered into with a depository for dematerialization of specified securities already
issued or proposed to be issued.
c. All its existing partly paid up equity shares have either been fully paid up or have been forfeited. In other
words, if a company has partly paid up equity shares, they shall not be permitted to make a public issue.
d. The issuer should make firm arrangements of finance through verifiable means towards 75% of the
stated means of finance excluding the amount to be raised through the proposed public issue or through
existing identifiable internal accruals.
e. The amount for General Corporate Purposes as mentioned in objects of the issue in the draft offer
98 EP-SL&CM
document and the offer document shall not exceed twenty five per cent of the amount being raised by
the issuer.
ISSUE OF WARRANTS [REGULATION 13]

An issuer shall be eligible to issue warrants in an initial public offer subject to the following:
a) the tenure of such warrants shall not exceed eighteen months from the date of their allotment in the
initial public offer;
b) a specified security may have one or more warrants attached to it;
c) the price or formula for determination of exercise price of the warrants shall be determined upfront
and disclosed in the offer document and at least 25 per cent of the consideration amount based on the
exercise price shall also be received upfront;
However, in case the exercise price of warrants is based on a formula, 25 per cent consideration
amount based on the cap price of the price band determined for the linked equity shares or convertible
securities shall be received upfront.
d) in case the warrant holder does not exercise the option to take equity shares against any of the
warrants held by the warrant holder, within three months from the date of payment of consideration,
such consideration made in respect of such warrants shall be forfeited by the issuer.
Appointment of Lead Managers, Other Intermediaries and Compliance Officer [Regulation 23

& 121]
 The issuer shall appoint one or more merchant bankers, which are registered with the SEBI, as lead
manager(s) to the issue.
 Where the issue is managed by more than one lead manager, the rights, obligations and responsibilities,
relating inter alia to disclosures, allotment, refund and underwriting obligations, if any, of each lead
manager shall be predetermined and be disclosed in the draft offer document and the offer document.
 At least one lead manager to the issue shall not be an associate as defined under the SEBI (Merchant
Bankers) Regulations, 1992 of the issuer.
 If any of the lead manager is an associate of the issuer, it shall disclose itself as an associate of the
issuer and its role shall be limited to marketing of the issue.
 The issuer shall, in consultation with the lead manager(s), appoint other intermediaries which are
registered with the SEBI after the lead manager(s) have independently assessed the capability of other
intermediaries to carry out their obligations.
 The issuer shall enter into an agreement with the lead manager(s) and enter into agreements with other
intermediaries as required under the respective regulations applicable to the intermediary concerned.
 Such agreements may include such other clauses as the issuer and the intermediaries may deem fit
without diminishing or limiting in any way the liabilities and obligations of the lead manager(s), other
intermediaries and the issuer under the Act, the Companies Act, 2013 or the Companies Act, 1956 (to
the extent applicable), the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, the Depositories Act, 1996 and
the rules and regulations made thereunder or any statutory modification or statutory enactment thereof.
 In case of ASBA process, the issuer shall take cognizance of the deemed agreement of the issuer with
the self-certified syndicate banks.
 The issuer shall, in case of an issue made through the book building process, appoint syndicate
member(s) and in the case of any other issue, appoint bankers to issue, at centres.
 The issuer shall appoint a registrar to the issue, registered with the SEBI which has connectivity with all
the depositories.
 If the issuer itself is a registrar, it shall not appoint itself as registrar to the issue.
 The lead manager shall not act as a registrar to the issue in which it is also handling the post-issue
responsibilities.
 The issuer shall appoint a compliance officer who shall be responsible for monitoring the compliance of
the securities laws and for redressal of investors’ grievances.
Disclosures in and Filing of Offer Documents [Regulation 24 & 122]

Disclosures in the draft offer document and offer document
 The draft offer document and the offer document shall contain all material disclosures which are true
and adequate to enable the applicants to take an informed investment decision.
 The red-herring prospectus, shelf prospectus and prospectus shall contain:
(i) disclosures specified in the Companies Act, 2013; and
(ii) disclosures specified in Part A of Schedule VI of ICDR Regulations 2018. In case of FPO the
disclosures are subject to the provisions of Parts C and D thereof.
 The lead manager(s) shall exercise due diligence and satisfy themselves about all aspects of the issue
including the veracity and adequacy of disclosures made in the draft offer document and the offer
document.
 The lead manager(s) shall call upon the issuer, its promoters and its directors or in case of an offer for
sale, the selling shareholders, to fulfil their obligations as disclosed by them in the draft offer document
and the offer document and as required in terms of the ICDR Regulations 2018.
 The lead manager(s) shall ensure that the information contained in the offer document and the
particulars as per audited financial statements in the offer document are not more than six months old
from the issue opening date.
FILING OF OFFER DOCUMENT [REGULATIONS 25 & 123]

 The issuer shall also file the draft offer document with the stock exchange(s) where the specified
securities are proposed to be listed, and submit to the stock exchange(s), the Permanent Account
Number, bank account number and passport number of its promoters where they are individuals, and
Permanent Account Number, bank account number, company registration number or equivalent and
the address of the Registrar of Companies (ROC) with which the promoter is registered, where the
ROC promoter is a body corporate.
 The SEBI may specify changes or issue observations, on the draft offer document filed with it within a
period of 30 days from the later of the following dates:
a) the date of receipt of the draft offer document filed with the SEBI; or
b) the date of receipt of satisfactory reply from the lead merchant bankers, where the SEBI has
sought any clarification or additional information from them; or
c) the date of receipt of clarification or information from any regulator or agency, where the SEBI has
100 EP-SL&CM
sought any clarification or information from such regulator or agency; or

d) the date of receipt of a copy of in-principle approval letter issued by the recognised stock
exchanges.
 If the SEBI specifies any changes or issues observations on the draft offer document filed with it, the
issuer and the lead merchant banker shall carry out such changers and comply with the observations
issued by the SEBI before filing the prospectus, the red-herring prospectus or the shelf prospectus as
the case may be with the Registrar of Companies or an appropriate authority, as applicable.
 If there are any changes in the draft offer document in relation to the matters specified in these
regulations, an updated offer document or a fresh draft offer document, as the case may be, shall be
filed with the SEBI.
 Copy of the offer documents shall also be filed with the SEBI and the stock exchanges through the lead
manager(s) promptly after filing the offer document with the Registrar of Companies.
 The draft offer document and the offer document shall also be furnish to the SEBI in a soft copy.
Filing of Draft Offer Document [Regulations 25 & 123]

Prior to making an IPO/FPO, the issuer shall file three copies of the draft offer document with the concerned
regional office of the SEBI under the jurisdiction of which the registered office of the issuer company is located,
along with fees as specified, through the lead manager(s).
The lead manager(s) shall submit the following to the SEBI along with the draft offer document:
a) a certificate, confirming that an agreement has been entered into between the issuer and the lead
manager(s);
b) a due diligence certificate;
c) in case of an issue of convertible debt instruments, a due diligence certificate from the debenture
trustee.
Draft offer document and offer document to be available to the public [Regulations 26 & 124]
 The draft offer document filed with the SEBI shall be made public for comments, if any, for a period of at
least twenty one days from the date of filing, by hosting it on the websites of the SEBI, stock exchanges
where specified securities are proposed to be listed and lead manager(s) associated with the issue.
 The issuer shall, within two days of filing the draft offer document with the SEBI, make a public
announcement in one English national daily newspaper with wide circulation, one Hindi national daily
newspaper with wide circulation and one regional language newspaper with wide circulation at the
place where the registered office of the issuer is situated, disclosing the fact of filing of the draft offer
document with the SEBI and inviting the public to provide their comments to the SEBI, the issuer or the
lead manager(s) in respect of the disclosures made in the draft offer document.
 The lead manager(s) shall, after expiry of the period stipulated above, file with the SEBI, details of
the comments received by them or the issuer from the public, on the draft offer document, during that
period and the consequential changes, if any, that are required to be made in the draft offer document.
 The issuer and the lead manager(s) shall ensure that the offer documents are hosted on the websites
as required under these regulations and its contents are the same as the versions as filed with the
Registrar of Companies, the SEBI and the stock exchanges, as applicable.
 The lead manager(s) and the stock exchanges shall provide copies of the offer document to the public
as and when requested and may charge a reasonable sum for providing a copy of the same.
ASBA [Regulations 35 & 132]

The issuer shall accept bids using only the ASBA facility in the manner specified by SEBI.
Availability of issue material [Regulations 36 &133]

The lead manager(s) shall ensure availability of the offer document and other issue material including application
forms to stock exchanges, syndicate members, registrar to issue, registrar and share transfer agents, depository
participants, stock brokers, underwriters, bankers to the issue, and self-certified syndicate banks before the
opening of the issue.
Prohibition on payment of incentives [Regulations 37 & 134]

Any person connected with the issue shall not offer any incentive, whether direct or indirect, in any manner,
whether in cash or kind or services or otherwise to any person for making an application in the initial public offer,
except for fees or commission for services rendered in relation to the issue.
Security Deposit [Regulations 38 & 135]

The issuer shall, before the opening of the subscription list, deposit with the stock exchange or stock exchanges
an amount calculated at the rate of 1% of the amount of the issue size available for subscription to the public in
the manner as may be specified by the SEBI and the amount so deposited shall be refundable or forfeitable in
the manner specified by the SEBI.
IPO Grading – Applicable to IPO only [Regulation 39]

The issuer may obtain grading for its initial public offer from one or more credit rating agencies registered with
the SEBI.
Opening of the Issue [Regulations 44 & 140]

A public issue (both IPO and FPO) may subject to compliance of Section 26(4) of the Companies Act, 2013 may
be opened within 12 months from the date of issuance of the observations by the SEBI.
In case of a fast track issue, the issue shall open within the period specifically stipulated under the Companies
Act, 2013. In case the issuer has filed a shelf prospectus, the first issue may be opened within 3 months of the
issuance of observations by the SEBI.
An IPO and an FPO shall be opened after at least 3 working days from the date of filing the red herring
prospectus in case of a book built issue or the prospectus in case of a fixed price issue with the Registrar of
Companies.
Underwriting [Regulations 40 & 136]

• If an issuer makes a IPO/FPO other than through the book building process, desires to have the issue
underwritten, it shall appoint the underwriters in accordance with the SEBI (Underwriters) Regulations,
1993.
• If the issuer makes a public issue through a book building process,
a) the issue shall be underwritten by lead managers and syndicate members.

However, at least 75% of the net offer to the public is proposed to be compulsorily allotted to the
QIBs, and such portion cannot be underwritten.
102 EP-SL&CM
b) the issuer shall, prior to filing the prospectus, enter into an underwriting agreement with the lead
manager(s) and syndicate member(s) which shall indicate the number of specified securities
which they shall subscribe to at the predetermined price in the event of under-subscription in the
issue.
c) if the syndicate member(s) fail to fulfill their underwriting obligations, the lead manager(s) shall
fulfill the underwriting obligations.
d) the lead manager(s) and syndicate member(s) shall not subscribe to the issue in any manner
except for fulfilling their underwriting obligations.
e) in case of every underwriting issue, the lead manager(s) shall undertake minimum underwriting
obligation as specified in the SEBI (Merchant Bankers) Regulations, 1992.
f) where the issue is required to be underwritten, the underwriting obligations should at least to the
extent if minimum subscription.
Minimum Subscription [Regulations 45 & 141]

The minimum subscription to be received in an issue shall be not less than 90% of the offer through offer
document except in case of an offer for sale of specified securities.
In case of an IPO, the minimum subscription to be received shall be subject to allotment of minimum number
of specified securities, as prescribed in sub-clause (b) of clause (2) of rule 19 of the Securities Contracts
(Regulation) Rules, 1957, which stipulates that atleast twenty five per cent of each class or kind of equity
shares or debentures convertible into equity shares issued by the company was offered and allotted to public in
terms of an offer document. In other words, the issue is said have received minimum subscription in an IPO if it
receives 90% of the offer through offer document and 25% of the post issue capital from the public.
In the event of non-receipt of minimum subscription, all application monies received shall be refunded to the
applicants forthwith, but not later than fifteen days from the closure of the issue.
Period of Subscription [Regulations 46 & 142]

 An IPO/FPO shall be kept open for at least three working days and not more than ten working days.
 In case of a revision in the price band, the issuer shall extend the bidding (issue) period disclosed in the
red herring prospectus, for a minimum period of three working days.
 In case of force majeure, banking strike or similar circumstances, the issuer may, for reasons to be
recorded in writing, extend the bidding (issue) period disclosed in the red herring prospectus (in case of
a book built issue) or the issue period disclosed in the prospectus (in case of a fixed price issue), for a
minimum period of three working days.
Oversubscription [Proviso to Regulations 49(2) & 145(2)]

In case of oversubscription, an allotment of not more than one percent of the net offer to the public for the
purpose of making allotment in minimum lots.
Monitoring Agency [Regulations 41 & 137]

If the issue size excluding the size of offer for sale by selling shareholders, exceeds Rs.100 crores, the issuer
shall ensure that the use of the proceeds of the issue is monitored by a public financial institutions or by one of
the scheduled commercial banks named in the offer document as a banker to the issuer.
In case the issuer is a bank or a public financial institution or an insurance company, this provision is not
applicable.
The monitoring agency shall submit its report to the issuer in the format specified in the ICDR Regulations, 2018
on a quarterly basis, till at least ninety five per cent. of the proceeds of the issue excluding the proceeds raised
for general corporate purposes, have been utilized.
The Board of Directors and the management of the issuer shall provide their comments on the findings of the
monitoring agency.
The issuer shall, within forty five days from the end of each quarter, publicly disseminate the report of the
monitoring agency by uploading the same on its website as well as submitting the same to the stock exchange(s)
on which its equity shares are listed.
Public Communications, Publicity Materials, Advertisements and Research Reports

[Regulations 42 & 138]
All public communication, publicity materials, advertisements and research reports shall comply with the
provisions of Schedule IX of the SEBI ICDR Regulations, 2018.
Issue-related Advertisements [Regulations 43 & 139]

 Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, the issuer shall, after filing the red herring
prospectus (in case of a book built issue) or prospectus (in case of fixed price issue) with the Registrar
of Companies, make a pre-issue advertisement in one English national daily newspaper with wide
circulation, Hindi national daily newspaper with wide circulation and one regional language newspaper
with wide circulation at the place where the registered office of the issuer is situated.
 The pre-issue advertisement shall contain the disclosures specified in Part A of Schedule X of the SEBI
ICDR Regulations, 2018.
However, the disclosures in relation to price band or floor price and financial ratios contained therein
shall only be applicable where the issuer opts to announce the price band or floor price along with the
pre-issue advertisement, if the issuer opts not to make disclosures of price band in the RHP.
 The issuer may release advertisements for issue opening and issue closing, which shall be in the
formats specified in Parts B and C of Schedule X of the SEBI ICDR Regulations, 2018.
 During the period the issue is open for subscription, no advertisement shall be released giving an
impression that the issue has been fully subscribed or oversubscribed or indicating investors’ response
to the issue.
Application and Minimum Application Value [Regulations 47 & 143]

 A person shall not make an application in the net offer category for a number of specified securities that
exceeds the total number of specified securities offered to the public.
However, the maximum application by non-institutional investors shall not exceed total number of specified
securities offered in the issue less total number of specified securities offered in the issue to QIBs.
 The issuer shall stipulate in the offer document the minimum application size in terms of number of
specified securities which shall fall within the range of minimum application value of ten thousand
rupees to fifteen thousand rupees.
 The issuer shall invite applications in multiples of the minimum application value, as per Part B of
Schedule XIV of the SEBI ICDR Regulation 2018.
104 EP-SL&CM
 The minimum sum payable on application per specified security shall be at least twenty five per cent of
the issue price:
“Minimum application value” shall be with reference to the issue price of the specified securities and
not with reference to the amount payable on application.
However, in case of an offer for sale, the full issue price for each specified security shall be payable at the time
of application.
Manner of Calls [Regulations 48 & 144]

If the issuer proposes to receive subscription monies in calls, it shall ensure that the outstanding subscription
money is called within twelve months from the date of allotment in the issue and if any applicant fails to pay
the call money within the said twelve months, the equity shares on which there are calls in arrear along with
the subscription money already paid on such shares shall be forfeited. In case the issuer has appointed a
monitoring agency, the issuer shall not be required to call the outstanding subscription money within twelve
months.
Allotment Procedure and Basis of Allotment [Regulations 49 & 145]

 The issuer shall not make an allotment pursuant to a public issue if the number of prospective allottees
is less than one thousand.
 The issuer shall not make any allotment in excess of the specified securities offered through the offer
document except in case of oversubscription for the purpose of rounding off to make allotment, in
consultation with the designated stock exchange.
 The allotment of specified securities to applicants other than to the retail individual investors and anchor
investors shall be on a proportionate basis within the respective investor categories and the number of
securities allotted shall be rounded off to the nearest integer, subject to minimum allotment being equal
to the minimum application size as determined and disclosed in the offer document.
However, the value of specified securities allotted to any person, except in case of employees, in
pursuance of reservation made under these regulations, shall not exceed two lakhs rupees for retail
investors or up to five lakhs rupees for eligible employees.
 The allotment of specified securities to each retail individual investor shall not be less than the minimum
bid lot, subject to the availability of shares in retail individual investor category, and the remaining
available shares, if any, shall be allotted on a proportionate basis.
 The authorised employees of the designated stock exchange, along with the lead manager(s) and
registrars to the issue, shall ensure that the basis of allotment is finalised in a fair and proper manner in
accordance with the procedure as specified in Part A of Schedule XIV.
Illustration explaining the procedure of allotment

Example A
(1) Total number of specified securities on offer@ Rs. 600 per share: 1 crore specified securities.
(2) Specified securities on offer for retail individual investors’ category: 35 lakh specified securities.
(3) The issue is over-all subscribed by 2.5 times, whereas the retail individual investors’ category is
oversubscribed 4 times.
(4) The issuer has fixed the minimum application/bid size as 20 specified securities (falling within the range
of ten thousand to fifteen thousand rupees) and in multiples thereof.
(5) A total of one lakh retail individual investors have applied in the issue, in varying number of bid lots i.e.
between 1 – 16 bid lots, based on the maximum application size of up to two lakh rupees.
(6) Out of the one lakh investors, there are five retail individual investors A, B, C, D and E who have applied
as follows: A has applied for 320 specified securities. B has applied for 220 specified securities. C has
applied for 120 specified securities. D has applied for 60 specified securities and E has applied for 20
specified securities.
(7) As the allotment to a retail individual investor cannot be less than the minimum bid lot, subject to
availability of shares, the remaining available shares, if any, shall be allotted on a proportionate basis.
The actual entitlement shall be as follows:
Sl. No. Name of Total Total number of specified securities eligible to be allotted
Investor Number of
specified
securities
applied for
1. A 320 20 specified securities (i.e. the minimum bid lot) + 38 specified
securities [{35,00,000 - (1,00,000 * 20)} / {140,00,000 - (1,00,000 *
20)}] * 300 (i.e.
320-20)
2. B 220 20 specified securities (i.e. the minimum bid lot) + 25 specified securities
[{35,00,000 - (1,00,000 * 20) / {140,00,000 - (1,00,000 * 20)}] * 200 (i.e.
220-20)
3. C 120 20 specified securities (i.e. the minimum bid lot) + 13 specified securities
[{35,00,000 - (1,00,000 * 20)} / {(140,00,000 - (1,00,000 * 20)}] * 100
(i.e. 120-20)
4. D 60 20 specified securities (i.e. the minimum bid lot) + 5 specified securities
[{(35,00,000 - 1,00,000 * 20)} / {(140,00,000 - (1,00,000 * 20)}] * 40 (i.e.
60-20)
5. E 20 20 specified securities (i.e. the minimum bid lot)
Example B
(1) Total number of specified securities on offer @ Rs. 600 per share: 1 crore specified securities.
(2) Specified securities on offer for retail individual investors’ category: 35 lakh specified securities.
(3) The issue is overall subscribed by 7 times, whereas the retail individual investors’ category is over-
subscribed 9.37 times.
(4) The issuer has decided the minimum application/bid size as 20 specified securities (falling within the
range of ten thousand to fifteen thousand rupees) and in multiples thereof.
(5) A total of two lakh retail individual investors have applied in the issue, in varying number of bid lots i.e.
between 1-16 bid lots, based on the maximum application size of up to two lakh rupees.
(6) As per the allotment procedure, the allotment to retail individual investors shall not be less than the
minimum bid lot, subject to availability of shares.
106 EP-SL&CM
(7) Since the total number of shares on offer to the retail individual investors is 35,00,000 and the minimum
bid lot is 20 shares, the maximum number of investors who can be allotted this minimum bid lot should
be 1,75,000. In other words, 1,75,000 retail applicants shall get the minimum bid lot and the remaining
25,000 retail applicants will not get any allotment.
The details of the allotment shall be as follows:
No. of No. of No. of retail Total no. of No. of investors who shall receive
lots shares at investors shares applied minimum bid-lot (to be selected by a
each lot applying at for at each lot lottery)
each lot
A B C D= (B*C) E
1. 20 10,000 2,00,000 8,750=(1,75,000/2,00,000)*10,000
2. 40 10,000 4,00,000 8,750
3. 60 10,000 6,00,000 8,750
4. 80 10,000 8,00,000 8,750
5. 100 20,000 20,00,000 17,500
6. 120 20,000 24,00,000 17,500
7. 140 15,000 21,00,000 13,125
8. 160 20,000 32,00,000 17,500
9. 180 10,000 18,00,000 8,750
10. 200 15,000 30,00,000 13,125
11. 220 10,000 22,00,000 8,750
12. 240 10,000 24,00,000 8,750
13. 260 10,000 26,00,000 8,750
14. 280 5,000 14,00,000 4,375
15. 300 15,000 45,00,000 13,125
16. 320 10,000 32,00,000 8,750
Total 2,00,000 328,00,000 1,75,000
Allotment, Refund and Payment of Interest [Regulations 50 & 146]

 The issuer and lead manager(s) shall ensure that specified securities are allotted and/or application
monies are refunded or unblocked within such period as may be specified by the SEBI.
 The lead manager(s) shall ensure that the allotment, credit of dematerialised securities, refunding or
unblocking of application monies, as may be applicable, are done electronically.
 Where specified securities are not allotted and/or application monies are not refunded or unblocked
within the period stipulated above, the issuer shall undertake to pay interest at the rate of fifteen per
cent per annum to the investors and within such time as disclosed in the offer document and the lead
manager(s) shall ensure the same.
 The SEBI vide Circular dated November 01, 2018 has made an endeavor to reduce listing time to
3 working days from the date of closure of issue and accordingly mandated that the retail individual
investors use the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
Post-issue Advertisements [Regulations 51 & 147]

 The lead manager(s) shall ensure that an advertisement giving details relating to:
– subscription,
– basis of allotment,
– number, value and percentage of all applications including ASBA,
– number, value and percentage of successful allottees for all applications including ASBA,
– date of completion of despatch of refund orders, as applicable, or
– instructions to self-certified syndicate banks by the registrar,
– date of credit of specified securities and date of filing of listing application, etc.
is released within ten days from the date of completion of the various activities in at least one English
national daily newspaper with wide circulation, one Hindi national daily newspaper with wide circulation
and one regional language daily newspaper with wide circulation at the place where registered office of
the issuer is situated.
 The above mentioned details shall also be placed on the websites of the stock exchange(s).
Post-issue responsibilities of the lead manager(s) [Regulations 52 & 148]

 The responsibility of the lead manager(s) shall continue until completion of the issue process and for
any issue related matter thereafter.
 The lead manager(s) shall regularly monitor redressal of investor grievances arising from any issue
related activities.
 The lead manager(s) shall continue to be responsible for post-issue activities till the applicants have
received the securities certificates, credit to their demat account or refund of application monies and the
listing agreement is entered into by the issuer with the stock exchange and listing or trading permission
is obtained.
 The lead manager(s) shall be responsible for and co-ordinate with the registrars to the issue and
with various intermediaries at regular intervals after the closure of the issue to monitor the flow of
applications from syndicate member(s) or collecting bank branches and/ or self-certified syndicate
banks, processing of the applications including application form for ASBA and other matters till the
basis of allotment is finalised, credit of the specified securities to the demat accounts of the allottees
and unblocking of ASBA accounts/ dispatch of refund orders are completed and securities are listed, as
applicable.
 Any act of omission or commission on the part of any of the intermediaries noticed by the lead manager(s)
shall be duly reported by them to SEBI.
 In case there is a devolvement on the underwriters, the lead manager(s) shall ensure that the notice
for devolvement containing the obligation of the underwriters is issued within ten days from the date of
closure of the issue.
 In the case of undersubscribed issues that are underwritten, the lead manager(s) shall furnish
information in respect of underwriters who have failed to meet their underwriting devolvement to SEBI.
108 EP-SL&CM
Release of subscription money [Regulations 53 & 149]

 The lead manager(s) shall confirm to the bankers to the issue by way of copies of listing and trading
approvals that all formalities in connection with the issue have been completed and that the banker is
free to release the money to the issuer or release the money for refund in case of failure of the issue.
 In case the issuer fails to obtain listing or trading permission from the stock exchanges where the
specified securities were to be listed, it shall refund through verifiable means the entire monies received
within seven days of receipt of intimation from stock exchanges rejecting the application for listing of
specified securities, and if any such money is not repaid within eight days after the issuer becomes
liable to repay it, the issuer and every director of the company who is an officer in default shall, on and
from the expiry of the eighth day, be jointly and severally liable to repay that money with interest at the
rate of fifteen percent per annum.
 The lead manager(s) shall ensure that the monies received in respect of the issue are released to the
issuer in compliance with the provisions of Section 40 (3) of the Companies Act, 2013, as applicable.
Reporting of transactions of the promoters and promoter group [Regulations 54 & 150]
The issuer shall ensure that all transactions in securities by the promoter and promoter group between the date
of filing of the draft offer document or offer document, as the case may be, and the date of closure of the issue
shall be reported to the stock exchange(s), within twenty four hours of such transactions.
Post-issue reports [Regulations 55 & 151]

The lead manager(s) shall submit a final post-issue report, along with a due diligence certificate as, within seven
days of the date of finalization of basis of allotment or within seven days of refund of money in case of failure
of issue.
Restriction on Further Capital Issues [Regulation 152]

The issuer shall not make any further issue of specified securities in any manner whether by way of a public
issue, rights issue, bonus issue, preferential issue, qualified institutions placement or otherwise except pursuant
to an employee stock option scheme:
• In case of a fast track issue, during the period between the date of filing the offer document (in case of a
book built issue) or prospectus (in case of a fixed price issue) with the Registrar of Companies and the
listing of the specified securities offered through the offer document or refund of application monies; or
• in case of other issues, during the period between the date of filing the draft offer document and the
listing of the specified securities offered through the offer document or refund of application monies;
unless full disclosures regarding the total number of specified securities or amount proposed to be raised from
such further issue are made in such draft offer document or offer document, as the case may be.
Face Value of Equity Shares [Regulations 27 & 125]

The disclosure about the face value of equity shares shall be made in the draft offer document, offer document,
offer document, advertisements and application forms, along with price band or the issue price in identical font
size.
Pricing
An issuer in an IPO and FPO may determine the price of specified securities in consultation with the lead
merchant banker or through the book building process.
Differential Pricing [Regulations 30 & 128]

An issuer may offer specified securities at different prices, subject to the following:
(a) retail individual investors or retail individual shareholders or employees entitled for reservation made
under regulation 33 & 130 of the ICDR Regulations, may be offered specified securities at a price not
lower than by more than ten per cent of the price at which net offer is made to other categories of
applicants, other than anchor investors;
In other words, if the issue price to the other categories of applicants is Rs.100 the price at which the
securities can be offered to the reserved categories shall not be less than Rs.90.
(b) in case of a book built issue, the price of the specified securities offered to an anchor investor shall not
be lower than the price offered to other applicants;
(c) In case the issuer opts for the alternate method of book building as specified under the ICDR Regulations,
2018, the issuer may offer specified securities to its employees at a price not lower by more than 10%
of the floor price.
In case of FPO, an additional condition is that in case of a composite issue, the price of the specified securities
offered in the public issue may be different from the price offered in rights issue and justification for such price
difference shall be given in the offer document; and discount, if any shall be expressed in rupee terms in the
offer document.
Price and Price Band [Regulations 29 & 127]

 The issuer may mention a price or price band in the draft prospectus (in case of a fixed price issue) and
floor price or price band in the red herring prospectus (in case of a book built issue) and determine the
price at a later date before filing the prospectus with the Registrar of Companies.
However, the prospectus filing with the RoC shall contain only one price or the coupon rate, as the case
may be.
 The cap on the price band, and the coupon rate in case of convertible debt instruments, shall be less
than or equal to one hundred and twenty per cent. of the floor price.
 The floor price or the final price shall not be less than the face value of the specified securities.
 Where the issuer opt not to make disclosure of the floor price or price band in the red herring prospectus,
the issuer shall be announce the floor price or price band at least two working days before the opening
of the bid (in case of an initial public offer) and at least one working day before the opening of the bid (in
case of a further public offer), in all the newspapers in which the pre issue advertisement was released.
 The announcement referred above shall also contain all the relevant financial ratios computed for both
the upper and lower end of the price band and also a statement drawing attention of the investors to
the section titled “basis of issue price” of the offer document.
 The announcement and the relevant financial ratios shall be disclosed on the websites of those stock
exchanges where the securities are proposed to be listed and shall also be pre-filled in the application
forms available on the websites of the stock exchanges.
Promoters’ Contribution
In Case of IPO
The promoters of the issuer shall hold at least twenty percent of the post-issue capital.
However, in case the post-issue shareholding of the promoters is less than twenty per cent., alternative
110 EP-SL&CM
investment funds or foreign venture capital investors or scheduled commercial banks or public financial
institutions or insurance companies registered with IRDA may contribute to meet the shortfall in minimum
contribution as specified for the promoters, subject to a maximum of ten percent of the post-issue capital without
being identified as promoter(s).
Non applicability
The requirement of minimum promoters’ contribution shall not apply in case an issuer does not have any
identifiable promoter.
Minimum Promoters’ Contribution

The minimum promoters’ contribution shall be as follows:
a) the promoters shall contribute twenty per cent., as the case may be, either by way of equity shares
including SR equity shares held, if any, orby way of subscription to convertible securities. by way of
subscription to convertible securities.
However, if the price of the equity shares allotted pursuant to conversion is not pre-determined and
not disclosed in the offer document, the promoters shall contribute only by way of subscription to the
convertible securities being issued in the public issue and shall undertake in writing to subscribe to the
equity shares pursuant to conversion of such securities.
b) in case of any issue of convertible securities which are convertible or exchangeable on different dates
and if the promoters’ contribution is by way of equity shares (conversion price being pre-determined),
such contribution shall not be at a price lower than the weighted average price of the equity share
capital arising out of conversion of such securities.
c) in case of an initial public offer of convertible debt instruments without a prior public issue of equity
shares, the promoters shall bring in a contribution of at least twenty percent of the project cost in the
form of equity shares, subject to contributing at least twenty percent of the issue size from their own
funds in the form of equity shares.
However, if the project is to be implemented in stages, the promoters’ contribution shall be with respect to total
equity participation till the respective stage vis-à-vis the debt raised or proposed to be raised through the public
issue.
Promoters’ Contribution to be brought in before Public Issue Opens [Regulation 14(4)]

The promoters shall bring full amount of the promoters’ contribution including premium at least one day prior
to the date of opening of the issue. In case the promoters have to subscribe to equity shares or convertible
securities towards minimum promoters’ contribution, the amount of promoters’ shall be kept in an escrow
account with a scheduled commercial bank, which shall be released to the issuer along with the release of the
issue proceeds.
However, where the promoters’ contribution has already been brought in and utilised, the issuer shall give the
cash flow statement disclosing the use of such funds in the offer document;
Further, where the minimum promoters’ contribution is more than one hundred crore rupees and the initial public
offer is for partly paid shares, the promoters shall bring in at least one hundred crore rupees before the date of
opening of the issue and the remaining amount may be brought on a pro-rata basis before the calls are made
to the public. Promoters’ contribution shall be computed on the basis of the post-issue expanded capital:
(a) assuming full proposed conversion of convertible securities into equity shares;
(b) assuming exercise of all vested options, where any employee stock options are outstanding at the time
of initial public offer.
Securities Ineligible for Minimum Promoters’ Contribution [Regulation 15]

For the computation of minimum promoters’ contribution, the following specified securities shall not be eligible:
(a) Specified securities acquired during

the preceding three years, if these are:-
(b) specified securities acquired by
acquired for consideration other than cash promoters and AIFs/ FVCIs /
and revaluation of assets or capitalisation scheduled commercial banks/ PFIs/
of intangible assets is involved in such insurance companies during the
transaction; or preceding one year at a price lower
resulting from a bonus issue by utilisation than the price at which specified
of revaluation reserves /unrealised profits securities are being offered to public
of the issuer/from bonus issue against in the initial public offer.
equity shares which are ineligible for
minimum promoters’ contribution.
(c) specified securities allotted to

promoters and AIFs during the preceding
one year at a price less than the issue price,
against funds brought in by them during that
period, in case of an issuer formed by (d) specified securities
conversion of one or more partnership pledged with any creditor.
firms/LLPs, where the partners of the
erstwhile partnership firms/LLPs are the
promoters of the issuer and there is no
change in the management. *
* In clause (c), specified securities, alloted to promoters against capital existing in such firms for a period
of more than one year on a continuous basis, shall be eligible.
However, Clause (b) shall not apply:
o if the promoters and AIFs, as applicable pay to the issuer, the difference between the price at which
specified securities are offered in the initial public offer and the price at which the specified securities
had been acquired;
o if such specified securities are acquired in terms of the scheme under section 391 to 394 of the
Companies Act, 1956 or sections 230-240 of the Companies Act, 2013, as approved by a High Court
or a tribunal or the Central Government, as applicable, by promoters in lieu of business and invested
capital that had been in existence for a period of more than one year prior to such approval;
o to an initial public offer by a government company, statutory authority or corporation or any special
purpose vehicle set up by any of them, which is engaged in infrastructure sector;
Specified securities referred above shall be eligible for the computation of promoters’ contribution, if such
securities are acquired pursuant to a scheme which has been approved by a High Court under sections 391-
394 of the Companies Act, 1956 or approved by Tribunal or the Central Government under sections 230-240 of
112 EP-SL&CM
the Companies Act, 2013.
IN CASE OF FPO
Exemption from Requirement of Promoters’ Contribution [Regulation 112]

The requirements of minimum promoters’ contribution shall not apply in case of:
(a) An issuer which does not have any identifiable promoter;
(b) In case of a further public offer, where the equity shares of the
issuer are frequently traded on a recognised stock exchange for a
period of at least three years and the issuer has a track record of
dividend payment for at least three immediately preceding years.
However, where the promoters propose to subscribe to the specified securities offered to the extent greater
than higher of the two options available in clause (a), the subscription in excess of such percentage shall be
made at a price determined in terms of the provisions of Pricing of frequently traded shares or the issue price,
Reference date for the purpose of computing the annualised trading turnover referred to in the said
Explanation shall be the date of filing the draft offer document with the SEBI and in case of a fast track
issue, the date of filing the offer document with the Registrar of Companies, and before opening of
the issue.
Minimum Promoters’ Contribution [Regulation 113]

 The promoters shall contribute in the public issue as follows:
a) either to the extent of twenty percent of the proposed issue size or to the extent of twenty per cent.
of the post-issue capital;
b) in case of a composite issue (i.e. further public offer cum rights issue), either to the extent of
twenty percent of the proposed issue size or to the extent of twenty percent of the post-issue
capital excluding the rights issue component.
 In case of a public issue or composite issue of convertible securities, the minimum promoters’
contribution shall be as follows:
a) the promoters shall contribute twenty percent, as the case may be, either by way of equity shares
or by way of subscription to the convertible securities.

However, if the price of the equity shares allotted pursuant to conversion is not pre-determined
and not disclosed in the offer document, the promoters shall contribute only by way of subscription
to the convertible securities being issued in the public issue and shall undertake in writing to
subscribe to the equity shares pursuant to conversion of such securities.
b) in case of any issue of convertible securities which are convertible or exchangeable on different
dates and if the promoters’ contribution is by way of equity shares (conversion price being pre-
determined), such contribution shall not be at a price lower than the weighted average price of the
equity share capital arising out of conversion of such securities.
 In case of a further public offer or composite issue where the promoters contribute more than the
stipulated minimum promoters’ contribution, the allotment with respect to excess contribution shall be
made at a price determined in terms of the provisions relating to pricing of frequently trading shares or
the issue price, whichever is higher.
 In case the promoters have to subscribe to equity shares or convertible securities towards promoters’
contribution, the promoters shall satisfy the requirements of at least one day prior to the date of opening
of the issue and the amount of promoters’ contribution shall be kept in an escrow account with a
scheduled commercial bank and shall be released to the issuer along with the release of the issue
proceeds:
Further, where the minimum promoters’ contribution is more than one hundred crore rupees and the
further public offer is for partly paid shares, the promoters shall bring in at least one hundred crore
rupees before the date of opening of the issue and the remaining amount may be brought on a pro-rata
basis before the calls are made to the public.
 The SR equity shares of promoters, if any, shall be eligible towards computation of minimum promoters’
contribution.
“Weighted average price”:

(a) “weight” means the number of equity shares arising out of conversion of such specified securities into
equity shares at various stages;
(b) “price” means the price of equity shares on conversion arrived at after taking into account predetermined
conversion price at various stages.
Securities ineligible for minimum promoters’ contribution [Regulation 114]

For the computation of minimum promoters’ contribution, the following specified securities shall not be eligible:
(a) specified securities acquired during the preceding three years, if these are:
i) acquired for consideration other than cash and revaluation of assets or capitalisation of intangible
assets is involved in such transaction; or
ii) resulting from a bonus issue by utilisation of revaluation reserves or unrealised profits of the
issuer or from bonus issue against equity shares which are ineligible for minimum promoters’
contribution;
(b) specified securities pledged with any creditor other than those for borrowings by the issuer or its
subsidiaries.
Specified securities referred shall be eligible for the computation of promoters’ contribution, if such securities
are acquired pursuant to a scheme which has been approved by the High Court under section 391 to 394 of
the Companies Act, 1956 or approved by a tribunal or the Central Government under section 230 to 234 of the
Companies Act, 2013.
Lock-in Requirements
For Securities Held by Promoters [Regulations 16 & 115]

In a public issue, the specified securities held by promoters shall be locked-in for the period stipulated hereunder:
(a) The promoters contribution including contribution made by AIFs or FVCIs or scheduled commercial
114 EP-SL&CM
banks or PFIs or insurance companies registered with IRDA, shall be locked-in for a period of three
years from the date of commencement of commercial production or from the date of allotment in the
IPO/FPO, whichever is later;
(b) promoters’ holding in excess of minimum promoters’ contribution shall be locked-in for a period of one
year from the date of allotment in the initial public offer.
Further, the SR equity shares shall be under lock-in until conversion into equity shares having voting rights
same as that of ordinary shares or shall be locked-in for a period specified above, whichever is later.
In case of FPO, the excess promoters’ contribution as provides in clause (b) shall be locked - in for a period.
“Date of commencement of commercial production” means the last date of the month in which commercial
production of the project in respect of which the funds raised are proposed to be utilized as stated in the offer
document, is expected to commence.
The SR equity shares shall be under lock-in until their conversion to equity shares having voting rights same
as that of ordinary shares, provided they are in compliance with the other provisions of these regulations.
Securities held by persons other than Promoters [Regulation 17]

 The entire pre-issue share capital, held by persons other than the promoters, shall be locked-in for a
period of one year from the date of allotment in the initial public offer.
 The provisions of this regulation shall not apply, in case of:
(i) Equity shares allotted to employees under employee stock option or employee stock purchase
scheme prior to initial public offer, if the issuer has made full disclosures with respect to such
option; and
(ii) Equity shares held by an employee stock option trust or transferred to the employees by an
employee stock option trust pursuant to exercise of options by the employees, in accordance with
the employee stock option plan or employee stock purchase scheme;
(iii) Equity shares held by a venture capital fund or AIF of category I & II or a FVCI and such equity
shares shall be locked-in for a period of at least one-year from the date of purchase by the venture
capital or AIF or FVCI.
For Point No. (iii), in case such equity shares have resulted pursuant to conversion of fully paid-
up compulsorily convertible securities, the holding period of such convertible securities as well
as that of resultant equity shares together shall be considered for the purpose of calculation
of one year period and convertible securities shall be deemed to be fully paid- up, if the entire
consideration payable thereon has been paid and no further consideration is payable at the time
of their conversion.
 There is no such requirements as mentioned above in case of a FPO.
Securities lent to Stabilising Agent under Green Shoe Option [Regulations 18 & 116]
If the shares held by promoter(s) are lent to the Stabilizing Agent (SA) as prescribed, they should be exempted
from the lock-in requirements specified above, for the period starting from the date of such lending and ending
on the date on which they are returned to the same lender(s). However, the securities should be locked-in for
the remaining period from the date on which they are returned to the lender.
Lock-in of party-paid securities [Regulations 19 & 117]

If the specified securities which are subject to lock-in are partly paid-up and the amount called-up on such
specified securities is less than the amount called-up on the specified securities issued to the public, the lock-
in shall end only on the expiry of three years after such specified securities have become pari passu with the
specified securities issued to the public.
Inscription or recording of non-transferability [Regulations 20 & 118]

The certificates of specified securities which are subject to lock-in shall contain the inscription “non-transferable”
and specify the lock-in period and in case such specified securities are dematerialised, the issuer shall ensure
that the lock-in is recorded by the depository.
Pledge of Locked In Shares [Regulations 21 & 119]

Specified securities except SR equity shares, held by the promoters and locked in may be pledged as collateral
security for a loan granted by a scheduled commercial bank or a public financial institution or a systemically
important non-banking finance company or a housing finance company, subject to the following:
a) if the specified securities are locked-in in

terms of clause (a) of Lock-in of specified
securities held by the promoters, the loan
has been granted to the issuer company or
its subsidiary/subsidiaries for the purpose
of financing one or more of the objects of
the issue and pledge of specified
securities is one of the terms of sanction of
the loan
b) if the specified securities are locked-in

in terms of clause (b) of Lock-in of
specified securities held by the
promoters and the pledge of
specified securities is one of the
terms of sanction of the loan.
However, in case of an IPO the provision as mentioned in point (ii) regarding lock-in, such lock-in shall continue
pursuant to the invocation of the pledge and such transferee shall not be eligible to transfer the specified
securities till the lock-in period stipulated in these regulations, has expired.
Transferability of locked-in specified securities [Regulations 22 & 120]

Subject to the provisions of the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011, the
specified securities except SR equity shares held by the promoters and locked-in as per regulation 115 may be
transferred to another promoter or any person of the promoter group or a new promoter or a person in control
of the issuer:
However, lock-in on such specified securities shall continue for the remaining period with the transferee and
such transferee shall not be eligible to transfer them till the lock-in period stipulated in these regulations has
expired.
116 EP-SL&CM
MINIMUM OFFER TO PUBLIC AND RESERVATIONS
Minimum Offer to Public [Regulation 31]

The minimum net offer to the public shall be subject to the provision of clause (b) of sub-rule (2) of rule 19 of
Securities Contracts (Regulations) Rules, 1957.
Reservation on Competitive Basis [Regulations 33 & 130]

Reservation on competitive basis means reservation wherein specified securities are allotted in portion of the
number of specified securities applied for in respect of a particular reserved category to the number of specified
securities reserved for that category.
According to the SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018, there are certain persons eligible for reservation on competitive
basis.
(1) The issuer may make reservation on a competitive basis out of the issue size excluding promoters’
contribution in favour of the following categories of persons:
 Employees;
 shareholders (other than promoters and promoter group ) of listed subsidiaries or listed promoter
companies.
However, the issuer shall not make any reservation for the lead manager(s), registrar, syndicate
member(s), their promoters, directors and employees and for the group or associate companies (as
defined under the Companies Act, 2013) of the lead manager(s), registrar and syndicate member(s)
and their promoters, directors and employees.
(2) In case of an FPO, other than in a composite issue, the issuer may make a reservation on a competitive
basis out of the issue size excluding promoters’ contribution to the existing retail individual shareholders
of the issuer.
(3) The reservation on competitive basis shall be subject to following conditions:
 the aggregate of reservations for employees shall not exceed five per cent of the post issue
capital of the issuer and the value of allotment to any employee shall not exceed two lakhs rupees;

However, in the event of under-subscription in the employee reservation portion, the unsubscribed
portion may be alloted on a proportionate basis, for a value in excess of two lakh rupees, subject
to the total allotment to an employee not exceeding five lakh rupees.
 reservation for shareholders shall not exceed ten per cent of the issue size;
 no further application for subscription in the net offer can be made by persons (except an employee
and retail individual shareholder of the listed issuer and retail individual shareholders of listed
subsidiaries of listed promoter companies) in favour of whom reservation on a competitive basis
is made;
 any unsubscribed portion in any reserved category may be added to any other reserved category
and the unsubscribed portion, if any, after such inter-se adjustments among the reserved
categories shall be added to the net offer category;
 in case of under-subscription in the net offer category, spill-over to the extent of under-subscription
shall be permitted from the reserved category to the net public offer category;
(4) An applicant in any reserved category may make an application for any member of specified securities,
but not exceeding the reserved portion for that category.
FAST TRACK FPO
Eligibility
An Issuer Company need not file the draft offer document with SEBI and obtain observations from SEBI, or
make a security Deposit with the Stock Exchanges if it satisfies the following conditions:
(a) the equity shares of the issuer have been listed on any stock exchange for a period of at least three
years immediately preceding the reference date;
(b) entire shareholding of the promoter group of the issuer is held in dematerialised form on the reference
date;
(c) the average market capitalisation of public shareholding of the issuer is at least one thousand crore
rupees in case of public issue and two hundred and fifty crore rupees in case of rights issue;
(d) the annualised trading turnover of the equity shares of the issuer during six calendar months immediately
preceding the month of the reference date has been at least 2% of the weighted average number of
equity shares listed during such six months’ period. However if the public shareholding is less than
fifteen per cent of its issued equity capital, the annualised trading turnover of its equity shares has been
at least two per cent of the weighted average number of equity shares available as free float during
such six months’ period;
(e) annualized delivery-based trading turnover of the equity shares during six calendar months immediately
preceding the month of the reference date has been at least ten per cent of the annualised trading
turnover of the equity shares during such six months‘ period;
(f) The issuer has been in compliance with the equity listing agreement or SEBI Listing Regulations, 2015,
as applicable, for a period of at least three years immediately preceding the reference date.
However, if the issuer has not complied with the provisions of the listing agreement or SEBI Listing
Regulations, 2015, as applicable, relating to composition of board of directors, for any quarter during
the last three years immediately preceding the reference date, but is compliant with such provisions at
the time of filing of letter of offer, and adequate disclosures are made in the letter of offer about such
non-compliances during the three years immediately preceding the reference date, it shall be deemed
as compliance with the condition.
Further, imposition of monetary fines by stock exchange on the issuer shall not be a ground for
ineligibility for undertaking issuances under these regulations.
(g) the issuer has redressed at least ninety five per cent of the complaints received from the investors till
the end of the quarter immediately preceding the month of the reference date;
(h) no show-cause notices have been issued or prosecution proceedings have been initiated by the SEBI
and pending against the issuer or its promoters or whole-time directors as on the reference date;
(i) issuer or promoter or promoter group or director of the issuer has not settled any alleged violation
of securities laws through the consent or settlement mechanism with the SEBI during three years
immediately preceding the reference date;
(j) equity shares of the issuer have not been suspended from trading as a disciplinary measure during last
three years immediately preceding the reference date;
(k) There shall be no conflict of interest between the lead merchant banker(s) and the issuer or its group
or associate company in accordance with applicable regulations.
(l) impact of audit qualifications, if any and where quantifiable, on the audited accounts of the issuer in
respect of those financial years for which such accounts are disclosed in the letter of offer does not
exceed five per cent of the net profit or loss after tax of the issuer for the respective years.
118 EP-SL&CM
“Average Market Capitalisation of Public Shareholding” means the sum of daily market capitalisation of public
shareholding for a period of one year up to the end of the quarter preceding the month in which the proposed
issue was approved by the shareholders or the board of the issuer, as the case may be, divided by the number
of trading days.
Post-listing exit opportunity for dissenting shareholders

 In case of further public offers, including under the fast track route, the promoters or shareholders
in control of an issuer shall provide an exit offer to dissenting shareholders as provided for in the
Companies Act, 2013, in case of change in objects or variation in the terms of contract related to objects
referred to in the offer document as per conditions and manner is provided in Schedule XX of SEBI
ICDR Regulations, 2018;
 The exit offer shall not apply where there are neither identifiable promoters nor shareholders in control
of the listed issuer.
EXIT OPPORTUNITY TO DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS [SCHEDULED XX]

The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to an exit offer made by the promoters or shareholders in control of an
issuer to the dissenting shareholders in terms of section 13(8) and section 27(2) of the Companies Act, 2013, in
case of change in objects or variation in the terms of contract referred to in the offer document.
However, the provisions of this Chapter shall not apply where there are neither identifiable promoters nor
shareholders in control of the listed issuer.
What is Dissenting Shareholders?

“Dissenting Shareholders” mean those shareholders who have voted against the resolution for change in
Objects or variation in terms of a contract, referred to in the offer document of the issuer.
Conditions for Exit Offer

The promoters or shareholders in control shall make the exit offer in accordance with the provisions of this
Chapter, to the dissenting shareholders, in cases only if a public issue has opened after April 1, 2014; if :
• the proposal for change in objects or variation in terms of a contract, referred to in the offer document
is dissented by at least 10 per cent of the shareholders who voted in the general meeting; and
• the amount to be utilized for the objects for which the offer document was issued is less than 75 % of
the amount raised (including the amount earmarked for general corporate purposes as disclosed in the
offer document).
ELIGIBILITY OF SHAREHOLDERS FOR AVAILING THE EXIT OFFER

Only those dissenting shareholders of the issuer who are holding shares as on the relevant date shall be eligible
to avail the exit offer.
EXIT OFFER PRICE

The ‘exit price’ payable to the dissenting shareholders shall be the highest of the following:
a) the volume-weighted average price paid or payable for acquisitions, whether by the promoters or
shareholders having control or by any person acting in concert with them, during the fifty-two weeks
immediately preceding the relevant date;
b) the highest price paid or payable for any acquisition, whether by the promoters or shareholders having
control or by any person acting in concert with them, during the twenty-six weeks immediately preceding
the relevant date;
c) the volume-weighted average market price of such shares for a period of sixty trading days immediately
preceding the relevant date as traded on the recognised stock exchange where the maximum volume of
trading in the shares of the issuer are recorded during such period, provided such shares are frequently
traded;
d) where the shares are not frequently traded, the price determined by the promoters or shareholders
having control and the merchant banker taking into account valuation parameters including book value,
comparable trading multiples, and such other parameters as are customary for valuation of shares of
such issuers.
MANNER OF PROVIDING EXIT TO DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS

– The notice proposing the passing of special resolution for changing the objects of the issue and varying
the terms of contract, referred to in the prospectus shall also contain information about the exit offer to
the dissenting shareholders.
– In addition to the disclosures required under the provisions of section 102 of the Companies Act,
2013 read with rule 32 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 and rule 7 of the Companies
(Prospectus and Allotment of Securities) Rules, 2014 and any other applicable law, a statement to the
effect that the promoters or the shareholders having control shall provide an exit opportunity to the
dissenting shareholders shall also be included in the explanatory statement to the notice for passing
special resolution.
– After passing of the special resolution, the issuer shall submit the voting results to the recognised stock
exchange(s), in terms of the provisions of regulation 44(3) of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015.
– The issuer shall also submit the list of dissenting shareholders, as certified by its compliance officer, to
the recognised stock exchange(s).
– The promoters or shareholders in control, shall appoint a merchant banker registered with SEBI and
finalize the exit offer price in accordance with these regulations.
– The issuer shall intimate the recognised stock exchange(s) about the exit offer to dissenting shareholders
and the price at which such offer is being given.
– The recognised stock exchange(s) shall immediately on receipt of such intimation disseminate the
same to public within one working day.
– To ensure security for performance of their obligations, the promoters or shareholders having control,
as applicable, shall create an escrow account which may be interest bearing and deposit the aggregate
consideration in the account at least two working days prior to opening of the tendering period.
– The tendering period shall start not later than seven working days from the passing of the special
resolution and shall remain open for ten working days.
– The dissenting shareholders who have tendered their shares in acceptance of the exit offer shall have
the option to withdraw such acceptance till the date of closure of the tendering period.
– The promoters or shareholders having control shall facilitate tendering of shares by the shareholders
and settlement of the same through the recognised stock exchange mechanism as specified by SEBI
for the purpose of takeover, buy-back and delisting.
– The promoters or shareholders having control shall, within a period of ten working days from the last
120 EP-SL&CM
date of the tendering period, make payment of consideration to the dissenting shareholders who have
accepted the exit offer.
– Within a period of two working days from the payment of consideration, the issuer shall furnish to the
recognised stock exchange(s), disclosures giving details of aggregate number of shares tendered,
accepted, payment of consideration and the post-offer shareholding pattern of the issuer and a report
by the merchant banker that the payment has been duly made to all the dissenting shareholders whose
shares have been accepted in the exit offer.
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE NON-PUBLIC SHAREHOLDING

In the event, the shares accepted in the exit offer were such that the shareholding of the promoters or
shareholders in control, taken together with persons acting in concert with them pursuant to completion of
the exit offer results in their shareholding exceeding the maximum permissible non-public shareholding, the
promoters or shareholders in control, as applicable, shall be required to bring down the non-public shareholding
to the level specified and within the time permitted under Securities Contract (Regulation) Rules, 1957.
PROCEDURE FOR ISSUE OF SECURITIES

In the light of the provisions of the Companies Act and the guidelines issued by Government/SEBI under the
Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957 and the SEBI Act, 1992, the procedure for issue of securities
to be followed by companies is given below. This procedure should be read along with the relevant SEBI
regulations and provisions of the other Acts.
I. Issue of Shares to the Public

A company proposing to raise resources by a public issue should first select the type of securities i.e. shares
and/or debentures to be issued by it. In case the company has applied for financial assistance to any of the
financial/investment institutions, the requirement of the funds to be raised from the public is to be decided in
consultation with the said institution while appraising the project of the company. The decision regarding the
issue of shares to be made at par or premium should be taken. The various steps involved in public issue of
shares are enumerated below:
1. Compliance with the SEBI Regulations
Before making any issue of capital, it is to be ensured that the proposed issue complies with the eligibility norms
and other provisions of SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2009.
2. Holding of general meeting
A general meeting of the shareholders (annual or extraordinary) is to be convened for obtaining their consent
to the proposed issue of shares if the articles so require. In case the proposed issue requires any increase in
authorised share capital (Section 61, 62, 64), alteration in capital clause of the Memorandum of Association
(Section 13), alteration of the articles of association (Section 14) etc. the approvals for the same should also be
obtained at the General Meeting.
3. Appointment of managers to the issue
The Company issuing shares is to appoint one or more Merchant Bankers to act as managers to the public
issue.
4. Appointment of various other agencies
The company should in consultation with the Managers to the issue, decide upon the appointment of the
following other agencies:
(a) Registrars to the Issue; (b) Collecting bankers to the Issue; (c) Advisors to the Issue; (d) Underwriters to
the Issue; (e) Brokers to the Issue; (f) Printers; (g) Advertising Agents, (h) Self Certified Syndicate Banks, etc.
5. Drafting of prospectus
Next step is to draft a prospectus in accordance with Section 26 of the Companies Act, 2013 and an abridged
prospectus as required under Section 33(1) of the Companies Act, 2013. The prospectus should contain the
disclosures as required by the SEBI Regulations under Schedule VIII.
6. Intimation to Stock Exchange
A copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company is to be sent to the Stock Exchanges
where the shares are to be enlisted, for approval.
7. Approval of prospectus
The draft offer document alongwith the application form for issue of shares should be got approved by the
solicitors/legal advisors of the company to ensure that it contains all disclosures and information as required by
various statutes, rules, regulations, notifications, etc. The managers to the issue should also verify and approve
the draft prospectus. The financial institutions providing loan facilities generally stipulate that the prospectus
should be got approved by them. The company should in such a case, forward a copy of the draft prospectus
for their verification and approval as well. The approval of underwriters should also be taken if they so require.
A copy of the draft offer document is also to be filed with the SEBI for scrutiny. Merchant Bankers, acting as the
Lead Manager to ensure that an offer document contain the disclosure requirements as specified by the SEBI from
time to time for the issue of securities. Also to ensure that an offer document provides a true, correct and fair view
of the state of affairs of the company which are adequate for the investors to arrive at a well-informed investment
decision. The Merchant Bankers are required to submit the draft of the offer document along with Due Diligence
Certificate to the SEBI in the form specified within six weeks before the issue is scheduled to open for subscription.
Further, they are held responsible for ensuring the compliance with the SEBI Rules, Regulations, Guidelines and
requirements for other laws, for the time being in force.
8. Approval of board of directors to prospectus and other documents
After getting observations of the SEBI in the draft prospectus and the application form, the board of directors of
the company should approve the final draft before filing with the Registrar of Companies. The company should,
therefore, hold the meeting of the board of directors to transact the following business:
(a) to approve and accept consent letters received from various parties agencies to act in their respective
capacities;
(b) to approve and accept appointment of underwriters, brokers, bankers to the issue registrar to the issue,
solicitors and advocates to the issue, etc.
(c) to accept the Auditors’ Report for inclusion in the prospectus;
(d) to approve the date of opening of subscription list as also earliest and latest dates for closing of
subscription list with the authority in favour of any director for earlier closing if necessary.
(e) to approve draft prospectus/draft abridged prospectus and the draft share application form.
(f) to authorise filing of the prospectus signed by all the directors or their constituted attorneys with the
Registrar of Companies.
(g) to authorise any officer of the company to deliver the prospectus for registration with the Registrar of
Companies and to carry out the corrections, if any, at the office of the Registrar of Companies.
(h) to approve the format of the statutory announcement.
122 EP-SL&CM
9. Making application to Stock Exchange(s) for permission to listing

Before filing prospectus with the Registrar of Companies the company should submit an application(s) to the
Stock Exchange(s) for enlistment of securities offered to the public by the said issue [Section 40(1) of the
Companies Act, 2013]. The fact that an application(s) has/have been made to the Stock Exchange(s) must be
stated in the prospectus.
10. Printing and distribution of prospectus and application forms
After receipt of the intimation from Registrar of Companies regarding registration of prospectus, the company
should take steps to issue the prospectus within 90 days of its registration with ROC. For the purpose, the first
step is to get adequate number of prospectuses and application forms printed. The provisions of Section 33 of
the Companies Act, 2013 should be kept in view in this regard which provide that no one shall issue any form
of application for shares in or debenture of a company unless the form is accompanied by a memorandum
containing such salient features of a prospectus as may be prescribed.
At least 2 weeks before the announcement is made in any newspaper, journal etc. requisite number of copies
of the prospectus and application forms accompanied by the abridged prospectus should be distributed to the
brokers, underwriters, merchant bankers, lead managers, bankers etc. to the issue.
11. Pricing
12. Promoters contribution and lock-in-period
13. Underwriting
14. Mandatory Collection Centres
15. Certificate relating to promoters’ contribution
The SEBI Regulations require that atleast one day prior to the date of opening of the issue, a certificate from the
Chartered Accountant to the effect that the promoters’ contribution in its entirety has been brought in advance
before the public issue opens should be forwarded to it. The certificate should be accompanied by a list of
names and addresses of friends, relatives and associates who have contributed to the promoters’ quota, along
with the amount of subscription made by each of them. The same shall be applicable if the promoter do not hold
shares equivalent to minimum 20% of Post issue paid up capital.
16. Coordination with the bankers to the issue
The date of opening and closing of the subscription list should be intimated to all the collecting and controlling
branches of the bank with whom the company has entered into an agreement for the collection of application
forms. Further, the company should ensure that a separate bank account is opened for the purpose of collecting
the proceeds of the issues as required by Section 40(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 and furnish to the controlling
branches the resolution passed by the Board of directors for opening bank account.
17. Minimum subscription
18. Allotment of shares
A return of allotment in Form PAS-3 of the Companies (Prospectus and Allotment of Securities) should be
filed with the Registrar of Companies within 30 days of the date of allotment along with the fees as rules, 2014
specified in the Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules, 2014.
19. Refund orders
The company shall disclose the mode in which it shall made refunds to applicants in the prospectus and
abridged prospectus.
SEBI Circular
Certification by practising Company Secretary in case of offer/allotment of securities to more than 49 and up to
200 investors
To issue a certificate regarding issuance of securities to more than 49 and up to 200 investors that the refund
procedure as prescribed by the SEBI has been duly complied with [SEBI Circular No. CFD/DIL3/CIR/P/2016/53
dated May 03, 2016]
LESSON ROUND UP
– Public Issue of shares means the selling or marketing of shares for subscription by the public by issue
of prospectus.
– All listed companies whose equity shares are listed on a stock exchange and unlisted companies
eligible to make a public issue and desirous of getting its securities listed on a recognised stock
exchange pursuant to a public issue, may freely price its equity shares or any securities convertible at
a later date into equity shares.
– Issue of Securities are regulated by the SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018.
– The SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018 lays down the provisions and procedure for various types of
issue, including public and rights issue.
– In case of an IPO, the promoters of the issue shall hold at least twenty per cent of the post issue
capital.
– The SR shares shall be issued only to the promoters/ founders who hold an executive position in the
issuer company;
– The promoters’ holding in excess of minimum promoters’ contribution shall be locked in for a period of
one year from the date of allotment in the IPO.
– A merchant banker holding a valid certificate of registration is required to be appointed to manage the
issue.
– Every company making a public issue is required to appoint a compliance officer and intimate the
name of the compliance officer to SEBI.
– Public issue must be kept open for atleast 3 working days but not more than 10 working days including
the days for which the issue is kept open in case of revision in price band.
GLOSSARY
Average market It means the sum of daily market capitalization of “public shareholding” for a period of
capitalisation of one year up to the end of the quarter preceding the month in which the proposed
public shareholding issue was approved by the Board of Directors/ shareholders, as the case may be,
divided by the number of trading days.
Basis of allotment An allotment pattern of an issue among different categories of applicant.
General Corporate It include such identified purposes for which no specific amount is allocated or any
Purpose amount so specified towards General Corporate Purpose or any such purpose by
whatever name called, in the draft offer document filed with SEBI.
124 EP-SL&CM
Offer for sale An offer of securities by existing shareholder(s) of a company to the public of
subscription, through an offer document.
Price Band The range within which the price of a security or the index of a currency is permitted
to move within a given period.
SELF TEST QUESTIONS

1. Discuss briefly provisions relating to reservation on competitive basis under the SEBI (ICDR)
Regulations, 2018.
2. What are the eligibility requirement for making an initial public offer by an issuer?
3. A company cannot offer its shares at different sets of people in a particular public issue. Comment
4. Briefly enumerate the various conditions required to be fulfilled by an issuer to issuer warrant in an
initial public offer.
5. What do you mean by SR equity shares?
6. Write short notes on –

(a) Minimum subscription
(b) Minimum promoters’ contribution and lock-in-period
(c) Offer Document
(d) Red-herring Prospectus
Lesson 5
Lesson 5 n An Overview of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 125
An Overview of SEBI (Listing Obligations and

Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015
LESSON OUTLINE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
– Introduction
Section 21 of the Securities Contracts (Regulation)
– SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Act, 1956 (“SCRA”) provides that Where the
securities are listed on the application of any
– Applicability person in any recognised stock exchange, such
person shall comply with the conditions of the listing
– Obligations of Listed Entities
agreement with that stock exchange. Pursuant to
– Compliances under SEBI Listing insertion of these provisions in the SCRA in 1956,
Regulations the Listing Agreement, although a contract, was
– Corporate Governance under SEBI (LODR) made a statutory requirement, thereby making it
Regulations, 2015 mandatory for every listed entity in India to comply
with the Listing Agreement. In India, the SEBI
– In-Principle Approval of Recognized Stock has been regulating listed companies through the
Exchange(s)
medium of listed agreement entered into between
– Role of Company Secretary each listed company with the concerned stock
exchange. Compliance with the listing conditions
– LESSON ROUND UP
is mandatory by virtue of the governing law. The
– GLOSSARY SEBI has revamped its Listing Agreement that
– SELF TEST QUESTIONS the companies need to enter into with the stock
exchanges while listing its securities with the
new the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (‘Listing
Regulations’).
This lesson will give an overview of various time and
event based compliances and various disclosure
requirements prescribed under the SEBI Listing
Regulations, 2015.
126 EP-SL&CM
INTRODUCTION
Listing of securities with stock exchange is a matter of great importance for companies and investors, because
this provides the liquidity to the securities in the market. Any company offering its shares to the public for
subscription is required to be listed on the stock exchange and has to comply with the listing requirements
prescribed by the Stock Exchange. A company seeking listing of their securities on the Stock Exchange is
required to enter into a formal listing agreement with the Stock Exchange.
SEBI has prescribed and also specified all the quantitative and qualitative requirements to be continuously complied
with by the issuer for continued listing. The Stock Exchange monitors such compliances and companies who do not
comply with the provisions of the listing agreement may be suspended from trading on the Stock Exchange(s).
As per the SEBI Listing Regulations, 2015, “listed entity” means an entity which has listed, on a recognised
stock exchange(s), the designated securities issued by it or designated securities issued under schemes
managed by it, in accordance with the listing agreement entered into between the entity and the recognised
stock exchange(s).
“Designated securities” means specified securities, non-convertible debt securities, non-convertible redeemable
preference shares, perpetual debt instrument, perpetual non-cumulative preference shares, Indian depository
receipts, securitised debt instruments, security receipts, units issued by mutual funds and any other securities
as may be specified by the SEBI.
“specified securities” means ‘equity shares’ and ‘convertible securities’ as defined under clause (zj) of sub-
regulation (1) of regulation 2 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2009.
SEBI (LISTING OBLIGATIONS AND DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS) REGULATIONS, 2015

SEBI has notified SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (‘Listing
Regulations’) on September 2, 2015 which came into force w.e.f. December 1, 2015 with two objectives, firstly,
to align clauses of the listing agreement with Companies Act, 2013 and secondly to consolidate the conditions
under different securities listing agreements in one single regulation.
APPLICABILITY
These regulations shall apply to a listed entity who has listed any of the following designated securities on
recognised stock exchange(s):
Securitised debt
instruments
Indian depository
Security receipts
receipts
NCDs, NCRPs,
Units issued by
Perpetual Debt
mutual funds
Specified
securities listed Any other
on main board or securities as may
SME Exchange or Applicability be specified by
institutional SEBI
trading platform.
OBLIGATIONS OF LISTED ENTITIES

The obligations of listed entities have been classified under following categories -
Common obligations (Applicable for all listed

entities)
Obligations of Listed entitiy which has listed its

Specified Securities.
Obligations of Listed entity which has listed its Non-

Convertible Debt Securities or Non-Convertible
Redeemable Preference Shares or both.
Obligations of Listed entity which has listed its

Specified Securities and either Non-Convertible
Debt Securities or Non-Convertible Redeemable
Preference Shares or both.

Indian depository receipts.

securitised debt instruments,

Security Receipts.
Obligations of Listed entity which has listed its units

issued by mutual funds.
COMPLIANCES UNDER SEBI LISTING REGULATIONS

The Listed entity shall comply with the following compliances under the Listing Regulations :-
– One Time Compliances
– Quarterly Compliances
– Half yearly Compliances
– Yearly Compliances
– Event based Compliances
128 EP-SL&CM
One-time Compliances
The following are the one time compliances:-
Regulation Particulars
6(1) A listed entity shall appoint a Company Secretary as the Compliance Officer
7(1) The listed entity shall appoint a share transfer agent or manage the share transfer facility in
house.
However, in the case of in-house share transfer facility, as and when the total number of holders
of securities of the listed entity exceeds one lakh, the listed entity shall either register with the
SEBI as a Category II share transfer agent or appoint Registrar to an issue and share transfer
agent registered with the SEBI.
9 The listed entity shall have a policy for preservation of documents, approved by its Board of
Directors.
Quarterly Compliances
Regulation Particulars Time Limit
13(3) The listed entity shall file with the recognised stock within twenty one days from end of
exchange, a statement giving the number of investor quarter
complaints pending at the beginning of the quarter,
those received during the quarter, disposed of during
the quarter and those remaining unresolved at the end
of the quarter
27(2) The listed entity shall submit a quarterly compliance within fifteen days from close of the
report on corporate governance in the format as quarter
specified by SEBI from time to time to the recognized
stock exchange(s)
31(1))(b) The listed entity shall submit to the stock exchange(s) within twenty one days from the end of
a statement showing holding of securities and each quarter
shareholding pattern separately for each class of
securities, in the format specified by SEBI from time
to time
32(1) The listed entity shall submit to the stock exchange Quarterly Basis to the stock exchange
a statement of deviation or variation (for public issue, till such time the issue proceeds have
rights issue, preferential issue etc.) been fully utilized or the purpose for
which these proceeds were raised has
been achieved.
33(3) The listed entity shall submit quarterly financial results within forty-five days of end of each
to the stock exchange. quarter, other than the last quarter.
In case the listed entity has subsidiaries, the listed
entity shall also submit quarterly/year-to date
consolidated financial results
Half Yearly Compliances
Regulation Particular Time Limit
7(3) The listed entity shall submit a compliance certificate Within one month of end of each half of
to the exchange, duly signed by both the compliance the financial year.
officer of the listed entity and the authorised
representative of the share transfer agent
23(9) The listed entity shall submit to the stock exchange, within thirty days from the date of
disclosures of related party on consolidated basis. publication of its standalone and
consolidated financial results for the
half year
33(3) The listed entity shall also submit as part of its Once in six month
standalone or consolidated financial results for the
half year a statement of assets and liabilities and a
statement of cash flows by way of a note.
40(9) The listed entity shall ensure that the share transfer within one month of the end of each
agent and/or the in-house share transfer facility, as the
half of the financial year
case may be, produces a certificate from a practising
company secretary
Yearly Compliances
14 The listed entity shall pay all such fees or charges, within 30 days of the end of financial
as applicable, to the recognised stock exchange(s), year
in the manner specified by SEBI or the recognised
Stock Exchange (s).
33(3) The listed entity shall submit annual audited standalone within 60 days from the end of the
financial results with audit report and Statement on financial year
Impact of Audit Qualifications applicable only for audit
report with modified opinion to the stock exchange
If listed entity has subsidiaries, it shall, while submitting
annual audited standalone financial results, also
submit annual audited consolidated financial results
along with the audit report and Statement on Impact
of Audit Qualifications applicable only for audit report
with modified opinion.
In case of audit reports with unmodified opinion(s), the
listed entity shall furnish a declaration to that effect
to the Stock Exchange while publishing the annual
audited financial results.
The listed entity shall also submit the audited or limited
reviewed financial results in respect of the last quarter
along-with the results for the entire financial year)
130 EP-SL&CM
34 The listed entity shall submit the annual report along Not later than the day of commencement
with the Notice of the Annual General Meeting to the of dispatch to its shareholders.
stock exchange.
Amongst others, the annual report shall also consist
the following:
• audited financial statements i.e. balance
sheets, profit and loss accounts etc [,and
Statement on Impact of Audit Qualifications as
stipulated in regulation 33(3)(d), if applicable
• business responsibility report by the top one
thousand listed entities based on market
capitalization (calculated as on March 31 of
every financial year),
34(1)(b) In case any changes to the annual report, within 48 hours after the annual
the revised copy along with the details of and general meeting
explanation for the changes shall be sent
36 The listed entity shall send annual report to the holders Twenty one days before AGM (in soft
of securities or hard copy)
Event Based Compliances
7(5) The listed entity shall intimate the appointment of Within 7 days of Agreement with RTA
Share Transfer Agent, to the stock exchange(s)
28(1) The listed entity shall obtain In-principle approval Prior to issuance of Security
from recognised stock exchange
29(1)(a) Prior Intimations of Board Meeting for financial Re- At least 5 clear days in advance (ex-
read sult viz. quarterly, half yearly or annual, to the stock cluding the date of the intimation and
along with exchange(s) the date of the meeting)
proviso to
29 (2)
29(1) Prior Intimations of Board Meeting for Buyback, At least 2 working days in advance
(b), Voluntary delisting , Fund raising by way of FPO, (excluding the date of the intimation
(c),(d), Rights Issue, ADR, GDR, QIP, FCCB, Preferential and date of the meeting)
(e) issue, debt issue or any other method, Declaration/
& (f) read recommendation of dividend, issue of convertible
along with securities including convertible debentures or of
29 (2) debentures carrying a right to subscribe to equity
shares or the passing over of dividend, proposal
for declaration of Bonus securities etc., to the stock
exchange(s)
29(3) Prior Intimations of Board Meeting for alteration in At least 11 clear working days in
nature of Securities, alteration in the date on which Advance
interest on debentures/bonds/redemption amount, etc.
shall be payable to the stock exchange(s)
30(6) Disclosure of all events, as specified in Part A Not later than twenty four hours
of Schedule III of listing regulations, to the stock from the occurrence of the event or
exchange(s) information
31(1)(a) The listed entity shall submit to the stock exchange(s) One day prior to listing of Securities
a statement showing holding of securities and share-
holding pattern separately for each class of
securities prior to listing of securities
31(1)(c) The listed entity shall submit to the stock exchange(s) Within ten days of any capital
a statement showing holding of securities and share- restructuring exceeding 2% of the total
holding pattern separately for each class of paid-up share capital.
securities in case of Capital Restructuring
31A (8) The listed entity shall disclose to the stock exchange within 24 hours from the occurance of
the deemed material events i.e., receipt of request the event
for re-classification by the listed entity from the
promoter(s) seeking re-classification; Minutes of the
board meeting considering such request which would
include the views of the board on the request; etc.
37(1) The listed entity shall file draft Scheme of Arrangement Prior approval before filing with Court
to the stock exchange(s)
39(2) The listed entity shall issue certificates or receipts within thirty days from the date of such
or advices, as applicable, of subdivision, split, lodgement
consolidation, renewal, exchanges, endorsements,
issuance of duplicates thereof or issuance of new
certificates or receipts or advices, as applicable, in
cases of loss or old decrepit or worn out certificates or
receipts or advices, as applicable
39(3) The listed entity shall submit information with respect Within two days of getting information.
to loss of share certificates and issue of the duplicate
certificates to the stock exchange
40(1) Transfer or transmission or transposition of Requests for effecting transfer of
Proviso securities securities shall not be processed
unless the securities are held in the
dematerialized form with a depository
132 EP-SL&CM
40(3) The listed entity shall register transfers of its securities within fifteen days from the date of
in the name of the transferee(s) and issue certificates such receipt of request for transfer.
or receipts or advices, as applicable, of transfers; or
issue any valid objection or intimation to the transferee
or transferor, as the case may be,
The listed entity shall proceed the transmission a) In case securities held in
request for securities held in dematerialization mode Dematerialisated Mode -
and physical mode within seven days after receipt
of the documents
b) In case of Physical Mode –
within 21 days after receipt of
the documents
42(2) The listed entity shall intimate the record date or date
of closure of transfer books to all the stock exchange(s)
a) In case of Right Issue At least three working days in advance

(excluding the date of intimation and
record date)
b) Other than Right Issue At least 7 clear working days in advance
(excluding the date of intimation and
record date)
43A Dividend Distribution Policy by the top five hundred To formulate a dividend distribution
listed entities based on market capitalization policy which shall be disclosed in their
(calculated as on March 31 of every financial year) annual reports and on their websites
44(3) The listed entity shall submit to the stock exchange Within 48 Hours of conclusion of its
details regarding voting results in the format specified General Meeting
by SEBI
45(3) The listed entity shall allowed to change its name Prior approval from Stock Ex-
change(s)
46 The listed entity shall maintain a functional website within two working days from the date
containing the basic information about the listed entity of change in content
and update any change in the content of its website.
Note: as per Regulation 36(4), the information and documents made by the listed entity-
(a) to the stock exchanges shall be in XBRL; and
(b) to the stock exchanges and on its website, shall be in a format that allows users to find relevant information
easily through a searching tool.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE UNDER SEBI (LODR) REGULATIONS, 2015

The listed entities which has listed its specified securities on any recognised stock exchange(s) either on
the main board or on SME Exchange or on institutional trading platform has to comply with certain corporate
governance provisions which are specified in Regulations 17 to 27 & 34(3) of the Listing Regulations.
Sl. Particulars Listing

No. Regulation
1.
2. Definitions 16
3. Board Composition 17(1)
4. Appointment of Woman Director 17(1)(a)
The Board of directors of the top 500 listed entities shall have at least one independent
woman director by April 1, 2019 and the Board of directors of the top 1000 listed
entities shall have at least one independent woman director by April 1, 2020.
5. Size of the Board 17(1)(a)
6. The board of directors of the top 1000 listed entities (with effect from April 1, 2019) and 17(1)(c)
the top 2000 listed entities (with effect from April 1, 2020) shall comprise of not less
than six directors.
7. Where the listed company has outstanding SR equity shares, atleast half of the board 17(1)(d)
of directors shall comprise of independent directors.
8. Maximum age of non-executive directors 17 (1A)
9. With effect from April 1, 2022, the top 500 listed entities shall ensure that the 17(1B)
Chairperson of the board of such listed entity shall –
(a) be a non-executive director;
(b) not be related to the Managing Director or the Chief Executive Officer as per the
definition of the term “relative” defined under the Companies Act, 2013.
10. Maximum number of directorships 17A
11. The quorum for every meeting of the board of directors of the top 1000 listed entities 17(2A)
with effect from April 1, 2019 and of the top 2000 listed entities with effect from April
1, 2020 shall be one-third of its total strength or three directors, whichever is higher,
including at least one independent director.
12. Succession planning 17(4)
13. Code of Conduct of Board of Directors & Senior Management 17(5)
14. Prohibited Stock options for IDs 17(6)(d)
15. Performance evaluation of IDs 17 (10)
16. The statement to be annexed to the notice as referred to in sub-section (1) of section 17(11)
102 of the Companies Act, 2013 for each item of special business to be transacted at
a general meeting shall also set forth clearly the recommendation of the board to the
shareholders on each of the specific items.
17. Maximum number of directorships 17A
18. Constitution of Audit Committee 18
19. Constitution of Nomination & Remuneration Committee 19
134 EP-SL&CM
20. Constitution of Stakeholders Relationship Committee 20

21. Constitution of Risk management Committee 21
22. Formulation of Vigil mechanism 22
23. Related party transactions 23(1)
24. Corporate governance requirements with respect to subsidiary of listed entity. 24
25. Secretarial Audit 24A
26. No person shall be appointed or continue as an alternate director for an independent 25(1)
director (IDs) of a listed entity with effect from October 1, 2018.
27. Maximum tenure of IDs 25(2)
28. Separate meeting of IDs 25(3)
29. Liability of IDs 25(5)
30. Filing of Casual Vacancy of IDs 25(6)
31. Familiarisation Programme for Independent Director 25(7)
32. Every ID shall submit a declaration that he meets the criteria of independence 25(8)
33. The board of directors of the listed entity shall take on record the declaration and 25(9)
confirmation submitted by the IDs.
34. With effect from October 1, 2018, the top 500 listed entities shall undertake Directors 25(10)
and Officers insurance (‘D and O insurance’) for all their IDs of such quantum and for
such risks as may be determined by its board of directors.
35. Obligations with respect to employees including senior management, key managerial 26
persons, directors and promoters.
36. No employee including key managerial personnel or director or promoter of a listed 26( 6)
entity shall enter into any agreement for himself or on behalf of any other person,
with any shareholder or any other third party with regard to compensation or profit
sharing in connection with dealings in the securities of such listed entity, unless prior
approval for the same has been obtained from the Board of Directors as well as public
shareholders by way of an ordinary resolution.
37. Corporate Governance Report 27(2) (a)
38. Disclosure of different Accounting standard 34(4)
39. Disclosure on Remuneration 34(3)
Exceptions
As per Regulation 15(2) of the Listing Regulations, the compliance with the corporate governance provisions as
specified in Regulations 17 to 27 and clauses (b) to (i) of Regulation 46(2) and para C, D and E of Schedule V
shall not apply, in respect of following -
1. The listed entity having:-
• paid up equity share capital not exceeding rupees 10 crore and
• net worth not exceeding rupees 25 crore, as on the last day of the previous financial year.
(However, If the provisions of the regulations become applicable to a listed entity at a later date, such listed entity
shall comply with the requirements those regulations within six months from the date on which the provisions
became applicable to the listed entity.)
2. The listed entity which has listed its specified securities on the SME Exchange.
However, for other listed entities which are not companies, but body corporate or are subject to regulations
under other statues, the provisions of corporate governance provisions as specified in regulation 17 to 27
and clauses (b) to (i) of sub-regulation (2) of regulation 46 and para C, D and E of Schedule V shall apply to
the extent that it does not violate their respective statutes and guidelines or directives issued by the relevant
authorities.
3. The provisions as specified in regulation 17 shall not be applicable during the insolvency resolution
process period in respect of a listed entity which is undergoing corporate insolvency resolution process under
the Insolvency Code: Provided that the role and responsibilities of the board of directors as specified under
regulation 17 shall be fulfilled by the interim resolution professional or resolution professional in accordance
with sections 17 and 23 of the Insolvency Code.
4. Regulations 18, 19, 20 and 21 shall not be applicable during the insolvency resolution process period in respect of
a listed entity which is undergoing corporate insolvency resolution process under the Insolvency Code.
However, the roles and responsibilities of the committees specified in the respective regulations shall be fulfilled
by the interim resolution professional or resolution professional.
5. Notwithstanding any provisions under Regulation 15(2) stated above, the provisions of Companies Act, 2013
shall continue to apply, wherever applicable.
Board Committees under the SEBI Listing Regulations
VIGIL MECHANISM [REGULATION 22]

• The listed entity shall formulate a vigil mechanism for directors and employees to report genuine
concerns.
• The vigil mechanism shall provide for adequate safeguards against victimization of director(s) or
employee(s) or any other person who avail the mechanism.
• The vigil mechanism shall also provide for direct access to the chairperson of the audit committee in
appropriate or exceptional cases.
136 EP-SL&CM
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS [REGULATION 23]
Related Party definitions under Different laws
Under Listing Regulations, 2015

Regulation 2(1) (zb) defines “related party” means a related party as defined under sub-section (76) of section
2 of the Companies Act, 2013 or under the applicable accounting standards.
Provided that any person or entity belonging to the promoter or promoter group of the listed entity and holding
20% or more of shareholding in the listed entity shall be deemed to be a related party.
Provided further that this definition shall not be applicable for the units issued by mutual funds which are listed
on a recognised stock exchange(s).
Under Companies Act, 2013

According to section 2 (76) “related party”, with reference to a company, means –
(i) a director or his relative;
(ii) a key managerial personnel or his relative;
(iii) a firm, in which a director, manager or his relative is a partner;
(iv) a private company in which a director or manager or his relative is a member or director;
(v) a public company in which a director and manager is a director and holds along with his relatives, more
than two per cent of its paid-up share capital;
(vi) any body corporate whose Board of Directors, managing director or manager is accustomed to act in
accordance with the advice, directions or instructions of a director or manager;
(vii) any person on whose advice, directions or instructions a director or manager is accustomed to act;
However, nothing in sub-clauses (vi) and (vii) shall apply to the advice, directions or instructions given
in a professional capacity;
(viii) Any body corporate which is –
(A) a holding, subsidiary or an associate company of such company;
(B) a subsidiary of a holding company to which it is also a subsidiary; or
(C) an investing company or the venturer of the company;”
Explanation. – For the purpose of this clause, “the investing company or the venturer of a company”
means a body corporate whose investment in the company would result in the company becoming an
associate company of the body corporate.
(ix) a director other than an independent director or key managerial personnel of the holding company or
his relative with reference to a company, shall be deemed to be a related party.
Policy on materiality of related party transactions

The listed entity shall formulate a policy on materiality of related party transactions and on dealing with related
party transactions including clear threshold limits duly approved by the board of directors and such policy shall
be reviewed by the board of directors at least once every three years and updated accordingly.
When will a transaction with a related party be material?

With effect from July 01, 2019 a transaction involving payments made to a related party with respect to brand
usage or royalty shall be considered material if the transaction(s) to be entered into individually or taken together
with previous transactions during a financial year, exceed five percent of the annual consolidated turnover of the
listed entity as per the last audited financial statements of the listed entity.
Approval of Audit Committee

All related party transactions shall require prior approval of the audit committee.
Omnibus Approval: Audit committee may grant omnibus approval for related party transactions proposed to be
entered into by the listed entity subject to the following conditions-
(a) the audit committee shall lay down the criteria for granting the omnibus approval in line with the policy
on related party transactions of the listed entity and such approval shall be applicable in respect of
transactions which are repetitive in nature;
(b) the audit committee shall satisfy itself regarding the need for such omnibus approval and that such
approval is in the interest of the listed entity;
(c) the omnibus approval shall specify:
(i) the name(s) of the related party, nature of transaction, period of transaction, maximum amount of
transactions that shall be entered into,
(ii) the indicative base price / current contracted price and the formula for variation in the price if any;
and
(iii) such other conditions as the audit committee may deem fit.
However, where the need for related party transaction cannot be foreseen and aforesaid details are not
available, audit committee may grant omnibus approval for such transactions subject to their value not
exceeding rupees one crore per transaction.
(d) the audit committee shall review, at least on a quarterly basis, the details of related party transactions
entered into by the listed entity pursuant to each of the omnibus approvals given.
(e) Such omnibus approvals shall be valid for a period not exceeding one year and shall require fresh
approvals after the expiry of one year.
Approval of the shareholders

All material related party transactions shall require approval of the shareholders through resolution and no
related party shall vote to approve such resolutions whether the entity is a related party to the particular
transaction or not.
However, the requirements specified under this sub-regulation shall not apply in respect of a resolution plan
approved under section 31 of the Insolvency Code, subject to the event being disclosed to the recognized stock
exchanges within one day of the resolution plan being approved.
Exceptions
The approval of Audit committee and shareholders shall not be required in the following cases:
(a) transactions entered into between two government companies;

138 EP-SL&CM
(b) transactions entered into between a holding company and its wholly owned subsidiary whose accounts
are consolidated with such holding company and placed before the shareholders at the general meeting
for approval.
Government Company(ies) means Government Company as defined in sub-section (45) of section 2 of the
Other provisions
• The provisions of this regulation shall be applicable to all prospective transactions.
• For the purpose of this regulation, all entities falling under the definition of related parties shall not
vote to approve the relevant transaction irrespective of whether the entity is a party to the particular
transaction or not.
• All existing material related party contracts or arrangements entered into prior to the date of notification
of these regulations and which may continue beyond such date shall be placed for approval of the
shareholders in the first General Meeting subsequent to notification of these regulations.
• The listed entity shall submit within 30 days from the date of publication of its standalone and consolidated
financial results for the half year, disclosures of related party transactions on a consolidated basis, in
the format specified in the relevant accounting standards for annual results to the stock exchanges and
publish the same on its website.
IN-PRINCIPLE APPROVAL OF RECOGNIZED STOCK EXCHANGE(S) [REGULATION 28]

The listed entity, before issuing securities, shall obtain an ‘in-principle’ approval from recognised stock
exchange(s) in the following manner:
(a) where the securities are listed only on recognised stock exchange(s) having nationwide trading
terminals, from all such stock exchange(s);
(b) where the securities are not listed on any recognised stock exchange having nationwide trading
terminals, from all the stock exchange(s) in which the securities of the issuer are proposed to be listed;
(c) Where the securities are listed on recognised stock exchange(s) having nationwide trading terminals
as well as on the recognised stock exchange(s) not having nationwide trading terminals, from all
recognised stock exchange(s) having nationwide trading terminals.
The requirement of obtaining in-principle approval from recognised stock exchange(s), shall not be applicable
for securities issued pursuant to the scheme of arrangement for which the listed entity has already obtained
No-objection Letter from recognised stock exchange(s) in accordance with regulation 37.
For CS in Employment
 A listed entity shall appoint a Qualified Company Secretary as the Compliance Officer. The compliance
officer of the listed entity shall be responsible for –
• ensuring conformity with the regulatory provisions applicable to the listed entity in letter and spirit.
• co-ordination with and reporting to SEBI, recognised stock exchange(s) and depositories with
respect to compliance with rules, regulations and other directives of these authorities in manner
as specified from time to time.
• ensuring that the correct procedures have been followed that would result in the correctness,
authenticity and comprehensiveness of the information, statements and reports filed by the listed
entity under these regulations.
• monitoring email address of grievance redressal division as designated by the listed entity for the
purpose of registering complaints by investors.
 The listed entity shall submit a compliance certificate to the exchange, duly signed by both the
compliance officer of the listed entity and the authorised representative of the share transfer agent,
wherever applicable, within one month of end of each half of the financial year, certifying that all
activities in relation to both physical and electronic share transfer facility are maintained either in house
or by Registrar to an issue and share transfer agent registered with SEBI.
 “Senior Management” shall mean Officers/Personnel of the listed entity who are members of its
core management team excluding Board of directors and normally this shall comprise all members
of management one level below Chief Executive Officer/ Managing Director/ Whole Time Director/
Manager (including Chief Executive Officer/Manager, in case they are not part of the board) and shall
specifically include Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer.
For Company Secretary in Practice

In addition to the above responsibilities, the following are the recognition to Company Secretary under the SEBI
Listing Regulations, 2015 :
Certificate regarding Transfer of Securities

• Certification to the effect that all transfers have been completed within the stipulated time. [Regulation
40(9)]
Certificate Regarding Compliance of Conditions of Corporate Governance under SEBI Listing

Regulations
• SEBI listing regulations authorizes Company Secretary in Practice to issue certificate regarding
compliance of conditions of Corporate Governance. [Schedule V, clause E]
Certificate Regarding Maintenance of 100% Asset Cover

• To issue half yearly certificate regarding maintenance of 100% security cover in respect of listed non-
convertible debt securities. [Regulation 56(1)] (d)]
Secretarial Audit Report

Every listed entity and its material unlisted subsidiaries incorporated in India shall undertake Secretarial Audit
and shall annex with its Annual Report, a Secretarial Audit Report, given by a Company Secretary in Practice,
in such form as may be specified with effect from the year ended March 31, 2019.[ Regulation 24A]
Certification regarding Director’s Disqualification

A certificate from a Company Secretary in Practice that none of the directors on the board of the company have
been debarred or disqualified from being appointed or continuing as Directors of Companies by the Board/
Ministry of Corporate Affairs or any such Statutory Authority. [Schedule V, Part C, Clause 10 (i)]
140 EP-SL&CM
CASE STUDIES
1. Hotsun Company is a medium-sized listed company. Mr. Mohan is a wealthy business entrepreneur and the
original founder of the company. He owns 28% of the ordinary shares and is the major shareholder, but he is
no longer a member of the board of directors, having resigned several years ago when the company obtained
its stock market quotation.
Although he is no longer a director, Mohan continues to show considerable interest in the business affairs
of thecompany. Recently he has been demanding that the board should consult him on issues of business
strategy and dividend policy. He also believes that at least two non-executive directors should resign because
they contribute nothing of value to the board. Two members of the board agree, and argue that Mohan should
be consulted regularly on important issues, given his success in leading the company in the past. However, the
majority of the board members are hostile and resent Mohan’s continual interference.
After a recent argument with the chairman, Mohan has threatened to sue members of the board for gross
dereliction of their duties as directors. He has also demanded the resignation of a board member who is the
owner of a property company that has just sold a property to Hotsun Company at a price that Mohan considers
excessive. The chairman was unaware of this matter.
Required
As company secretary, prepare a report for the chairman advising him about
(a) the powers of the board under the Companies Act,2013
(b) the appropriate measures for dealing with Mohan and responsibility of the board towards Mohan.
(c) the provisions of RPT considering the allegations made by Mohan.
Suggested Solution -
(a) Powers of the Board: As per Section 179(3) read with Rule 8 of Companies (Meetings of Board and
its Powers) Rules, 2014, the Board of Directors of a company shall exercise the following powers on
behalf of the company by means of resolutions passed at meetings of the Board,namely:—
 to make calls on shareholders in respect of money unpaid on their shares;
 to authorise buy-back of securities under section 68;
 to issue securities, including debenture, whether in or outside India;
 to borrow monies;
 to invest the funds of the company;
 to grant loans or give guarantee or provide security in respect of loans;
 to approve financial statement and the Board’s report;
 to diversify the business of the company;
 to approve amalgamation, merger or reconstruction;
 to take over a company or acquire a controlling or substantial stake in another company;
 to make political contributions;
 to appoint or remove key managerial personnel (KMP);
 to appoint internal auditors and secretarial auditor.
(b) Mr. Mohan was one of the founder directors of the Company and a major shareholder of the company
holding 28% of the shares. A responsible business acts with care and loyalty towards its shareholders
and in good faith for the best interests of the corporation. Business therefore has a responsibility to:
• Apply professional and diligent management in order to secure fair, sustainable and competitive
returns on shareholder investments.
• Disclose relevant information to shareholders, subject only to legal requirements and competitive
constraints.
• Conserve, protect, and increase shareholder wealth.
• Respect shareholder views, complaints, and formal resolutions.
(c) According to Section 2(76) of Companies Act 2013, “related party”, with reference to a company,
means–
(i) a director or his relative;
(ii) a key managerial personnel or his relative;
(iii) a firm, in which a director, manager or his relative is a partner;
(iv) a private company in which a director or manager or his relative is a member or director;
(v) a public company in which a director or manager is a director and holds along with his relatives,
more than two per cent. (2%) of its paid-up share capital;
(vi) any body corporate whose Board of Directors, managing director or manager is accustomed to
act in accordance with the advice, directions or instructions of a director or manager;
(vii) any person on whose advice, directions or instructions a director or manager is accustomed to
act:
Provided that nothing in sub-clauses (vi) and (vii) shall apply to the advice, directions or instructions
given in a professional capacity;
(viii) any body corporate which is—
(A) a holding, subsidiary or an associate company of such company;
(B) a subsidiary of a holding company to which it is also a subsidiary; or
(C) an investing company or the venturer of the company;”;
Explanation.— For the purpose of this clause, “the investing company or the venturer of a company”
means a body corporate whose investment in the company would result in the company becoming an
associate company of the body corporate.
(ix) a director other than an independent director or key managerial personnel of the holding company or
his relative with reference to a company, shall be deemed to be a related party.
Section 188 (1) of the Companies Act 2013 deals with the related party transactions with respect to:
 Sale, purchase or supply of any goods or materials
 Selling or otherwise disposing of, or buying, property of any kind
 Leasing of property of any kind
 Availing or rendering of any services
142 EP-SL&CM
 Appointment of any agent for purchase or sale of goods,materials, services or property

 Related party’s appointment to any office or place of profit in the company, its subsidiary company or
associate company,and
 Underwriting the subscription of any securities or derivatives thereof, of the company.
Also, Section 188(1) of the Companies Act 2013 provides that a company shall enter into any contract or
arrangement with a related party with respect to Related party transactions only with the consent of the Board of
Directors given by a resolution at a meeting of the Board and subject to certain conditions as prescribed under
Rule15 of the Companies(Meetings of Board and its Powers)Rules,2014.
Here,one of the board members had sold his property to Hotsun Ltd. at a price which Mohan considers excessive.
The board member is related party as per Section2(76) of Companies Act 2013 and selling property of any kind
is a related party transaction as per Section188(1) of the Companies Act 2013.
The law in India does not prohibit RPTs. Instead, the law puts into place a system of checks and balances, such
as requirements for approval from the board of directors/shareholders, timely disclosures and prior statutory
approvals, to ensure that the transactions are conducted within appropriate boundaries. RPTs are required to
be managed transparently, so as not to impose a heavy burden on a company’s resources,affect the optimum
allocation of resources, distort competition or siphon off public resources.
Therefore, if the related party transaction has taken place with the consent of the Board of Directors given
by a resolution at a meeting of the Board and subject to certain conditions as prescribed under Rule15 of the
Companies(Meetings of board and its Powers)Rules,2014,then it is allowed as per the laws and regulations and
the allegations of Mr. Mohan will not hold much significance.
2. Dr. Sen, an industrial chemist with 15 years of experience, has recently been appointed to the post of Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of Pharma Ltd., a listed company. He has previously been employed in the company
as Research Director. Inpreparation for his new assignment he has been trying to get to grips with the concept
of corporate governance and all that itentails.
The board of Pharma Ltd. comprises of total ten directors (including one women director), six non-executive
directors and five were considered independent. The board is responsible for overseeing strategy, approving
major corporate initiatives and reviewing performance. There are three board committees - the Audit Committee,
Remuneration Committee and Investors Grievance Committees. However, there is no Nomination Committee.
As the Company Secretary and Compliance Officer of Pharma Ltd, he is seeking your assistance to clarify
some issues of concern.
You have been asked to prepare a brief report in which you:
(a) Provide Dr. Sen with a robust definition of corporate governance and a brief explanation of what you
understand corporate governance to be.
(b) Comment on the board composition of Pharma Ltd. with respect to the Companies Act,2013 and SEBI
LODR Regulations,2015. Also comment whether Dr. Sen should be Chairman of the Company.
Suggested Solution
(a) Corporate Governance has a broad scope. It includes both social and institutional aspects. Corporate
Governance encourages a trustworthy,moral,as well as ethical environment. In other words, the heart of
corporate governance is transparency, disclosure, accountability and integrity. It is to be borne in mind that
mere legislation does not ensure good governance. Good governance flows from ethical business practices
even when there is no legislation.
Good corporate governance promotes investor confidence, which is crucial to the ability of entities listed to
compete for capital. Good corporate governance is is essential to develop added value to the stakeholders as
it ensures transparency which ensures strong and balanced economic development. This also ensures that
the interests of all shareholders (majority as well as minority shareholders) are safeguarded. It ensures that all
shareholders fully exercise their rights and that the organization fully recognizes their rights.
Some other good definitions are given hereunder for better understanding:-“Corporate Governance is the
application of best management practices, compliance of law in true letter and spirit and adherence to ethical
standards for effective management and distribution of wealth and discharge of social responsibility for
sustainable development of all stakeholders.”
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India

“Corporate Governance is concerned with the way corporate entities are governed,as distinct from the way
business within those companies are managed. Corporate governance addresses the issues facing Board of
Directors, such as the interaction with top management and relationships with the owners and others interested
in the affairs of the company”.
(b) Board Composition: Section 149(1) of the Companies Act 2013 provides that every company shall have a
Board of Directors consisting of individuals as directors and shall have—
 A minimum number of three directors in the case of a public company,
 Atleast two directors in the case of a private company,and
 Atleast one director in the case of a One Person Company;and
 A maximum of fifteen directors provided that a company may appoint more than fifteen directors after
passing a special resolution.
Section 149(4) provides that every public listed company shall have atleast one third of total number of
directors as independent directors.
Regulation 17(1)(a) of SEBI LODR Regulations, 2015 provides that Board of directors shall have an optimum
combination of executive and non-executive directors with at least one woman director and not less than fifty
per cent of the board of directors shall comprise of non-executive directors.
The board of Pharma Ltd. comprises of total ten directors, six non-executive directors and five were considered
independent. The total number of directors is more than the minimum required directors and atleast one third
of total number of directors are independent directors.
Also as per SEBI Regulations, more than fifty per cent of the board of directors comprises of non- executive
directors and one women director. Therefore, the board composition of Pharma Ltd. is optimum as per the laws
and regulations.
Separation of Chairman and CEO: First proviso to Section 203(1) of the Companies Act, 2013 provides for the
separation of role of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer subject to conditions thereunder.
It specifies that an individual shall not be appointed or reappointed as the chairperson of the company, in
pursuance of the articles of the company, as well as the managing director or Chief Executive Officer of the
company at the same time after the date of commencement of this Act unless,–
(a) the articles of such a company provide otherwise;
(b) the company does not carry multiple businesses:
Regulation 17(1B) of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 provides that effect from April 1, 2022, the top 500 listed
entities shall ensure that the Chairperson of the board of such listed entity shall -
144 EP-SL&CM
(a) be a non-executive director;

(b) not be related to the Managing Director or the Chief Executive Officer as per the definition of the term
“relative” defined under the Companies Act,2013:
Also, it is perceived that separating the roles of chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) increases the
effectiveness of a company’s board. It is the board’s and chairman’s job to monitor and evaluate a company’s
performance. A CEO, on the other hand, represents the management team. If the two roles are performed by
the same person, then there is less accountability. A clear demarcation of the roles and responsibilities of the
Chairman of the Board and that of the Managing Director/CEO promotes balance of power.
The benefits of separation of roles of Chairman and CEO can be:
Director Communication: A separate chairman provides a more effective channel for the board to express its
views on management
Guidance: A separate chairman can provide the CEO with guidance and feedback on his/her performance
Shareholders’ interest: The chairman can focus on shareholder interests, while the CEO manages the
company
Governance: A separate chairman allows the board to more effectively fulfill its regulatory requirements
Long-Term Outlook: Separating the position allows the chairman to focus on the long-term strategy while the
CEO focuses on short-term profitability
Succession Planning: A separate chairman can more effectively concentrate on corporate succession plans.
Therefore, on the basis of abovementioned laws and regulations and the potential benefits of separating
Chairman and CEO, Dr. Sen should not be made Chairman of the Company as he is already CEO of the
Company.
LESSON ROUND UP
– SEBI has notified the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015
(‘Listing Regulations’) on September 2, 2015 after the consultation process. The LODR Regulations
came into force w.e.f. December 1, 2015.
– A listed entity shall appoint a Qualified Company Secretary as a Compliance Officer.
– The Listed entity shall comply with the following compliances under Listing Regulations:-
• One Time Compliances
• Quarterly Compliances
• Half yearly Compliances
• Yearly Compliances
• Event based Compliances
– The listed entities which has listed its specified securities on any recognised stock exchange(s) either
on the main board or on SME Exchange or on institutional trading platform has to comply with certain
corporate governance provisions which are specified in Regulations 17 to 27 of the SEBI Listing
Regulations.
– The Board of directors shall have an optimum combination of executive and non-executive directors
with at least one woman independent director and at least 50% of the board of directors shall comprise
of non- executive directors.
– The Board Committees are required to be constituted under Listing Regulations:

• Audit Committee
• Nomination and Remuneration committee
• Stakeholders Relationship Committee
• Risk Management Committee
– The listed entity shall formulate a vigil mechanism for directors and employees to report genuine
concerns.
– The listed entity shall formulate a policy on materiality of related party transactions and on dealing with
related party transactions including clear threshold limits duly approved by the board of directors and
such policy shall be reviewed by the board of directors at least once every three years and updated
accordingly.
– All material related party transactions shall require approval of the shareholders through resolution
and no related party shall vote to approve such resolutions whether the entity is a related party to the
particular transaction or not.
GLOSSARY
Financial year It means the period of twelve months commencing on the first day of April every year.
However, a company may at its option have a financial year commencing on a date other
than the first day of April.
Firm Allotment Allotment on a firm basis in public issues by an issuing company made to Indian and
multilateral development financial institutions, Indian mutual funds, foreign portfolio
investors including non-resident Indians and overseas corporate bodies and permanent/
regular employees of the issuer company.
Interim A dividend payment made during the course of a company’s financial year. Interim
Dividend dividend, unlike the final dividend does not have to be agreed in a general meeting.
Investing It means a body corporate whose investment in the company would result in the company
Company/ becoming an associate company of the body corporate.
Venture of
a Company
Record Date A date on which the records of a company are closed for the purpose of determining
the stock-holders to whom dividends, proxies rights etc., are to be sent.
SELF TEST QUESTIONS

(These are meant for recapitulation only. Answer to these questions are not to be submitted for evaluation)
1. Briefly explain the applicability of the SEBI LODR Regulations, 2015.
2. Elucidate the obligations of Listed Entities under the SEBI LODR Regulations, 2015.
3. State the conditions for which Omnibus approval of Audit Committee is required under the SEBI
LODR Regulations, 2015.
4. Explain the Event based compliances under the SEBI LODR Regulations, 2015.
5. Discuss about the various committees which are required to be mandatorily constituted under the
SEBI LODR Regulations, 2015.
146 EP-SL&CM
Lesson 6
An Overview of SEBI (Substantial Acquisition
of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011
LESSON OUTLINE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
– Introduction
A lot has been changed in the corporate world since
– Background
1997, the year in which the (SAST) Regulations,
– SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and 1997 was enacted. In line with the ever changing
Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 global scenario this old takeover regulations was
– Important Definitions replaced with new SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of
Shares and Takeovers)Regulations, 2011 (‘SAST
– Applicability
Regulations’ / ‘SEBI Takeover Regulations’).
– Trigger point for making an open offer by an The main purpose of the SAST Regulations is
acquirer to prevent hostile takeovers and at the same
– Open Offer time, provide some more opportunities of exit to
Shareholders when there is change in control.
– Conditional Offer
The SEBI Takeover Regulations will also
– Public Announcement balance the conflicting objectives and interests of
– Offer Price various stakeholders in the context of substantial
acquisition of shares in, and takeovers of, listed
– Submission of Draft Letter of Offer
companies and also regulate and provide for
– Dispatch of Letter of Offer fair and effective competition among acquirers
– Opening of the Offer desirous of taking over the same target company.
– Completion of Requirements This lesson provides an overview of the SEBI

Takeover Regulations and after going through
– Restriction on Acquisition
this lesson, students will be able to understand
– Provision of Escrow the various procedural aspects which an acquirer
– Mode of Payment and target company required to be complied with
relating to the takeover.
– Withdrawal of Open Offer
– Obligations of the Target Company
– Obligations of the Acquirer
– Disclosures
– Exemptions
– LESSON ROUND UP
– GLOSSARY
148 EP-SL&CM
INTRODUCTION
The SEBI Takeover Regulations prescribes a systematic framework for acquisition of stake in listed companies.
By these laws the regulatory system ensures that the interests of the shareholders of listed companies are not
compromised in case of an acquisition or takeover. It also protect the interests of minority shareholders, which
is also a fundamental attribute of corporate governance principle.
The SEBI Takeover Regulations ensures that public shareholders of a listed company are treated fairly and
equitably in relation to a substantial acquisition in, or takeover of, a listed company thereby maintaining stability
in the securities market. The objective of the takeover regulations is to ensure that the public shareholders of a
company are mandatorily offered an exit opportunity from the company at the best possible terms in case of a
substantial acquisition in, or change in control of, a listed company.
BACKGROUND
The earliest attempts at regulating takeovers in India can be traced back to the 1990s with the incorporation of
Clause 40 in the erstwhile Listing Agreement. While, the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers)
Regulations, 1994 which were notified in November 1994 made way for regulation of hostile takeovers and
competitive offers for the first time. In 1995, SEBI appointed a committee under the chairmanship of Justice P.
N. Bhagwati to review the Takeover Regulation, 1994 and based on the recommendations of the committee.
The SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1997 were notified in 1997, pursuant
to repeal of the 1994 Regulations.
Owing to several factors such as the growth of Mergers & Acquisitions activity in India as the preferred mode
of restructuring, the increasing sophistication of takeover market, the decade long regulatory experience and
various judicial pronouncements, it was felt necessary to review the Takeover Regulations 1997. Accordingly,
SEBI formed a Takeover Regulations Advisory Committee (TRAC) in September 2009 under the Chairmanship
of (Late) Shri. C. Achuthan, Former Presiding Officer, Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) for this purpose. After
extensive public consultation on the report submitted by TRAC, SEBI came out with the SAST Regulations 2011
which were notified on September 23, 2011. The Takeover Regulations, 1997 stand repealed from October 22,
2011, i.e. the date on which SAST Regulations, 2011 come into force.
SAST Regulations aims at protecting interest of the investors in securities of a listed company providing
amongst others, an opportunity for the public shareholders to exit where there is a substantial acquisition of
shares or voting rights or control over a listed company, consolidation of holdings by existing shareholders
and related disclosures and penalties for non-compliance etc. SAST requires an acquirer to make an
offer to shareholders of the target company on acquiring shares exceeding stipulated thresholds. It also
contains provisions relating to open offer size and price, time bound process for making an open offer,
exemption from making an open offer, etc.
SEBI (SUBSTANTIAL ACQUISITION OF SHARES AND TAKEOVERS) REGULATIONS, 2011

1. Chapter I Definitions - Regulations 1 and 2
2. Chapter II Substantial acquisition of Shares, Voting Rights or Control, Threshold limit for open offer,
Exemptions – Regulations 3 to 11
3. Chapter III Open offer process- Regulations 12 to 23
4. Chapter IV Obligations of Target Company, Acquirer, Manager – Regulations 24 to 27
5. Chapter V Disclosures of Shareholding and Control – Regulations 28 to 31
6. Chapter VI Powers of SEBI - Regulations 31 to 35

Lesson 6 n An Overview of SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 149
IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS
To understand the concept of the SEBI Takeover Regulations, it would be pertinent to first go through some of
the definitions:
Acquirer
“Acquirer” means any person who, directly or indirectly, acquires or agrees to acquire whether by himself, or
through, or with persons acting in concert with him, shares or voting rights in, or control over a target company.
Acquisition
“Acquisition” means, directly or indirectly, acquiring or agreeing to acquire shares or voting rights in, or control
over, a target company.
Control
“Control” includes the right to appoint majority of the directors or to control the management or policy decisions
exercisable by a person or persons acting individually or in concert, directly or indirectly, including by virtue of
their shareholding or management rights or shareholders agreements or voting agreements or in any other
manner.
However, a director or officer of a target company shall not be considered to be in control over such target
company, merely by virtue of holding such position.
Enterprise value
Enterprise value means the value calculated as market capitalization of a company plus debt, minority interest
and preferred shares, minus total cash and cash equivalents.
Enterprise Value= Market capitalization+ Debt+ Minority Interest + Preferred Shares- Total Cash and
Cash Equivalents
Frequently traded shares

Frequently traded shares means shares of a target company, in which the traded turnover on any stock
exchange during the twelve calendar months preceding the calendar month in which the public announcement
is required to be made under these regulations, is at least ten percent of the total number of shares of such
class of the target company.
However, where the share capital of a particular class of shares of the target company is not identical throughout
such period, the weighted average number of total shares of such class of the target company shall represent
the total number of shares.
“Maximum permissible non-public shareholding” means such percentage shareholding in the target company
excluding the minimum public shareholding required under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957.
Offer period
“Offer period” means the period between the date of entering into an agreement, formal or informal, to acquire
shares, voting rights in, or control over a target company requiring a public announcement, or the date of the
public announcement, as the case may be, and the date on which the payment of consideration to shareholders
who have accepted the open offer is made, or the date on which open offer is withdrawn, as the case may be.
Persons Acting in Concert
“Persons acting in concert” means, –
(1) persons who, with a common objective or purpose of acquisition of shares or voting rights in, or exercising
150 EP-SL&CM
control over a target company, pursuant to an agreement or understanding, formal or informal, directly
or indirectly co-operate for acquisition of shares or voting rights in, or exercise of control over the target
company.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the persons falling within the following categories
shall be deemed to be persons acting in concert with other persons within the same category, unless
the contrary is established, –
(i) a company, its holding company, subsidiary company and any company under the same
management or control;
(ii) a company, its directors, and any person entrusted with the management of the company;
(iii) directors of companies referred to in item (i) and (ii) of this sub-clause and associates of such
directors;
(iv)
promoters and members of the promoter group;
(v) immediate relatives;
(vi) a mutual fund, its sponsor, trustees, trustee company, and asset management company;
(vii) a collective investment scheme and its collective investment management company, trustees and
trustee company;
(viii) a venture capital fund and its sponsor, trustees, trustee company and asset management company;
(ix) an alternate investment fund and its sponsor, trustees, trustee company and manager;
(x) a merchant banker and its client, who is an acquirer;
(xi) a portfolio manager and its client, who is an acquirer;
(xii) banks, financial advisors and stock brokers of the acquirer, or of any company which is a holding
company or subsidiary of the acquirer, and where the acquirer is an individual, of the immediate
relative of such individual.
However, this shall not apply to a bank whose sole role is that of providing normal commercial
banking services or activities in relation to an open offer under these regulations;
(xiii) an investment company or fund and any person who has an interest in such investment company
or fund as a shareholder or unitholder having not less than 10 per cent of the paid-up capital of
the investment company or unit capital of the fund, and any other investment company or fund in
which such person or his associate holds not less than 10 per cent of the paid-up capital of that
investment company or unit capital of that fund.
However, this shall not be applicable to holding of units of mutual funds registered with the SEBI.
Target company
Target Company means a company and includes a body corporate or corporation established under a Central
legislation, State legislation or Provincial legislation for the time being in force, whose shares are listed on a
stock exchange.
Tendering period
Tendering period means the period within which shareholders may tender their shares in acceptance of an open
offer to acquire shares made under these regulations.
Volume weighted average market price
Volume weighted average market price means the product of the number of equity shares traded on a stock
exchange and the price of each equity share divided by the total number of equity shares traded on the stock
exchange.
Number of shares traded on the Stock Exchange on a particular day: X, Market Price: Y
X1*Y1+X2*Y2+X3*Y3………
Volume Weighted Average Market Price = ________________________
X1+X2+X3……………..
Weighted average number of total shares

Weighted average number of total shares means the number of shares at the beginning of a period, adjusted
for shares cancelled, bought back or issued during the aforesaid period, multiplied by a time-weighing factor.
Volume weighted average price
Volume weighted average price means the product of the number of equity shares bought and price of each
such equity share divided by the total number of equity shares bought.
APPLICABILITY
These regulations shall apply to direct and indirect acquisition of shares or voting rights, in or control over Target
Company. However, these regulations shall not apply to direct and indirect acquisition of shares or voting rights
in, or control over a company listed without making a public issue, on the Institutional trading platform of a
recognized stock exchange.
TRIGGER POINT FOR MAKING AN OPEN OFFER BY AN ACQUIRER
25% Shares or Voting Rights

An acquirer, along with Persons acting in concert (PAC), if any, who intends to acquire shares which along with
his existing shareholding would entitle him to exercise 25% or more voting rights, can acquire such additional
shares only after making a Public Announcement (PA) to acquire minimum twenty six percent shares of the
Target Company from the shareholders through an Open Offer.
Name Per Holding Creeping Acquisition Post Holding Applicability of SEBI Takeover
Regulation, 2011
A 23% 3% 26% Open Offer Obligations
B 7% 2% 9% –
Creeping Acquisition Limit

An acquirer who holds 25% or more but less than maximum permissible non-public shareholding of the Target
Company, can acquire such additional shares as would entitle him to exercise more than 5% of the voting rights
in any financial year ending March 31 only after making a Public Announcement to acquire minimum twenty six
percent shares of Target Company from the shareholders through an Open Offer.
OPEN OFFER
SEBI Takeover Regulations, 2011 provides certain trigger events wherein the Acquirer is required to give Open
Offer to the shareholders of the Target Company to provide them exit opportunity.
152 EP-SL&CM
Open Offer
Mandatory Offer Voluntary Offer

(Reg. 6)
Acquisition of Shares Acquisition of Control Indirect acquisition of

(Reg. 3) (Reg. 4) shares of Control
(Reg. 5)
I. Mandatory Open Offer

SEBI Takeover Regulations, 2011 provides a threshold for mandatory Open Offer. These regulations provides
that whenever an acquirer acquires the shares in excess of the threshold as prescribed under regulation 3 and
4 of SEBI Takeover Regulations, 2011, then the acquirer is required to make a public announcement of offer to
the shareholders of the Target Company.
Regulation 3 of the SEBI Takeover Regulations, 2011 provides the Acquirer to give an open offer to the
shareholders of Target Company on the acquisition of shares or voting rights entitling the Acquirer along with
the persons acting in concert with him to exercise 25% or more voting rights in the Target Company.
Further any Acquirer who holds shares between 25%-75%, together with PACs can acquire further 5% shares as
creeping acquisition without giving an Open Offer to the shareholders of the Target Company upto a maximum
of 75%. The quantum of acquisition of additional voting rights shall be calculated after considering the following:
(a) No Netting off allowed:

For the purpose of determining the quantum of acquisition of additional voting rights, the gross acquisitions
without considering the disposal of shares or dilution of voting rights owing to fresh issue of shares by the target
company shall be taken into account.
(b) Incremental voting rights in case of fresh issue

In the case of acquisition of shares by way of issue of new shares by the target company, the difference
between the pre-allotment and the post-allotment percentage voting rights shall be regarded as the quantum of
additional acquisition. [Regulation 3(2)]
What is the basis of computation of the creeping acquisitions limit under Regulation 3(2) of
Takeover Regulations 2011?
For computing acquisitions limits for creeping acquisition specified under regulation 3(2), gross acquisitions/
purchases shall be taken in to account thereby ignoring any intermittent fall in shareholding or voting rights
whether owing to disposal of shares or dilution of voting rights on account of fresh issue of shares by the
target company.
Acquisition of shares by any person, such that the individual shareholding of such person acquiring shares
exceed the stipulated thresholds, shall also be attracting the obligation to make an open offer for acquiring
shares of the target company irrespective of where there is a change in the aggregate shareholding with
persons action in concert. [Regulation 3(3)]
This shall not apply to acquisition of shares or voting rights of a company by the promoters or shareholders in
control, in terms of the provisions of Schedule XX of the SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2018. [Regulation 3(4)]
Regulation 4 of the SEBI Takeover Regulations, 2011 specifies that if any acquirer acquires, directly or indirectly,
control over the Target Company irrespective of the fact whether there has been any acquisition of shares or
not, then he has to give public announcement to acquire shares from shareholders of the Target Company.
[Regulation 4]
Indirect Acquisition of Shares or control

The concept of Indirect acquisition of shares has been recognized under Regulation 5 of the SEBI Takeover
Regulations, 2011. It explains indirect acquisition as the acquisition of shares, voting rights or control over any
other company which would enable the acquirer of shares, voting rights or control to exercise such percentage
of voting rights, which would otherwise have triggered an open offer process over which would enable the
acquirer to exercise control over a company.
Certain indirect acquisitions are regarded as ‘deemed direct acquisitions’ if such indirect acquisition satisfy the
following conditions such as:
(a) the proportionate net asset value of the target company as a percentage of the consolidated net asset
value of the entity or business being acquired exceeds 80 percent; or
(b) the proportionate sales turnover of target company as a percentage of the consolidated sales turnover
of the entity or business being acquired exceeds 80 percent; or
(c) the proportionate market capitalisation of the target company as a percentage of the enterprise value
for the entity or business being acquired exceeds 80 percent;
The ‘deemed direct acquisition’ has to follow the same mandatory open offer related requirements as a direct
acquisition of shares, voting rights or control.
Delisting Offer
Regulation 5A deals with delisting in case of certain cases arising out of open offer which is discussed
below:
1. In the event the acquirer makes a public announcement of an open offer for acquiring shares of a target
company in terms of regulations 3, 4 or 5, he may delist the company in accordance with provisions of
the SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009,but the acquirer shall have declared upfront his
intention to so delist at the time of making the detailed public statement and a subsequent declaration
of delisting for the purpose of the offer proposed to be made under sub regulation (1) of regulation 5A
will not suffice.
2. Where an offer made is not successful-
(i) On account of non–receipt of prior approval of shareholders in terms of regulation 8(1)(b) of SEBI
(Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009; or
(ii) In terms of regulation 17of SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009; or
(iii) On account of the acquirer rejecting the discovered price determined by the book building process
in terms of regulation 16(1) of SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009,
the acquirer shall make an announcement within 2 working days in respect of such failure in all the
newspapers in which the detailed public statement was made and shall comply with all applicable
provisions of these regulations.
154 EP-SL&CM
3. In the event of failure of the delisting offer made under sub regulation (1), the open offer obligations
shall be fulfilled by the acquirer in the following manner:
(i) the acquirer, through the manager to the open offer, shall within five working days from the date
of the announcement under sub-regulation (2), file with the SEBI, a draft of the letter of offer as
specified in sub-regulation (1) of regulation 16; and
(ii) shall comply with all other applicable provisions of these regulations.
However, the offer price shall stand enhanced by an amount equal to a sum determined at the rate of
ten per cent per annum for the period between the scheduled date of payment of consideration to the
shareholders and the actual date of payment of consideration to the shareholders.
Explanation: For the purpose of this sub-regulation, scheduled date shall be the date on which the
payment of consideration ought to have been made to the shareholders in terms of the timelines in
these regulations.
4. Where a competing offer is made -

(a) the acquirer shall not be entitled to delist the company;
(b) the acquirer shall not be liable to pay interest to the shareholders on account of delay due to
competing offer;
(c) the acquirer shall comply with all the applicable provisions of these regulations and make an
announcement in this regard, within two working days from the date of public announcement
made, in all the newspapers in which the detailed public statement was made.
5. Shareholders who have tendered shares in acceptance of the offer, shall be entitled to withdraw such
shares tendered, within 10 working days from the date of the announcement.
6. Shareholders who have not tendered their shares in acceptance of the offer shall be entitled to tender
their shares in acceptance of the offer made under these regulations.
II. Voluntary Offer

Voluntary Offer means the Open Offer given by the acquirer voluntarily without triggering the mandatory Open
Offer obligations as envisaged under these regulations. Voluntary Offers are an important means for substantial
shareholders to consolidate their stake and therefore recognized the need to introduce a specific framework for
such Open Offers.
Regulation 6 of the Takeover Regulations provides the threshold and conditions for making the Voluntary Open
Offer which are detailed below:
Prior holding of atleast 25 % shares and shareholding of the acquirer and persons acting in concert
(PAC) post completion of Open Offer
An acquirer, who together with persons acting in concert with him, holds shares or voting rights in a target
company entitling them to exercise twenty-five per cent or more but less than the maximum permissible non-
public shareholding, shall be entitled to voluntarily make a public announcement of an open offer for acquiring
shares in accordance with these regulations, subject to their aggregate shareholding after completion of the
open offer not exceeding the maximum permissible non-public shareholding.
Acquisition of shares prior to the voluntary open offer
However, where an acquirer or any person acting in concert with him has acquired shares of the target company
in the preceding fifty-two weeks without attracting the obligation to make a public announcement of an open
offer, he shall not be eligible to voluntarily make a public announcement of an open offer for acquiring shares
under this regulation.
Prohibition on the acquisition of shares during the Offer Period
SEBI Takeover Regulations, 2011 prohibits the acquirer who has made a Voluntary Open Offer from further
acquiring the shares during the Offer Period otherwise than under the Open Offer.
Restriction of the acquisition of shares during the offer period
An acquirer and persons acting in concert with him, who have made a public announcement under this regulation
to acquire shares of a target company shall not be entitled to acquire any shares of the target company for a
period of six months after completion of the open offer except pursuant to another voluntary open offer.
Provided that such restriction shall not prohibit the acquirer from making a competing offer upon any other
person making an open offer for acquiring shares of the target company.
Shares acquired through bonus issue or stock splits shall not be considered for purposes of the dis-entitlement
set out in this regulation.
Wilful Defaulter
Notwithstanding anything contained in these regulations, no person who is a wilful defaulter shall make a
public announcement of an open offer for acquiring shares or enter into any transaction that would attract the
obligation to make a public announcement of an open offer for acquiring shares under these regulations.
However, this regulation shall not prohibit the wilful defaulter from making a competing offer in accordance with
regulation 20 of these regulations upon any other person making an open offer for acquiring shares of the target
company.
Fugitive Economic Offender
Notwithstanding anything contained in these regulations, no person who is a fugitive economic offender shall
make a public announcement of an open offer or make a competing offer for acquiring shares or enter into any
transaction, either directly or indirectly, for acquiring any shares or voting rights or control of a target company.
CONDITIONAL OFFER
An offer in which the acquirer has stipulated a minimum level of acceptance is known as a conditional offer.
Minimum level of acceptance implies minimum number of shares which the acquirer desires under the said
conditional offer. If the number of shares validly tendered in the conditional offer, are less than the minimum
level of acceptance stipulated by the acquirer, then the acquirer is not bound to accept any shares under
the offer. In a conditional offer, if the minimum level of acceptance is not reached, the acquirer shall not
acquire any shares in the target company under the open offer or the Share Purchase Agreement which has
triggered the open offer.
156 EP-SL&CM
MINIMUM OFFER SIZE

The minimum offer size for an open offer is as under:
Open offer when triggered Minimum open offer size Other conditions
Direct acquisition under 26% of the emerging share capital If as a result of the open offer,
Regulation 4 or Indirect of the Company as on the 10th the post offer shareholding of the
acquisition under Regulation 5 working day from the closure of the shareholders other than Acquirers
tendering period and PACs / Promoters, as the case
may be, falls below the minimum
permissible public shareholding
requirement, as specified from time
to time, the Acquirers and PACs must
take necessary steps to reduce their
holding within one year in such manner
as specified by SEBI to achieve the
minimum public shareholding norms.
Voluntary under Regulation 6 10% of the total share of

the company. The post offer
shareholding of the Acquirer
and PACs in such case shall not
exceed the maximum permissible
non-public shareholding.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
SEBI (SAST) Regulation, 2011 provides that whenever acquirer acquires the shares or voting rights of the
Target Company in excess of the limits prescribed under these Regulations, Acquirer is required to give a Public
Announcement of an Open Offer to the shareholder of the Target Company. During the process of making the
Public Announcement of an Open Offer, the Acquirer is required to give Public Announcement and publish
Detailed Public Statement. The regulations have prescribed separate timelines for Public Announcement as
well as for Detailed Public Statement.
I. Public Announcement
II. Detailed Public Statement
Timing of Pubic Announcement
The Public Announcement shall be sent to all the stock exchanges on which the shares of the target company are
listed. Further, a copy of the same shall also be sent to the SEBI and to the target company at its registered office
within one working day of the date of the public announcement. The time within which the Public Announcement
is required to be made to the Stock Exchanges under different circumstances is tabulated below:
Regulation Particulars of Compliances Time frame within which it shall be complied
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
13(1) Agreement to acquire shares or voting rights On the same day of entering into agreement to
or control over the Target Company. acquire share, voting rights or control over the
Target Company.
13(2)(a) Market Purchase of shares. Prior to the placement of purchase order with
the stock broker to acquire the shares.
13(2)(b) Acquisition pursuant to conversion of On the same day when the option to convert
Convertible Securities without a fixed date of such securities into shares of the target
conversion or upon conversion of depository company is exercised.
receipts for the underlying shares of the target
company.
13(2)(c) Acquiring shares or voting rights or control On the second working day preceding
pursuant to conversion of Convertible the scheduled date of conversion of such
Securities with a fixed date of conversion. securities into shares of the target company.
13(2)(d) In case of disinvestment. On the date of execution of agreement for

acquisition of shares or voting rights or control
over the target company.
13(2)(e) In case of Indirect Acquisition of shares or At any time within four working days of the
voting rights in, or control over the target following dates, whichever is earlier:
company where none of the parameters
a. When the primary acquisition is contracted;
mentioned in Regulation 5(2) are met.
and
b. Date on which the intention or decision to
make the primary acquisition is announced in
the public domain.
13(2)(f) In case of Indirect Acquisition of shares or On the following dates, whichever is earlier:
voting rights in, or control over the target
company where the parameters mentioned in
and
Regulation 5(2) are met.
the public domain.
13(2)(g) Acquisition of shares, voting rights or control On the date when the board of directors of the
over the Target Company pursuant to an target company authorizes such preferential
Preferential Issue. issue.
13(2)(h) An increase in voting rights consequential to Not later than the 90th day from the date of
a buy-back not qualifying for exemption under closure of the buy-back offer by the target
Regulation 10. company.
13(2)(i) Acquisition of shares, voting rights or control over Not later than two working days from the date
the Target Company where the specific date on of receipt of such intimation of having acquired
which title to such shares, voting rights or control such title.
is acquired is beyond the control of the acquirer.
158 EP-SL&CM
13(2A) Pursuant to regulation 3 and regulation 4 for a On the date of first such acquisition.
proposed acquisition of shares or voting rights
(Provided the acquirer discloses in the public
in or control over the target company through
announcement the details of the proposed
a combination of,–
subsequent acquisition.)
(i) an agreement and any one or more modes
of acquisition referred to in sub-regulation (2)
of regulation 13, or
(ii) any one or more modes of acquisition
referred in clause (a) to (i) of sub-regulation
(2) of regulation 13.
13(3) Voluntary Offer. On the same day when the Acquirer decides to
make Voluntary Offer.
Timing of Detailed Public Statement

In terms of Regulation 13(4) of SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011, a Detailed Public Statement shall be published
by the acquirer through the Manager to the Open Offer, not later than 5 working days of the Public Announcement.
However, in case of Indirect Acquisition where none of condition specified in Regulation 5(2) are satisfied, the
Detailed Public Statement shall be published not later than five working days of the completion of the primary
acquisition of shares or voting rights in or control over the company or entity holding shares or voting rights in,
or control over the target company.
Publication of Public Announcement and Detailed Public Statement
Regulation 14 of SEBI (SAST) Regulation, 2011 provides the requirements relating to publication of Public
Announcement and Detailed Public Statement which are tabulated below :
Regulation Particulars of Compliances Time frame within which it shall be

complied
14(1) Public Announcement shall be sent to all the stock On the same day.
exchanges and same information disseminate to
public.
14(2) Copy of Public Announcement shall also be sent to the Within one working day of the date of
SEBI and target company at its Registered Office the public announcement.
14(3) Detailed Public Statement pursuant to the public Within 5 working days from the date
announcement shall be published in all Editions of any of Public Announcement.
one of English Newspaper, any one Hindi Newspaper
and any one regional language newspaper, where the
registered office of the target company is situated and
any one regional language newspaper at place of stock
exchange where highest volume of trading in shares of
the target company are recorded during the sixty trading
days preceding the date of the public announcement.
14(4) Within the publication of such detailed public statement Immediately.

in the newspapers, a copy of the same shall be sent to -
a) SEBI through the manager to the open
offer ;
b) All the stock exchanges on which the shares
of the target company are listed and the stock
exchanges shall forthwith disseminate such
information to the public;
c) the target company at its registered office and
the target company shall forthwith circulate it to
the members of its board.
After the publication of Detailed Public Statement, the acquirer is further required to file with SEBI a Draft of
Letter of Offer within five working days from the date of Detailed Public Statement containing such information
as may be specified along with non-refundable fees as prescribed by way of banker’s cheque or demand draft
payable in Mumbai in favour of the SEBI.
OFFER PRICE
Offer price is the price at which the acquirer announces to acquire shares from the public shareholders under
the open offer.
(1) The offer price shall not be less than the price as calculated under regulation 8 of the SAST Regulations,
2011 for frequently or infrequently traded shares.
(2) In the case of direct acquisition of shares or voting rights in, or control over the target company,
and indirect acquisition of shares or voting rights in, or control over the target company where the
parameters referred to in sub-regulation (2) of regulation 5 are met, the offer price shall be the
highest of,—
(a) the highest negotiated price per share of the target company for any acquisition under the
agreement attracting the obligation to make a public announcement of an open offer;
(b) the volume-weighted average price paid or payable for acquisitions, whether by the acquirer or by
any person acting in concert with him, during the fifty-two weeks immediately preceding the date
of the public announcement;
(c) the highest price paid or payable for any acquisition, whether by the acquirer or by any person
acting in concert with him, during the twenty-six weeks immediately preceding the date of the
public announcement;
(d) the volume-weighted average market price of such shares for a period of sixty trading days
immediately preceding the date of the public announcement as traded on the stock exchange
where the maximum volume of trading in the shares of the target company are recorded during
such period, provided such shares are frequently traded;
(e) where the shares are not frequently traded, the price determined by the acquirer and the manager
to the open offer taking into account valuation parameters including, book value, comparable
trading multiples, and such other parameters as are customary for valuation of shares of such
companies; and
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(f) the per share value computed under sub-regulation (5), if applicable.
(3) In the case of an indirect acquisition of shares or voting rights in, or control over the target company,
where the parameter referred to in sub-regulation (2) of regulation 5 are not met, the offer price shall
be the highest of, –
(a) the highest negotiated price per share, if any, of the target company for any acquisition under the
agreement attracting the obligation to make a public announcement of an open offer;
(b) the volume-weighted average price paid or payable for any acquisition, whether by the acquirer
or by any person acting in concert with him, during the fifty-two weeks immediately preceding
the earlier of, the date on which the primary acquisition is contracted, and the date on which the
intention or the decision to make the primary acquisition is announced in the public domain;
(c) the highest price paid or payable for any acquisition, whether by the acquirer or by any person
acting in concert with him, during the twenty-six weeks immediately preceding the earlier of, the
date on which the primary acquisition is contracted, and the date on which the intention or the
decision to make the primary acquisition is announced in the public domain;
(d) the highest price paid or payable for any acquisition, whether by the acquirer or by any person
acting in concert with him, between the earlier of, the date on which the primary acquisition is
contracted, and the date on which the intention or the decision to make the primary acquisition is
announced in the public domain, and the date of the public announcement of the open offer for
shares of the target company made under these regulations;
(e) the volume-weighted average market price of the shares for a period of sixty trading days
immediately preceding the earlier of, the date on which the primary acquisition is contracted, and
the date on which the intention or the decision to make the primary acquisition is announced in
the public domain, as traded on the stock exchange where the maximum volume of trading in
the shares of the target company are recorded during such period, provided such shares are
frequently traded; and
(f) the per share value computed under sub-regulation (5).
(4) In the event the offer price is incapable of being determined under any of the parameters specified
in sub-regulation (3), without prejudice to the requirements of sub-regulation (5), the offer price shall
be the fair price of shares of the target company to be determined by the acquirer and the manager
to the open offer taking into account valuation parameters including, book value, comparable trading
multiples, and such other parameters as are customary for valuation of shares of such companies.
(5) In the case of an indirect acquisition and open offers under sub-regulation (2) of regulation 5 where,–
(a) the proportionate net asset value of the target company as a percentage of the consolidated net
asset value of the entity or business being acquired;
(b) the proportionate sales turnover of the target company as a percentage of the consolidated sales
turnover of the entity or business being acquired; or
(c) the proportionate market capitalization of the target company as a percentage of the enterprise
value for the entity or business being acquired;
is in excess of fifteen per cent, on the basis of the most recent audited annual financial statements, the
acquirer shall, notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulation (2) or sub-regulation (3), be required to
compute and disclose, in the letter of offer, the per share value of the target company taken into account for
the acquisition, along with a detailed description of the methodology adopted for such computation.
Explanation. – For the purposes of computing the percentages referred to in clause (c) of this sub-
regulation, the market capitalisation of the target company shall be taken into account on the basis of
the volume-weighted average market price of such shares on the stock exchange for a period of sixty
trading days preceding the earlier of, the date on which the primary acquisition is contracted, and the
date on which the intention or the decision to make the primary acquisition is announced in the public
domain, as traded on the stock exchange where the maximum volume of trading in the shares of the
target company are recorded during such period.
(6) For the purposes of sub-regulation (2) and sub-regulation (3), where the acquirer or any person acting
in concert with him has any outstanding convertible instruments convertible into shares of the target
company at a specific price, the price at which such instruments are to be converted into shares, shall
also be considered as a parameter under sub-regulation (2) and sub-regulation (3).
(7) For the purposes of sub-regulation (2) and sub-regulation (3), the price paid for shares of the target
company shall include any price paid or agreed to be paid for the shares or voting rights in, or control
over the target company, in any form whatsoever, whether stated in the agreement for acquisition
of shares or in any incidental, contemporaneous or collateral agreement, whether termed as control
premium or as non-compete fees or otherwise.
(8) Where the acquirer has acquired or agreed to acquire whether by himself or through or with persons
acting in concert with him any shares or voting rights in the target company during the offer period,
whether by subscription or purchase, at a price higher than the offer price, the offer price shall stand
revised to the highest price paid or payable for any such acquisition.
Provided that no such acquisition shall be made after the third working day prior to the commencement
of the tendering period and until the expiry of the tendering period.
(9) The price parameters under sub-regulation (2) and sub-regulation (3) may be adjusted by the acquirer
in consultation with the manager to the offer, for corporate actions such as issuances pursuant to rights
issue, bonus issue, stock consolidations, stock splits, payment of dividend, de-mergers and reduction
of capital, where the record date for effecting such corporate actions falls prior to three working days
before the commencement of the tendering period.
Provided that no adjustment shall be made for dividend declared with a record date falling during
such period except where the dividend per share is more than fifty per cent higher than the average
of the dividend per share paid during the three financial years preceding the date of the public
announcement.
(10) Where the acquirer or persons acting in concert with him acquires shares of the target company during
the period of twenty-six weeks after the tendering period at a price higher than the offer price under
these regulations, the acquirer and persons acting in concert shall pay the difference between the
highest acquisition price and the offer price, to all the shareholders whose shares were accepted in the
open offer, within sixty days from the date of such acquisition:
Provided that this provision shall not be applicable to acquisitions under another open offer under these
regulations or pursuant to the SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009, or open market
purchases made in the ordinary course on the stock exchanges, not being negotiated acquisition of
shares of the target company whether by way of bulk deals, block deals or in any other form.
(11) Where the open offer is subject to a minimum level of acceptances, the acquirer may, subject to
the other provisions of this regulation, indicate a lower price, which will not be less than the price
determined under this regulation, for acquiring all the acceptances despite the acceptance falling short
162 EP-SL&CM
of the indicated minimum level of acceptance, in the event the open offer does not receive the minimum
acceptance.
(12) In the case of any indirect acquisition, other than the indirect acquisition referred in sub-regulation (2) of
regulation 5, the offer price shall stand enhanced by an amount equal to a sum determined at the rate of
ten per cent per annum for the period between the earlier of the date on which the primary acquisition
is contracted or the date on which the intention or the decision to make the primary acquisition is
announced in the public domain, and the date of the detailed public statement, provided such period is
more than five working days.
(13) The offer price for partly paid up shares shall be computed as the difference between the offer price and
the amount due towards calls-in-arrears including calls remaining unpaid with interest, if any, thereon.
(14) The offer price for equity shares carrying differential voting rights shall be determined by the acquirer
and the manager to the open offer with full disclosure of justification for the price so determined, being
set out in the detailed public statement and the letter of offer.
Provided that such price shall not be lower than the amount determined by applying the percentage
rate of premium, if any, that the offer price for the equity shares carrying full voting rights represents
to the price parameter computed under clause (d) of sub-regulation 2, or as the case may be, clause
(e) of sub-regulation 3, to the volume-weighted average market price of the shares carrying differential
voting rights for a period of sixty trading days computed on the same terms as specified in the aforesaid
provisions, subject to shares carrying full voting rights and the shares carrying differential voting rights,
both being frequently traded shares.
(15) In the event of any of the price parameters contained in this regulation not being available or denominated
in Indian rupees, the conversion of such amount into Indian rupees shall be effected at the exchange
rate as prevailing on the date preceding the date of public announcement and the acquirer shall set out
the source of such exchange rate in the public announcement, the detailed public statement and the
letter of offer.
(16) For purposes of clause (e) of sub-regulation (2) and sub-regulation (4), the SEBI may, at the expense
of the acquirer, require valuation of the shares by an independent merchant banker other than the
manager to the open offer or an independent chartered accountant in practice having a minimum
experience of ten years.
SUBMISSION OF DRAFT LETTER OF OFFER

The Acquirer shall submit a draft letter of offer to the SEBI within 5 working days from the date of detailed public
announcement along with a non-refundable fee as applicable. [Regulation 16(1)]
Sr. No. Consideration payable under the Open Offer Fees (Rs.)
1. Upto ten crore rupees Five lakh rupees (Rs. 5,00,000)
2. More than ten crore rupees but less than or equal to 0.5 per cent of the offer size
one thousand crore rupees
3. More than one thousand crore rupees Five crore rupees (Rs. 5,00,00,000)
plus 0.125 per cent of the portion of the
offer size in excess of one thousand
crore rupees (1000,00,00,000)
The consideration payable under the open offer shall be calculated at the offer price, assuming full acceptance
of the open offer, and in the event the open offer is subject to differential pricing, shall be computed at the
highest offer price, irrespective of manner of payment of the consideration.
However in the event of consideration payable under the open offer being enhanced owing to a revision to the
offer price or offer size the fees payable shall stand revised accordingly, and shall be paid within five working
days from the date of such revision.
Simultaneously, a copy of the draft letter of offer shall be send to the Target Company at its registered office and
to all the Stock Exchanges where the shares of the Company are listed. [Regulation 18(1)]
DISPATCH OF LETTER OF OFFER

The Acquirer shall ensure that the letter of offer is dispatched to the shareholders whose names appear on the
register of members of the Target Company as of the identified date, not later than 7 working days from the
date of receipt of communication of comments from the SEBI or where no comments are offered by the SEBI,
within 7 working days from the expiry of 15 working days from the date of receipt of draft letter of offer by SEBI.
Explanation
(i) Letter of offer may also be dispatched through electronic mode in accordance with the provisions of
(ii) On receipt of a request from any shareholder to receive a copy of the letter of offer in physical format,
the same shall be provided.
(iii) The aforesaid shall be disclosed in the letter of offer.
However, it is provided that where a shareholder holding less than 5% of the voting rights of the Target Company
is resident outside India and local laws or regulations of such jurisdiction may expose the acquirer or the target
company to material risk of civil, regulatory or criminal liabilities in the event, then the letter of offer in its final
form were to be sent without material amendments or modifications into such jurisdiction, then the acquirer may
refrain from dispatch of the letter of offer into such jurisdiction. [Regulation 18(2)]
OPENING OF THE OFFER

The tendering period shall start not later than 12 working days from date of receipt of comments from SEBI and
shall remain open for 10 working days. [Regulation 18(8)]
COMPLETION OF REQUIREMENTS
Within 10 working days from the last date of the tendering period, the acquirer shall complete all requirements
as prescribed under these regulations and other applicable law relating to the Open Offer including payment of
consideration to the shareholders who have accepted the open offer. [Regulation 18(10)]
RESTRICTION ON ACQUISITION
If the acquirer or persons acting in concert (PAC) with him acquires shares of the target company during the
period of 26 weeks after the tendering period at a price higher than the offer price, then the acquirer and PAC
shall pay the difference between the highest acquisition price and the offer price, to all the shareholders whose
shares were accepted in the open offer, within 60 days from the date of such acquisition. However, such
provisions shall not be applicable if the acquisition is made through another open offer under these regulations
or pursuant to the SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009 or open market purchase in the ordinary
course on the stock exchange not being negotiated acquisition of shares of the target company whether by way
of bulk deals, block deals or in any other form. [Regulation 8(10)]
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PROVISION OF ESCROW
Not later than two working days prior to the date of the detailed public statement of the open offer for acquiring
shares, the acquirer shall create an escrow account towards security for performance of his obligations under
these regulations, and deposit in escrow account such aggregate amount as per the following scale:
S. No. Consideration payable under the Escrow Amount

Open Offer
(a) On the first five hundred crore rupees An amount equal to twenty-five per cent of the consideration
(b) On the balance consideration An additional amount equal to ten per cent of the balance
consideration
However, where an open offer is made conditional upon minimum level of acceptance, hundred percent of the
consideration payable in respect of minimum level of acceptance or fifty per cent of the consideration payable
under the open offer, whichever is higher, shall be deposited in cash in the escrow account.
The escrow account may be in the form of, –
(a) cash deposited with any scheduled commercial bank;
(b) bank guarantee issued in favour of the manager to the open offer by any scheduled commercial bank; or
(c) deposit of frequently traded and freely transferable equity shares or other freely transferable securities
with appropriate margin.
Explanation : The cash component of the escrow account as referred to in clause (a) above may be maintained
in an interest bearing account, subject to the merchant banker ensuring that the funds are available at the time
of making payment to the shareholders.
In the event of the escrow account being created by way of a bank guarantee or by deposit of securities, the
acquirer shall also ensure that at least one per cent of the total consideration payable is deposited in cash with
a scheduled commercial bank as a part of the escrow account.
For such part of the escrow account as is in the form of a cash deposit with a scheduled commercial bank, the
acquirer shall while opening the account, empower the manager to the open offer to instruct the bank to issue a
banker’s cheque or demand draft or to make payment of the amounts lying to the credit of the escrow account,
in accordance with requirements under these regulations.
For such part of the escrow account as is in the form of a bank guarantee, such bank guarantee shall be in
favour of the manager to the open offer and shall be kept valid throughout the offer period and for an additional
period of thirty days after completion of payment of consideration to shareholders who have tendered their
shares in acceptance of the open offer.
For such part of the escrow account as is in the form of securities, the acquirer shall empower the manager to
the open offer to realise the value of such escrow account by sale or otherwise, and in the event there is any
shortfall in the amount required to be maintained in the escrow account, the manager to the open offer shall be
liable to make good such shortfall.
The manager to the open offer shall not release the escrow account until the expiry of thirty days from the
completion of payment of consideration to shareholders who have tendered their shares in acceptance of the
open offer, save and except for transfer of funds to the special escrow account as required under regulation 21.
MODE OF PAYMENT
The offer price may be paid, –
(a) in cash;
(b) by issue, exchange or transfer of listed shares in the equity share capital of the acquirer or of any
person acting in concert;
(c) by issue, exchange or transfer of listed secured debt instruments issued by the acquirer or any person
acting in concert with a rating not inferior to investment grade as rated by a credit rating agency
registered with the SEBI;
(d) by issue, exchange or transfer of convertible debt securities entitling the holder thereof to acquire listed
shares in the equity share capital of the acquirer or of any person acting in concert; or
(e) a combination of the mode of payment of consideration stated in clause (a), clause (b), clause (c) and
clause (d).
However, where any shares have been acquired or agreed to be acquired by the acquirer and persons acting in
concert with him during the fifty-two weeks immediately preceding the date of public announcement constitute
more than ten per cent of the voting rights in the target company and has been paid for in cash, the open offer
shall entail an option to the shareholders to require payment of the offer price in cash, and a shareholder who
has not exercised an option in his acceptance shall be deemed to have opted for receiving the offer price in
cash.
In case of revision in offer price the mode of payment of consideration may be altered subject to the condition
that the component of the offer price to be paid in cash prior to such revision is not reduced.
WITHDRAWAL OF OPEN OFFER

1. An open offer for acquiring shares once made shall not be withdrawn except under any of the following
circumstances, –
(a) statutory approvals required for the open offer or for effecting the acquisitions attracting the obligation to
make an open offer under these regulations having been finally refused, subject to such requirements
for approval having been specifically disclosed in the detailed public statement and the letter of offer;
(b) the acquirer, being a natural person, has died;
(c) any condition stipulated in the agreement for acquisition attracting the obligation to make the open offer
is not met for reasons outside the reasonable control of the acquirer, then it should be disclosed in the
detailed public statement and the letter of offer; or
However, an acquirer shall not withdraw an open offer pursuant to a public announcement made under
clause (g) of sub-regulation (2) of regulation 13, even if the proposed acquisition through the preferential
issue is not successful.
(d) such circumstances as in the opinion of the SEBI, merit withdrawal.
SEBI shall pass a reasoned order permitting withdrawal and such order shall be listed by SEBI on its official
website.
2. In the event of withdrawal of the open offer, the acquirer shall through the manager to the open offer, within
two working days, –
(a) make an announcement in the same newspapers in which the public announcement of the open offer
was published, providing the grounds and reasons for withdrawal of the open offer; and
(b) simultaneously with the announcement, inform in writing to,–
(i) SEBI;
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(ii) all the stock exchanges on which the shares of the target company are listed, and the stock
exchanges shall forthwith disseminate such information to the public; and
(iii) the target company at its registered office. [Regulation 23]
OBLIGATIONS OF THE TARGET COMPANY

(1) Upon a public announcement of an open offer for acquiring shares of a target company being made,
the board of directors of such target company shall ensure that during the offer period, the business of
the target company is conducted in the ordinary course consistent with past practice.
(2) During the offer period, unless the approval of shareholders of the target company by way of a special
resolution by postal ballot is obtained, the board of directors of either the target company or any of its
subsidiaries shall not, –
(a) alienate any material assets whether by way of sale, lease, encumbrance or otherwise or enter
into any agreement therefore outside the ordinary course of business;
(b) effect any material borrowings outside the ordinary course of business;
(c) issue or allot any authorised but unissued securities entitling the holder to voting rights.
However, the target company or its subsidiaries may, –
(i) issue or allot shares upon conversion of convertible securities issued prior to the public
announcement of the open offer, in accordance with pre-determined terms of such conversion;
(ii) issue or allot shares pursuant to any public issue in respect of which the red herring
prospectus has been filed with the Registrar of Companies prior to the public announcement
of the open offer; or
(iii) issue or allot shares pursuant to any rights issue in respect of which the record date has
been announced prior to the public announcement of the open offer;
(d) implement any buy-back of shares or effect any other change to the capital structure of the target
company;
(e) enter into, amend or terminate any material contracts to which the target company or any of its
subsidiaries is a party, outside the ordinary course of business, whether such contract is with a related
party, within the meaning of the term under applicable accounting principles, or with any other person;
and
(f) accelerate any contingent vesting of a right of any person to whom the target company or any of
its subsidiaries may have an obligation, whether such obligation is to acquire shares of the target
company by way of employee stock options or otherwise.
(3) In any general meeting of a subsidiary of the target company in respect of the matters referred to in
sub-regulation (2), the target company and its subsidiaries, if any, shall vote in a manner consistent with
the special resolution passed by the shareholders of the target company.
(4) The target company shall be prohibited from fixing any record date for a corporate action on or after
the third working day prior to the commencement of the tendering period and until the expiry of the
tendering period.
(5) The target company shall furnish to the acquirer within two working days from the identified date, a list
of shareholders as per the register of members of the target company containing names, addresses,
shareholding and folio number, in electronic form, wherever available, and a list of persons whose
applications, if any, for registration of transfer of shares are pending with the target company:
However, the acquirer shall reimburse reasonable costs payable by the target company to external
agencies in order to furnish such information.
(6) Upon receipt of the detailed public statement, the board of directors of the target company shall
constitute a committee of independent directors to provide reasoned recommendations on such open
offer, and the target company shall publish such recommendations.
However, such committee shall be entitled to seek external professional advice at the expense of the
target company.
(7) The committee of independent directors shall provide its written reasoned recommendations on the
open offer to the shareholders of the target company and such recommendations shall be published in
such form as may be specified, at least two working days before the commencement of the tendering
period, in the same newspapers where the public announcement of the open offer was published, and
simultaneously, a copy of the same shall be sent to, –
(i) the SEBI;
(ii) all the stock exchanges; and
(iii) to the manager to the open offer, and where there are competing offers, to the manager to the
open offer for every competing offer.
(8) The board of directors of the target company shall facilitate the acquirer in verification of shares tendered
in acceptance of the open offer.
(9) The board of directors of the target company shall make available to all acquirers making competing
offers, any information and co-operation provided to any acquirer who has made a competing offer.
(10) Upon fulfilment by the acquirer, of the conditions required under these regulations, the board of directors
of the target company shall without any delay register the transfer of shares acquired by the acquirer in
physical form, whether under the agreement or from open market purchases, or pursuant to the open
offer.
OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRER

(1) Prior to making the public announcement of an open offer for acquiring shares under these regulations,
the acquirer shall ensure that firm financial arrangements have been made for fulfilling the payment
obligations under the open offer and that the acquirer is able to implement the open offer, subject to any
statutory approvals for the open offer that may be necessary.
(2) In the event the acquirer has not declared an intention in the detailed public statement and the letter of
offer to alienate any material assets of the target company or of any of its subsidiaries whether by way
of sale, lease, encumbrance or otherwise outside the ordinary course of business, the acquirer, where
he has acquired control over the target company, shall be debarred from causing such alienation for a
period of two years after the offer period.
However, in the event the target company or any of its subsidiaries is required to so alienate assets
despite the intention to alienate not having been expressed by the acquirer, such alienation shall require
a special resolution passed by shareholders of the target company, by way of a postal ballot and the
notice for such postal ballot shall inter alia contain reasons as to why such alienation is necessary.
(3) The acquirer shall ensure that the contents of the public announcement, the detailed public statement, the
letter of offer and the post-offer advertisement are true, fair and adequate in all material aspects and not
misleading in any material particular, and are based on reliable sources, and state the source wherever
necessary.
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(4) The acquirer and persons acting in concert with him shall not sell shares of the target company held by
them, during the offer period.
(5) The acquirer and persons acting in concert with him shall be jointly and severally responsible for
fulfilment of applicable obligations under these regulations.
DISCLOSURES
In the SEBI Takeover Regulations, 2011, the obligation to give the disclosures on the acquisition of certain limits,
is only on the acquirer and not on the Target Company. Further as against the Open Offer obligations where
the individual shareholding is also to be considered, the disclosure shall be of the aggregated shareholding
and voting rights of the acquirer or promoter of the target company or every person acting in concert with him.
EVENT BASED DISCLOSURES
Regulation Made by Trigger Time Period Made to
Regulation Acquirer Acquirer + persons acting in concert Within two working days of Every Stock
29(1) (PAC) acquiring 5% or more of the receipt of intimation of Exchange
the shares of the target company allotment of shares, or the where the
shall disclose to their aggregate acquisition or the disposal shares of
shareholding and voting rights in such of shares or voting rights in the target
target company. the target company. company are
listed and the
target company
at its registered
office.
Regulation Acquirer Any person + persons acting in Within two working days of Every Stock
29(2) concert (PAC), holds shares or voting the receipt of intimation of Exchange
rights entitling them to five per cent or allotment of shares or the where the
more of the shares or voting rights in acquisition or the disposal shares of
a target company, shall disclose the of shares or voting rights in the target
number of shares or voting rights held the target company. company are
and change in shareholding or voting listed and the
rights, even if such change results target company
in shareholding falling below five at its registered
percent, if there has been change in office.
such holdings from the last disclosure
made under sub-regulation (1) or
under this sub-regulation; and such
change exceeds two per cent of total
shareholding or voting rights in the
target company.
Note :
• Shares taken by way of encumbrance shall be treated as an “acquisition”.
• Share given upon release of encumbrance shall be treated as a “disposal”
• The requirement as listed above shall not apply to a Scheduled Commercial bank or public financial
institution or a housing finance company or a systematically important non-banking financial company
as pledgee in connection with a pledge of shares for securing indebtness in the ordinary course of
business.
CONTINUAL DISCLOSURES
Regulation Trigger Time Period Made to
Regulation Every Person + PAC holding more than Within 7 working days Every Stock Exchange
30(1) 25% shares or voting rights in a target from the financial year where the shares of the
company to disclose their aggregate ending 31st March every target company are listed
shareholding and voting rights year. and the target company
at its registered office.
Regulation Promoter +PAC disclose their aggregate Within 7 working days Every stock exchange
30(2) shareholding and voting rights as of the from the financial year where the shares of the
thirty-first day of March, in such target ending 31st March every target company are listed
company. year. and the target company
at its registered office.
DISCLOSURES OF ENCUMBERED SHARES
Regulation Made Trigger Time Period Made to

Regulation Promoter Promoter + PAC creating Within 7 working days Every Stock exchange
31(1) encumbrance on the shares from the creation or where the shares
of the target company. invocation or release are listed and target
of encumbrance as the company at its
case may be. registered office.
Regulation Promoter Invocation of such Within 7 working days Every Stock exchange
31(2) encumbrance or release from the creation or where the shares
of such encumbrances of invocation or release are listed and target
the shares of the target of encumbrance as the company at its
company. case may be. registered office.
The promoter of every target company shall declare on a yearly basis that he, along with persons acting in
concert, has not made any encumbrance, directly or indirectly, other than those already disclosed during the
financial year.
EXEMPTIONS
While the fundamental objective of the SEBI Takeover Regulations is investor protection, the SEBI Takeover
Regulations like the 1997. Regulations also provides for certain exemptions from the open offer obligation
without deviating from its objective.
Exemptions
Automatic Exemptions Exemptions by SEBI

(Regulation 10) (Regulation 11)
170 EP-SL&CM
Regulation 10 - Automatic Exemptions

Regulation 10 of the SEBI Takeover Regulations, 2011 provides for automatic exemptions from the applicability
of making Open Offer to the shareholders of the Target Company in respect of certain acquisitions subject to
the compliance of certain conditions specified therein.
Further, Regulation 11 of SEBI Takeover Regulations, 2011 provides the provisions whereby the acquirer can
apply to SEBI for availing the exemption from the Open Offer obligations and the Target Company can apply
for relaxation from strict compliance with any procedural requirement relating to Open Offer as provided under
Chapter III and IV of these regulations.
Some of the important exemptions provided therein regulation 10 along with their conditions for exemption is
detailed below.
The following acquisitions shall be exempt from the obligation to make an open offer under regulation 3 and
regulation 4 subject to fulfillment of the conditions stipulated therefor :
(1) (a) acquisition pursuant to inter se transfer of shares amongst qualifying persons, being, –
(i) immediate relatives;
(ii) persons named as promoters in the shareholding pattern filed by the target company in terms
of the listing regulations or as the case may be, the listing agreement or these regulations for
not less than three years prior to the proposed acquisition;
(iii) a company, its subsidiaries, its holding company, other subsidiaries of such – holding
company, persons holding not less than fifty per cent of the equity shares of such company,
other companies in which such persons hold not less than fifty per cent of the equity shares,
and their subsidiaries subject to control over such qualifying persons being exclusively held
by the same persons;
(iv) persons acting in concert for not less than three years prior to the proposed acquisition, and
disclosed as such pursuant to filings under the listing regulations or as the case may be, the
listing agreement;
(v) shareholders of a target company who have been persons acting in concert for a period of not
less than three years prior to the proposed acquisition and are disclosed as such pursuant to
filings under the listing regulations or as the case may be, the listing agreement, and any
company in which the entire equity share capital is owned by such shareholders in the same
proportion as their holdings in the target company without any differential entitlement to exercise
voting rights in such company:
However, for purposes of availing of the exemption under this clause, –
(i) If the shares of the target company are frequently traded, the acquisition price per share
shall not be higher by more than twenty-five per cent of the volume-weighted average
market price for a period of sixty trading days preceding the date of issuance of notice
for the proposed inter se transfer, as traded on the stock exchange where the maximum
volume of trading in the shares of the target company are recorded during such period, and
if the shares of the target company are infrequently traded, the acquisition price shall not be
higher by more than twenty-five percent of the price determined; and
(ii) the transferor and the transferee shall have complied with applicable disclosure requirements
set out in these regulations.
(b) acquisition in the ordinary course of business by, –
(i) an underwriter registered with the SEBI by way of allotment pursuant to an underwriting
agreement in terms of the SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018;
(ii) a stock broker registered with SEBI on behalf of his client in exercise of lien over the shares
purchased on behalf of the client under the bye-laws of the stock exchange where such
stock broker is a member;
(iii) a merchant banker registered with SEBI or a nominated investor in the process of market
making or subscription to the unsubscribed portion of issue in terms of the SEBI (ICDR)
Regulations, 2018;
(iv) any person acquiring shares pursuant to a scheme of safety net in terms of the then existing
SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2009;
(v) a merchant banker registered with SEBI acting as a stabilising agent or by the promoter or
pre-issue shareholder in terms of the SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018;
(vi) by a registered market-maker of a stock exchange in respect of shares for which he is the
market maker during the course of market making;
(vii) a Scheduled Commercial Bank, acting as an escrow agent; and
(viii) invocation of pledge by Scheduled Commercial Banks or Public Financial Institutions as a
pledgee.
(c) acquisitions at subsequent stages, by an acquirer who has made a public announcement of an
open offer for acquiring shares pursuant to an agreement of disinvestment, as contemplated in
such agreement:
However, (i) both the acquirer and the seller are the same at all the stages of acquisition; and (ii)
full disclosures of all the subsequent stages of acquisition, if any, have been made in the public
announcement of the open offer and in the letter of offer.
(d) acquisition pursuant to a scheme, –
(i) made under section 18 of the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985 or
any statutory modification or re-enactment thereto;
(ii) of arrangement involving the target company as a transferor company or as a transferee
company, or reconstruction of the target company, including amalgamation, merger or
demerger, pursuant to an order of a court or a tribunal or a competent authority under any
law or regulation, Indian or foreign; or
(iii) of arrangement not directly involving the target company as a transferor company or as
a transferee company, or reconstruction not involving the target company’s undertaking,
including amalgamation, merger or demerger, pursuant to an order of a court or a tribunal
under any law or regulation, Indian or foreign, subject to, –
A. the component of cash and cash equivalents in the consideration paid being less than
twenty-five per cent of the consideration paid under the scheme; and
B. where after implementation of the scheme of arrangement, persons directly or indirectly
holding at least thirty-three per cent of the voting rights in the combined entity are the
same as the persons who held the entire voting rights before the implementation of the
scheme.
(da) acquisition pursuant to a resolution plan approved under section 31 of the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
172 EP-SL&CM
(e) acquisition pursuant to the provisions of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets
and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002;
(f) acquisition pursuant to the provisions of SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009;
(g) acquisition by way of transmission, succession or inheritance;
(h) acquisition of voting rights or preference shares carrying voting rights arising out of the operation
of sub-section (2) of section 47 of the Companies Act, 2013;
(i) acquisition of shares by the lenders pursuant to conversion of their debt as part of a debt
restructuring implemented in accordance with the guidelines specified by RBI;
However, the conditions specified under sub-regulation (6) of regulation 158 of the SEBI (ICDR)
Regulations, 2018 are complied with;
(j) increase in voting rights arising out of the operation of sub-section (1) of section 106 of the
Companies Act, 2013 or pursuant to a forfeiture of shares by the target company, undertaken in
compliance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and its articles of association.
(2A) An increase in the voting rights of any shareholder beyond the threshold limits stipulated in sub-regulations
(1) and (2) of regulation 3, without the acquisition of control, pursuant to the conversion of equity shares with
superior voting rights into ordinary equity shares, shall be exempted from the obligation to make an open offer
under regulation 3.
(3) An increase in voting rights in a target company of any shareholder beyond the limit attracting an obligation
to make an open offer under sub-regulation (1) of regulation 3, pursuant to buy-back of shares by the target
company shall be exempt from the obligation to make an open offer provided such shareholder reduces his
shareholding such that his voting rights fall to below the threshold referred to in regulation 3(1) within ninety
days from the date of the closure of the said buy back offer.
(4) The following acquisitions shall be exempt from the obligation to make an open offer –
(a) acquisition of shares by any shareholder of a target company, upto his entitlement, pursuant to a rights
issue;
(b) acquisition of shares by any shareholder of a target company, beyond his entitlement, pursuant to a
rights issue, subject to fulfilment of the following conditions, –
(i) the acquirer has not renounced any of his entitlements in such rights issue; and
(ii) the price at which the rights issue is made is not higher than the ex-rights price of the shares of
the target company, being the sum of, –
(A) the volume weighted average market price of the shares of the target company during a
period of sixty ending on the day prior to the date of determination of the rights issue price,
multiplied by the number of shares outstanding prior to the rights issue, divided by the total
number of shares outstanding after allotment under the rights issue. However, such volume
weighted average market price shall be determined on the basis of trading on the stock
exchange where the maximum volume of trading in the shares of such target company is
recorded during such period; and
(B) the price at which the shares are offered in the rights issue, multiplied by the number of
shares so offered in the rights issue divided by the total number of shares outstanding after
allotment under the rights issue.
(c) increase in voting rights in a target company of any shareholder pursuant to buy-back of shares.
However:
(i) such shareholder has not voted in favour of the resolution authorising the buy-back of securities
under section 68 of the Companies Act, 2013;
(ii) in the case of a shareholder resolution, voting is by way of postal ballot;
(iii) where a resolution of shareholders is not required for the buy-back, such shareholder, in his
capacity as a director, or any other interested director has not voted in favour of the resolution of
the board of directors of the target company authorising the buy-back of securities under section
68 of the Companies Act, 2013; and
(iv) the increase in voting rights does not result in an acquisition of control by such shareholder over
the target company. However, where the aforesaid conditions are not met, in the event such
shareholder reduces his shareholding such that his voting rights fall below the level at which the
obligation to make an open offer would be attracted under sub-regulation (2) of regulation 3, within
ninety days from the date of closure of the buy-back offer by the target company, the shareholder
shall be exempt from the obligation to make an open offer;
(d) acquisition of shares in a target company by any person in exchange for shares of another target
company tendered pursuant to an open offer for acquiring shares under these regulations;
(e) acquisition of shares in a target company from state-level financial institutions or their subsidiaries or
companies promoted by them, by promoters of the target company pursuant to an agreement between
such transferors and such promoter;
(f) acquisition of shares in a target company from a venture capital fund or Category I Alternative Investment
Fund or a foreign venture capital investor registered with the SEBI, by promoters of the target company
pursuant to an agreement between such venture capital fund or category I Alternative Investment Fund
or foreign venture capital investor and such promoters.
(5) In respect of acquisitions under clause (a) of sub-regulation (1), and clauses (e) and (f) of sub-regulation (4),
the acquirer shall intimate the stock exchanges where the shares of the target company are listed, the details
of the proposed acquisition in such form as may be specified, at least four working days prior to the proposed
acquisition, and the stock exchange shall forthwith disseminate such information to the public.
(6) In respect of any acquisition made pursuant to exemption provided for in this regulation, the acquirer shall
file a report with the stock exchanges where the shares of the target company are listed, in such form as may
be specified not later than four working days from the acquisition, and the stock exchange shall forthwith
disseminate such information to the public.
(7) In respect of any acquisition of or increase in voting rights pursuant to exemption provided for in clause (a)
of sub-regulation (1), sub-clause (iii) of clause (d) of sub-regulation (1), clause (h) of sub-regulation (1), sub
regulation (2), sub-regulation (3) and clause (c) of sub-regulation (4), clauses (a), (b) and (f) of sub-regulation
(4), the acquirer shall, within twenty-one working days of the date of acquisition, submit a report in such form
as may be specified along with supporting documents to SEBI giving all details in respect of acquisitions, along
with a non- refundable fee of rupees one lakh fifty thousand by way of direct credit in the bank account through
NEFT/ RTGS/IMPS or any other mode allowed by RBI or by way of a, banker’s cheque or demand draft payable
in Mumbai in favour of SEBI.
Explanation : For the purpose of sub-regulation (5), (6) & (7), in case the convertible securities the date of the
acquisition shall be the date of conversion of such securities.
174 EP-SL&CM
Regulation 11 – Exemption by SEBI

Regulation 11 provides that on an application being made by the acquirer in writing giving the details of the
proposed acquisition and grounds on which the exemption is sought along with duly sworn affidavit, SEBI may
grant exemption to the acquirer from the Open Offer obligations subject to the compliance with such conditions
as it deems fits. For instance, in case where the exemptions is sought from the Open Offer obligations which
has been triggered pursuant to the issue of shares by way preferential allotment, SEBI may require that the
approval of shareholders should be obtained by way of postal ballot. Further, along with the application, the
acquirer is also required to pay a non-refundable fee of Rs.5,00,000, by way of direct credit in the bank account
through NEFT/RTGS/IMPS or any other mode allowed by or by way of banker‘s cheque or demand draft in
payable in favour of Mumbai.
However, it is to be noted that the Acquirer is not exempted from making other compliances related to the
disclosure requirements as provided under regulation 29, 30 and 31 of the SEBI Takeover Regulations, 2011.
COMPLIANCES UNDER SAST
Regulation Particulars of Compliances Time frame within which it shall be complied
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
13(1) Agreement to acquire shares or voting rights On the same day of entering into agreement to
or control over the Target Company. acquire share, voting rights or control over the
Target Company.
13(2)(a) Market Purchase of shares. Prior to the placement of purchase order with
the stock broker to acquire the shares.
13(2)(b) Acquisition pursuant to conversion of On the same day when the option to convert
Convertible Securities without a fixed date of such securities into shares of the target
conversion or upon conversion of depository company is exercised.
receipts for the underlying shares of the target
company.
13(2)(c) Acquiring shares or voting rights or control On the second working day preceding
pursuant to conversion of Convertible the scheduled date of conversion of such
Securities with a fixed date of conversion. securities into shares of the target company.
13(2)(d) In case of disinvestment. On the date of execution of agreement for
acquisition of shares or voting rights or control
over the target company.
13(2)(e) In case of Indirect Acquisition of shares or At any time within four working days of the
voting rights in, or control over the target following dates, whichever is earlier:
company where none of the parameters
mentioned in Regulation 5(2) are met.
and
the public domain.
13(2)(f) In case of Indirect Acquisition of shares or On the following dates, whichever is earlier:
voting rights in, or control over the target
company where the parameters mentioned in
and
Regulation 5(2) are met.
the public domain.
13(2)(g) Acquisition of shares, voting rights or control On the date when the board of directors of the
over the Target Company pursuant to an target company authorizes such preferential
Preferential Issue. issue.
13(2)(h) An increase in voting rights consequential to Not later than the 90th day from the date of
a buy-back not qualifying for exemption under closure of the buy-back offer by the target
Regulation 10. company.
13(2)(i) Acquisition of shares, voting rights or control over Not later than two working days from the date
the Target Company where the specific date on of receipt of such intimation of having acquired
which title to such shares, voting rights or control such title.
is acquired is beyond the control of the acquirer.
13(2A) Pursuant to regulation 3 and regulation 4 for a On the date of first such acquisition.
proposed acquisition of shares or voting rights
(Provided the acquirer discloses in the public
in or control over the target company through
announcement the details of the proposed
a combination of,–
subsequent acquisition.)
(i) an agreement and any one or more modes
of acquisition referred to in sub-regulation (2)
of regulation 13, or
(ii) any one or more modes of acquisition
referred in clause (a) to (i) of sub-regulation
13(3) Voluntary Offer. On the same day when the Acquirer decides to
make Voluntary Offer.
14(1) Public Announcement shall be sent to all On the same day.
the stock exchanges and same information
disseminate to public.
14(2) Copy of the Public Announcement shall also Within one working day of the date of the
be sent to the SEBI and target company at its public announcement.
Registered Office
14(3) Detailed Public Statement pursuant to the public Within 5 working days from the date of Public
announcement shall be published in all Editions Announcement.
of any one of English Newspaper, any one Hindi
Newspaper and any one regional language
newspaper, where the registered office of the
target company is situated and any one regional
language newspaper at place of stock exchange
where highest volume of trading in shares of the
target company are recorded during the sixty
trading days preceding the date of the public
announcement.
176 EP-SL&CM
14(4) Simultaneously with the publication of such Immediately.

detailed public statement in the newspapers,
a copy of the same shall be sent to -
a) SEBI through the manager to the open offer;
b) All the stock exchanges on which the shares
of the target company are listed and the stock
exchanges shall forthwith disseminate such
information to the public;
c) the target company at its registered office
and the target company shall forthwith circulate
it to the members of its board.
16 Submission of Letter of Offer to the SEBI with Within 5 working days from the date of detailed
non-refundable fees. public announcement.
17 Opening of Escrow Account Not later than two working days prior to the
date of the detailed public statement of the
open offer for acquiring shares.
18(1) The acquirer shall send a copy of the draft letter Immediately.
of offer to the target company at its registered
office address and to all stock exchanges
where the shares of the target company are
listed.
18(2) The letter of offer shall be dispatched to the Not later than seven working days from the
shareholders whose names appear on the receipt of comments from the SEBI or where
register of members of the target company as no comments are offered by the SEBI, within
of the identified date. seven working days from the expiry of the
period stipulated in regulation 16(4).
Explanation
(i) Letter of offer may also be dispatched
through electronic mode in accordance
with the provisions of Companies Act,
2013.
(ii) On receipt of a request from any
shareholder to receive a copy of the
letter of offer in physical format, the
same shall be provided.
(iii) The aforesaid shall be disclosed in the
letter of offer.
18(3) The acquirer shall send the letter of offer to Immediately.
the custodian of shares underlying depository
receipts, if any, of the target company.
18(8) Opening of the offer. Not later than 12 working days from date of
receipt of comments from SEBI and shall
remain open for 10 working days
18(10) Completion of requirements relating to the Within 10 working days from the last date of
Open Offer tendering period the tendering period
LESSON ROUND UP
– The SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011, aims at protecting
interest of the investors in securities of a listed company providing amongst others, an opportunity
for the public shareholders to exit where there is a substantial acquisition of shares or voting rights
or control over a listed company, consolidation of holdings by existing shareholders and related
disclosures and penalties for non- compliance etc.
– The Takeover Regulations, 1997 stand repealed from October 22, 2011, i.e. the date on which SAST
Regulations, 2011 came into force.
– The SEBI Takeover Regulations, 2011 provides certain trigger events wherein the Acquirer is required
to give Open Offer to the shareholders of the Target Company to provide them exit opportunity.
– Regulation 6 of the Takeover Regulations provides the threshold and conditions for making the
Voluntary Open Offer.
– An offer in which the acquirer has stipulated a minimum level of acceptance is known as a conditional
offer.
– Regulation 10 & 11 provides for automatic exemptions and exemptions by SEBI.
– The public announcement shall be sent to all the stock exchanges on which the shares of the
target company are listed, and the stock exchanges shall forthwith disseminate such information
to the public.
– In SEBI Takeover Regulations, 2011, the obligation to give the disclosures on the acquisition of certain
limits is only on the acquirer and not on the Target Company.
GLOSSARY
Competitive Bid An offer made by a person other than the acquirer who has made the first public
announcement.
Control of The right to appoint directly or indirectly or by virtue of agreements or in any other
management manner majority of directors on the Board of the target company or to control management
or policy decisions affecting the target company.
Corporate Involves making radical changes in the composition of the businesses in the company’s
restructuring portfolio.
Disinvestment Disinvestment means the direct or indirect sale by the Central Government or any State
Government or by a government company, as the case may be, of shares or voting
rights in, or control over, a target company, which is a public sector undertaking;
Encumbrance It shall include a pledge, lien or any such transaction, by whatever name called.
Public A public announcement is an announcement made in the newspapers by the acquirer
Announcement primarily disclosing his intention to acquire shares of the target company from existing
shareholders by means of an open offer.
Takeover Takeover is a corporate device whereby one company acquires control over another
company, usually by purchasing all or majority of its shares.
178 EP-SL&CM
Weighted Weighted average number of total shares means the number of shares at the beginning
average number of a period, adjusted for shares cancelled, bought back or issued during the aforesaid
of total shares period, multiplied by a time-weighing factor.
SELF TEST QUESTIONS

(These are meant for re-capitulation only. Answers to these questions are not to be submitted for evaluation)
1. What do you mean by Persons Acting in Concert under the SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011?
2. What are the conditions for making Voluntary open offer?
3. What are the provisions relating to Public announcement under the Takeover regulations?
4. Discuss about the continuous disclosure required to be made under these regulations.
5. Briefly explain the conditions on which SEBI can grant exemption to an acquirer.
6. What do you mean by creeping acquisition?
7. Briefly explain the provisions relating to Escrow Account.

Lesson 7
SEBI (Buy-Back of Securities)
Regulations 2018
LESSON OUTLINE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
– Introduction
There are generally two ways a company can return
– Objectives of Buy-back cash to its shareholders – declaration of dividend
– Applicability or through buyback of shares. A buyback represent
a more flexible way of returning surplus cash to its
– Important Definitions
shareholders as it is governed by a process laid
– Conditions for Buyback of Shares or Other down by law, it is carried out through the stock
Securities exchange mechanism and is more tax efficient as
– Methods of buyback it does not involve the company to make payment
of dividend distribution tax and it has the benefits
– Sources for buyback of long term capital gains. Under the Companies
– Prohibitions for buyback Act, 2013 buyback is governed by sections 68, 69
and 70 and listed companies are governed by the
– Authorisation for buyback
SEBI (Buy-Back of Securities) Regulations, 2018.
– Explanatory Statement
Being a Company Secretary of a company it is very
– Additional Disclosures important to know about the various procedural
– Buy-Back from the Existing Shareholders requirements of Buy-back by a Company. Because
Or Securities Holders through Tender Offer a Company Secretary can only then be able to make
the directors understand the real effects of buy
– Buy-back from the Open Market back when deciding to return cash to shareholders
– Obligations for all buy-back of shares or or to pursue other investment options. A buyback’s
other specified securities impact on share price comes from changes in a
company’s capital structure and, more critically,
– Buyback vis-a-vis compliance under SEBI
from the signals a buyback sends. Investors are
(SAST) Regulations, 2011
generally relieved to learn that companies don’t
– LESSON ROUND UP intend to do something wasteful such as make an
– GLOSSARY unwise acquisition or a poor capital expenditure
with the excess cash.
– SELF TEST PAPER
So this lesson will give an insight into various
methods of buy back available, prohibitions,
objectives and process of buy back etc.
180 EP-SL&CM
INTRODUCTION
The corporates adopts various tools, viz., mergers, amalgamations and takeovers for restructuring the business.
All these activities, in turn, impacts the functioning of the capital market, more particularly the movement of share
prices. As the shares of companies are held by different segments of society, viz., entrepreneurs, institutional
investors and individual shareholders including small investors, it is reasonable that there should be equality
of treatment and opportunities to all shareholders, transparency, proper disclosure and above all protection of
interests of small and minority shareholders.
Similarly, buy-back of securities is a corporate financial strategy which involves repurchase of its outstanding
shares by a company. Companies generally buyback shares in order to reorganise its capital structure, return
cash to shareholders and enhance overall shareholders’ value. Buyback leads to reduction in outstanding
number of equity shares, which may lead to improvement in earnings per equity share and enhance return on
net worth and create long term value for continuing shareholders.
In India, while buy-back of securities is not permitted as a treasury option under which the securities may be
reissued later, a company can resort to buy-back to reduce the number of shares issued and return surplus
cash to the shareholders.
BACKGROUND
The objective of notifying the SEBI (Buy-back of Securities) Regulations, 2018 was to simplify the language of
Buy-back Regulations, 1998, removing redundant provisions and inconsistencies, updating the references to
the new Companies Act, 2013/ other new SEBI Regulations, and incorporating the circulars, FAQs and informal
guidance in the Buyback Regulations 1998, wherever possible, without making any policy changes.
Considering that a significant number of provisions as outlined under Section 68 and 70 of the Companies
Act, 2013 were proposed to be incorporated in the Buy-back Regulations to make it self-contained and more
comprehensive, it was proposed to re-frame an entirely new set of Buyback Regulations in lieu of the extant
1998 version of the regulations. Further, the existing provisions have also been re-structured and re-sequenced
to give a better flow in the new Buyback Regulations.
In line with the aforesaid mandate, the SEBI in its Board Meeting held on March 28, 2018 approved the proposal
to undertake public consultation process before coming out with new Buyback Regulations for reviewing the
SEBI (Buy-Back of Securities) Regulations, 1998.
Thereafter, SEBI vide its Notification dated September 11, 2018, notified the changes proposed by it in the
discussion paper, through the SEBI (Buy-Back of Securities) Regulations, 2018.
OBJECTIVES OF BUY-BACK
Buy-back is a process whereby a company purchases its own shares or other specified securities from the
holders thereof.
Lesson 7 n SEBI (Buy-Back of Securities) Regulations, 2018 181
• To improve earnings per share;

1.
• To improve return on capital, return on net worth and to enhance the long-term
2. shareholder value;
• To enhance consolidation of stake in the company;

3.
• To prevent unwelcome takeover bids;

4.
• To return surplus cash to shareholders;

5.
• To achieve optimum capital structure;

6.
• To support share price during periods of sluggish market conditions; and

7.
• To service the equity more efficient.

8.
• To provide an additional exit route to shareholders when shares are under valued or are
9. thinly traded;
The decision to buy-back is also influenced by various other factors relating to the company, such as growth
opportunities, capital structure, sourcing of funds, cost of capital and optimum allocation of funds generated.
SECTION 68 OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013

Buy back of securities are governed by Section 68 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 17 of Companies
(Share Capital and Debentures) Rules, 2014. Listed companies have to comply with the regulations laid down
by SEBI also in this behalf. Pursuant to Section 68(1) of the Companies Act, 2013, a company may purchase
its own shares or other specified securities (hereinafter referred to as buy-back) out of –
(a) its free reserves;
(b) the securities premium account; or
(c) the proceeds of the issue of any shares or other specified securities:
However no buy-back of any kind of shares or other specified securities shall be made out of the proceeds of
an earlier issue of the same kind of shares or same kind of other specified securities.
Conditions for Buy Back pursuant to section 68(2) of the Companies Act, 2013
(a) the buy-back is authorised by its articles.
(b) Buy back must be authorized by a Special Resolution. But if the buy-back amounts to 10% or less of
the total paid-up equity capital and free reserves of the company then the Board resolution is enough
and the company is not required to pass any special resolution.
(c) the buy-back is twenty-five per cent or less of the aggregate of paid-up capital and free reserves of the
182 EP-SL&CM
company.
However in respect of the buy-back of equity shares in any financial year, the reference to twenty-five
per cent in this clause shall be construed with respect to its total paid-up equity capital in that financial
year.
(d) the ratio of the aggregate of secured and unsecured debts owed by the company after buy-back is not
more than twice the paid-up capital and its free reserves.
However the Central Government may, by order, notify a higher ratio of the debt to capital and free
reserves for a class or classes of companies.
(e) all the shares or other specified securities for buy-back are fully paid-up.
(f) the buy-back of the shares or other specified securities listed on any recognised stock exchange is in
accordance with the regulations made by the Securities and Exchange Board in this behalf.
(g) the buy-back in respect of shares or other specified securities other than those specified in clause (f) is
in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed. However no offer of buy-back mentioned above
shall be made within a period of one year reckoned from the date of the closure of the preceding offer
of buy-back, if any.
The notice of the meeting at which the special resolution is proposed to be passed shall be accompanied by
an explanatory statement stating.
Every buy-back shall be completed within a period of one year from the date of passing of the special resolution
or Board Resolution as the case may be.
APPLICABILITY
SEBI (Buy-back of Securities) Regulations, 2018 shall apply to buy-back of shares or other specified securities
of a company in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.
Explanation: For the purposes of these regulations, the term “shares” shall include equity shares having superior
voting rights.
Associate It includes a person, –
• who directly or indirectly by himself or in combination with relatives, exercise

control over the company; or
• whose employee, officer or director is also a director, officer or employee of

company.
Buyback The period between the date of board of directors resolution; or date of declaration
Period of results of the postal ballot for special resolution, as the case may be, to authorize
buyback of shares of the company and the date on which the payment of consideration to
shareholders who have accepted the buyback offer is made.
Control It has the same meaning as defined in clause (e) of sub-regulation (1) of regulation (2)
of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and
Takeovers) Regulations, 2011;
Small A shareholder of a company, who holds shares or other specified securities whose market
Shareholder value, on the basis of closing price of shares or other specified securities, on the recognised
stock exchange in which highest trading volume in respect of such securities, as on record
date is not more than two lakh rupee.
Specified It includes employees’ stock option or other securities as may be notified by the Central
Securities Government from time to time.
Tender offer An offer by a company to buy-back its own shares or other specified securities through
a letter of offer from the holders of the shares or other specified securities of the
company.
CONDITIONS FOR BUYBACK OF SHARES OR OTHER SECURITIES
The maximum limit of any buy-back shall be 25% or less of the

aggregate of paid-up capital and free reserves of the company.
The ratio of the aggregate of secured and unsecured debts owed by the
company after buy-back shall not be more than twice the paid-up capital
and free reserves.
All shares or other specified securities for buy-back shall be fully paid-
up.
Note:
• In respect of the buy-back of equity shares in any financial year, the reference to 25% in this regulation
shall be construed with respect to its total paid-up equity capital in that financial year.
• If a higher ratio of the debt to capital and free reserves for the company has all shares or other specified
securities for buy-back shall be fully paid-up been notified under the Companies Act, 2013, the same
shall prevail.
Additional Conditions for Buyback of Shares or Other Securities

• A company shall not buy-back its shares or other specified securities :
a) so as to delist its shares or other specified securities from the stock exchange.
b) from any person through negotiated deals, whether on or off the stock exchange or through spot
transactions or through any private arrangement.
• A company shall not make any offer of buy-back within a period of one year reckoned from the date of
expiry of buyback period of the preceding offer of buy-back, if any.
• A company shall not allow buy-back of its shares unless the consequent reduction of its share capital
is affected.
Illustration: Extract of Balance Sheet of X Ltd consist of:
Equity Share Capital – Rs. 6,00,000 of Rs. 10 each
12% Preference Share Capital – Rs. 100,000 of Rs. 100 each
184 EP-SL&CM
14% Debenture Capital – Rs. 300,000 of Rs. 100

What is the maximum equity share capital and number of equity shares that can be bought back?
Solution:
(i) Maximum equity share capital that can be bought back
= Rs. 6,00,000*25%
= Rs. 1,50,000
(ii) Maximum number of equity shares that can be bought back
=Rs. 1,50,000/10
= 15,000 equity shares
METHODS OF BUYBACK
A company may buy-back its shares or other specified securities by any one of the following methods:
from the existing shareholders or

other specified securities holders
on a proportionate basis through
the tender offer
Methods of Buyback
Book-building Process
from the open market through
Stock Exchange
from odd-lot holders
No offer of buy-back for fifteen per cent or more of the paid up capital and free reserves of the company shall
be made from the open market.
Section 68(5)(c) of the Companies Act, 2013 permits buyback of equity shares by purchasing the securities
issued to employees of the company pursuant to a scheme of stock option or sweat equity. However, no such
provision is there under the SEBI Buyback Regulations.
SOURCES OF BUYBACK
the securities
premium account
or
the proceeds of
the issue of any
its free reserves shares or other
specified
securities
A Company
may
buy-back
shares or
other
securities
out of-
Note: Buy-back shall not be made out of the proceeds of an earlier issue of the same kind of shares or same
kind of other specified securities.
PROHIBITIONS FOR BUY-BACK

The Company shall not directly or indirectly purchase its own shares or other specified securities:
• through any subsidiary company including its own subsidiary companies;
• through any investment company or group of investment companies; or
• if a default is made by the company in the repayment of deposits accepted either before or after
the commencement of the Companies Act, interest payment thereon, redemption of debentures or
preference shares or payment of dividend to any shareholder, or repayment of any term loan or interest
payable thereon to any financial institution or banking company.
The buyback is not prohibited, if the default is remedied and a period of three years has lapsed after such
default ceased to subsist.
AUTHORISATION FOR BUYBACK

The company shall not authorise for any buy-back whether by way of tender offer or from open market or odd
lot unless:
186 EP-SL&CM
Where the buy-back is, 10%

or less of the total paid-up
A special resolution is equity capital and free reserves
Authorisation for Buyback in required to passed at a general
the Articles of the Company. of the company, then Board
meeting of the company for resolution is required to be
such authorisation. passed in the meeting of the
board of directors.
Note:
• In case of Special Resolution, a copy of the resolution passed at the general meeting shall be filed with
SEBI and the stock exchanges where the shares or other specified securities of the company are listed,
within seven days from the date of passing of the resolution.
• In case of Board Resolution, a copy of Board Resolution passed in the meeting of the Board of Directors,
shall file with SEBI and the stock exchanges, where the shares or other specified securities of the
company are listed, within two working days of the date of the passing of the resolution.
Every buy-back shall be completed within a period of one year from the date of passing of the special
resolution at general meeting, or the resolution passed by the board of directors of the company, as the
case may be.
The company shall, after expiry of the buy-back period, file with the Registrar of Companies and SEBI, a return
containing such particulars relating to the buy-back within thirty days of such expiry, in the format as specified
in the Companies (Share Capital and Debentures) Rules, 2014.
Where the buy-back is from open market either through the stock exchange or through book building, the
resolution of board of directors shall specify the maximum price at which the buy-back shall be made. However
where there is a requirement for the Special Resolution as specified in clause (b) of sub-regulation 1 of regulation
5 of these Regulations, the special resolution shall also specify the maximum price at which the buy-back shall
be made.
No insider shall deal in shares or other specified securities of the company on the basis of unpublished price
sensitive information relating to buy-back of shares or other specified securities of the company.
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
The notice of the meeting at which the special resolution is proposed to be passed shall be accompanied by
an explanatory statement pursuant to section 102 of the Companies Act containing mandatory disclosures as
specified under sub-section 3 of section 68 of the Companies Act –
• a full and complete disclosure of all material facts;
• the necessity for the buy-back;
• the class of shares or securities intended to be purchased under the buy-back;
• the amount to be invested under the buy-back; and
• the time-limit for completion of buy-back.
ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES
The company is required to provide an additional disclosure as per Schedule I to these regulations, in addition
to disclosures mentioned above under sub section 3 of section 68 of the Companies Act, 2013 as discussed
below:
i) Date of the Board meeting at which the proposal for buy-back was approved by the Board of Directors
of the company;
ii) Necessity for the buy-back;
iii) Maximum amount required under the buy-back and its percentage of the total paid up capital and free
reserves;
iv) Maximum price at which the shares or other specified securities are proposed be bought back and the
basis of arriving at the buy-back price;
v) Maximum number of securities that the company proposes to buy- back;
vi) Method to be adopted for buy-back as referred to in sub-regulation (iv) of regulation 4;
vii) (a) the aggregate shareholding of the promoter and of the directors of the promoters, where the promoter
is a company and of persons who are in control of the company as on the date of the notice convening
the General Meeting or the Meeting of the Board of Directors;
(b) aggregate number of shares or other specified securities purchased or sold by persons including
persons mentioned in (a) above from a period of six months preceding the date of the Board Meeting
at which the buy-back was approved till the date of notice convening the general meeting;
(c) the maximum and minimum price at which purchases and sales referred to in (b) above were made
along with the relevant dates;
viii) Intention of the promoters and persons in control of the company to tender shares or other specified
securities for buy-back indicating the number of shares or other specified securities, details of acquisition
with dates and price;
ix) A confirmation that there are no defaults subsisting in repayment of deposits, redemption of debentures
or preference shares or repayment of term loans to any financial institutions or banks;
x) A confirmation that the Board of Directors has made a full enquiry into the affairs and prospects of the
company and that they have formed the opinion:
a) that immediately following the date on which the General Meeting or the meeting of the Board of
Directors is convened there will be no grounds on which the company could be found unable to
pay its debts;
b) as regards its prospects for the year immediately following that date that, having regard to their
intentions with respect to the management of the company’s business during that year and to
the amount and character of the financial resources which will in their view be available to the
company during that year, the company will be able to meet its liabilities as and when they fall due
and will not be rendered insolvent within a period of one year from that date; and
c) in forming their opinion for the above purposes, the directors shall take into account the liabilities
as if the company were being wound up under the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 or
Companies Act, 2013 or the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016 (including prospective and
contingent liabilities);
xi) A report addressed to the Board of Directors by the company’s auditors stating that-
188 EP-SL&CM
a) they have inquired into the company’s state of affairs;

b) the amount of the permissible capital payment for the securities in question is in their view properly
determined; and
c) the Board of Directors have formed the opinion as specified in clause (x) on reasonable grounds
and that the company will not, having regard to its state of affairs, will not be rendered insolvent
within a period of one year from that date.
BUY-BACK PROCESS
1 2 3 Public
Appointment of Filing the Announcement
Merchant Resolution with to be released in
Banker(s)/ SEBI/ Stock newspapers and
Regist rar Exchanges(s) simultaneous
filing with
SEBI/Stock
Exchnage
7 8 9 Issue of Public
Merchant advertisement in
File the return
Banker to file National daily on
with ROC and
Final Report with Completion of
SEBI
SEBI Buy-back
process
4 Determination of 5 6
Offer Price, Acceptance and Extinguishment
Opening and Payment to of Certificates
Closure of the Security Holders and intimation to
Buyback Offer Stock Exchange
Buy-Back from the existing shareholders or securities holders through Tender Offer
A company may buy-back its shares or other specified securities from its existing shareholders/securities
holders on a proportionate basis in accordance with the provisions of these regulations. It may be noted that
fifteen per cent of the number of securities which the company proposes to buy-back or number of securities
entitled as per their shareholding, whichever is higher, shall be reserved for small shareholders.
ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES
In addition to the disclosures provided in Schedule I to these regulations, the following disclosure are required
to be made in the explanatory statement:
• the maximum price at which the buy-back of shares or other specified securities shall be made and
whether the board of directors of the company is being authorised at the general meeting to determine
subsequently the specific price at which the buy-back may be made at the appropriate time;
• if the promoter intends to offer his shares or other specified securities, the quantum of shares or other
specified securities proposed to be tendered and the details of their transactions and their holdings for
the last six months prior to the passing of the special resolution for buy-back including information of
number of shares or other specified securities acquired, the price and the date of acquisition.
BUY-BACK THROUGH TENDER OFFER

A company may buy-back its shares or other specified securities from its existing securities holders on a
proportionate basis in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations.
However fifteen per cent of the number of securities which the company proposes to buy-back or number of
securities entitled as per their shareholding, whichever is higher, shall be reserved for small shareholders.
Disclosures, filing requirements and timelines for public announcement and draft letter of offer
1. Public • The company shall make a public announcement within two working
Announcement days from the date of declaration of results of the postal ballot for special
resolution/board of directors resolution in at least one English National
Daily, one Hindi National Daily and one Regional language daily, all with
wide circulation at the place where the Registered Office of the company
is situated.
• A copy of the public announcement along with the soft copy, shall also
be submitted to SEBI, simultaneously, through a merchant banker.
2. Filing with SEBI The company shall within five working days of the public announcement file the
following :
• A draft letter of offer, along with a soft copy, containing disclosures as
specified in these regulations through a merchant banker who is not
associated with the company.
• A declaration of solvency in specified form and in a manner provided in
Section 68(8) of the Companies Act, 2013.
• Prescribed fees as specified in these regulations.
SEBI may provide its comments on the draft letter of offer within seven working
days of the receipt of the draft letter of offer. Letter of Offer shall be dispatch to
the shareholders after making changes suggested by SEBI, if any.
OFFER PROCEDURE
• While making buy-back offer, the company shall announce a record date in the public announcement
for the purpose of determining the entitlement and the names of the security holders, who are eligible
to participate in the proposed buy-back offer.
• The company shall dispatch the letter of offer along with the tender form to all securities holders which
are eligible to participate in the buy-back offer not later than five working days from the receipt of
communication of comments from SEBI.
Note:
– Letter of Offer may also be dispatched through electronic mode in accordance with the provisions of the
190 EP-SL&CM
– On receipt of a request from any shareholder to receive a copy of the letter of offer in physical form, the
same shall be provided.
• If case an eligible public shareholder does not receive the tender offer/offer form, even though
he can participate in the buy-back offer and tender shares in the manner as provided by the
SEBI.
• The date of the opening of the offer shall be not later than five working days from the date of
dispatch of the letter of offer. It shall be remain opened for a period of ten working days.
• The company shall provide the facilities for tendering of shares by the shareholders and settlement
of the same, through the stock exchange mechanism in the manner as provided by the SEBI.
• The company shall accept shares or other specified securities from the securities holders on the
basis of their entitlement as on record date.
• The shares proposed to be bought back shall be divided into two categories;
a) Reserved category for small shareholders; and
b) General category for other shareholders,
and the entitlement of a shareholder in each category shall be calculated accordingly.
Note: Holdings of multiple demat accounts would be clubbed together for identification of small shareholder if
sequence of Permanent Account Number for all holders is matching. Similarly, in case of physical shareholders,
if the sequence of names of joint holders is matching, holding under such folios should be clubbed together for
identification of small shareholder.
• After accepting the shares or other specified securities tendered on the basis of entitlement, shares
or other specified securities left to be bought back, if any in one category shall first be accepted, in
proportion to the shares or other specified securities tendered over and above their entitlement in the
offer by securities holders in that category and thereafter from securities holders who have tendered
over and above their entitlement in other category.
Can unregistered
shareholder tender
his shares for buy- Yes, unregistered shareholder
back? may also tender his shares for
buy-back by submitting the duly
executed Transfer Deed for
transfer of shares in his name,
along with the offer form and
other relevant documents as
required for transfer, if any.

Please note that shareholders holding shares in physical form will not be eligible to tender shares under the
offer, unless the shares held by them are dematerialised.
ESCROW ACCOUNT
The company shall as and by way of security for performance of its obligations under the regulations, on or
before the opening of the offer, deposit in an escrow account.
The amount in the escrow shall be deposited in the following manner:
Amount of Consideration % of amount to be deposited

Consideration not more than Rs. 100 crores 25 per cent of the consideration payable;
Consideration exceeds Rupees 100 crores 25 per cent upto Rupees 100 crores and 10 per cent
thereafter.
The escrow account referred to above shall consist of
Cash deposited • The company shall, while opening the account,

with a scheduled empower the merchant banker to instruct the bank to
commercial bank, make payment the amount lying to the credit of the
OR escrow account, as provided in the regulations.
Bank guarantee in
favour of the • Such bank guarantee shall be in favour of the merchant
merchant banker, banker and shall be valid until thirty days after the expiry
of buyback period.
OR
Deposit of • The Company shall empower the merchant banker to

acceptable realise the value of such escrow account by sale or
securities with otherwise and if there is any deficit on realisation of the
appropriate value of the securities, the merchant banker shall be
margin, with the liable to make good any such deficit.
merchant banker,
OR
• In case the escrow account consists of bank guarantee
or approved securities, these shall not be returned by
the merchant banker till completion of all obligations
under the regulations.
• Where the escrow account consists of bank guarantee
A combination of
or deposit of approved securities, the company shall
all ABOVE
also deposit with the bank in cash a sum of at least one
per cent of the total consideration payable, as and by
way of security for fulfillment of the obligations under the
regulations by the company.
Note: The cash component of the escrow account may be maintained in an interest bearing account. However,
the merchant banker shall ensures that the funds should be available at the time of making payment to
shareholders.
After the payment of consideration to all the securities holders who have accepted the offer and after completion
of all formalities of buy-back, the amount, guarantee and securities in the escrow, if any, shall be released to
the company.
In case of non-fulfilment of obligations under the regulations, SEBI in the interest of the securities holders
may forfeit the escrow account either in full or in part. Such forfeited amount may be distributed amongst the
securities holders who accepted the offer and balance, if any, on pro rata which shall be utilised for investor
protection.
192 EP-SL&CM
CLOSURE AND PAYMENT TO SECURITIES HOLDERS

• The company shall open a special account with a banker to an issue, registered with the SEBI
immediately after the date of closure of the offer, and deposit therein, such sum as would, together with
ninety per cent of the amount lying in the escrow account, make-up the entire sum due and payable as
consideration for buy-back in terms of these regulations and for this purpose, may transfer the funds
from the escrow account.
• The company shall complete the verification of offers received and make payment of consideration to
those holders of securities whose offer has been accepted and return the remaining shares or other
specified securities to the securities holders within seven working days of the closure of the offer.
EXTINGUISHMENT OF CERTIFICATE AND OTHER CLOSURE COMPLIANCES
Registrar to Issue / Merchant Banker and

The company shall Securities Certificates
extinguish and which are bought back,
physically destroy in the presence of
Statutory Auditor
Period of fifteen days shall Within 15 days of the date of

not extend beyond seven acceptance of the shares or other
days of expiry of buy-back specified securities
period in any case.
The company shall furnish the particulars of the

securities certificates extinguished and destroyed to
the stock exchanges where the shares of the
company are listed, within 7 days of extinguishment
and destruction of the certificates.
The company shall furnish a certificate to the SEBI within 7 days extinguishment and
destruction of the certificates, certifying compliance as specified above, and duly certified
and verified by:
a) Registrar and whenever there is no registrar, by the merchant banker;
b) Two directors of the company, one of whom shall be a managing director, where there is
one; and
Note:
• The company shall ensure that all the securities bought-back are extinguished within seven days of
expiry of buy-back period.
• If the shares or other specified securities offered for buy-back is already dematerialised, then it shall
be extinguished and destroyed in the manner specified under SEBI (Depositories and Participants)
Regulations, 1996, and the bye-laws, the circulars and guidelines framed thereunder.
• Where a company buys back its shares or other specified securities under these regulations, it shall
maintain a register of the shares or securities so bought, in Form SH. 10 in pursuance of section 68(9)
of the Companies Act, 2013.
ODD-LOT BUY-BACK
The provisions pertaining to buy-back through tender offer as specified above shall be apply mutatis mutandis
to odd-lot shares or other specified securities.
BUY-BACK FROM THE OPEN MARKET

The company may buy-back of shares or other specified securities from the Open Market through
Stock
Exchange Book-building
Process
The company shall ensure that at least 50% of the amount earmarked for buy-back, as specified in the resolution
of the board of directors or the special resolution, as the case may be, is utilized for buying-back shares or other
specified securities where buyback is undertaken through stock exchange mechanism.
BUY-BACK OF SHARES THROUGH STOCK EXCHANGE

1. Pre-conditions • The company may buy-back only on stock exchanges having nationwide
trading terminals.
• The buy-back of the shares or other specified securities through the stock
exchange shall not be made from the promoters or persons in control of
the company
• The buy-back of shares or other specified securities shall be made
only through the order matching mechanism except ‘all or none’ order
matching system.
2. Disclosures, filing • The company shall appoint a merchant banker and make a public
requirements and announcement in manner as specified in buyback of shares through
timelines of public tender offer.
announcement
• The public announcement shall be made within two working days from
the date of passing the board of director’s resolution or date of declaration
of results of the postal ballot for special resolution, as relevant and shall
contain disclosures as specified in these regulations.
• Simultaneously with the issue of such public announcement, the company
shall file a copy of the public announcement with SEBI along with the
prescribed fees.
• The public announcement shall also contain disclosures regarding details
of the brokers and stock exchanges through which the buy-back of shares
or other specified securities would be made.
Note: In case of the buy-back from open market, no draft letter of offer/ letter
of offer is required to be filed with SEBI.
194 EP-SL&CM
3. Opening of the • The identity of the company as a purchaser shall be appeared on the
offer on stock electronic screen when the order is placed;
exchange
• The buy-back offer shall be opened not later than seven working days
from the date of public announcement and shall be closed within six
months from the date of opening of the offer.
4. Subsequent • The company shall submit the information regarding the shares or other
compliances specified securities bought-back, to the stock exchange on a daily basis
in such form as may be specified by SEBI and the same shall be uploaded
immediately on the official website stock exchange and on Company’s
website.
5. Procedure • A separate window shall be created by the stock exchange, which shall
for holding of remain open during the period of buy-back, for buy-back of shares or
Physical Shares other specified securities in physical form.
or Other Specified
• The Company shall buyback shares or other securities holding physical
Securities shares only through this separate window after verification of identity and
address of eligible shareholders by broker.
• The price at which the shares or other specified securities are bought
back shall be the volume weighted average price of the shares or other
specified securities bought-back, other than in the physical form, during
the calendar week in which such shares or other specified securities were
received by the broker.
However, the price of shares or other specified securities tendered during the first
calendar week of the buy-back shall be the volume weighted average market price
of the shares or other specified securities of the company during the preceding
calendar week.
Note: In case no shares or other specified securities were bought back
in the normal market during calendar week, the preceding week when the
company has last bought back the shares or other specified securities may
be considered.
6. Escrow Account • The company shall, before opening of the offer, create an escrow
account towards security for performance of its obligations under these
regulations, and deposit in escrow account 25 per cent of the amount
earmarked for the buy-back as specified in the resolution of the board of
directors or the special resolution, as the case may be.
• The escrow account may be in the form of a) cash deposited with any
scheduled commercial bank or b) bank guarantee issued in favour of the
merchant banker by any scheduled commercial bank.
• For such part of the escrow account as is in the form of a cash deposit
with a scheduled commercial bank, the company shall while opening
the account, empower the merchant banker to instruct the bank to make
payment of the amounts lying to the credit of the escrow account, to meet
the obligations arising out of the buy-back.
• For such part of the escrow account as is in the form of a bank guarantee;
a) the same shall be in favour of the merchant banker and shall be

kept valid for a period of thirty days after the expiry of buyback
period of the offer or till the completion of all obligations under these
regulations, whichever is later.
b) the same shall not be returned by the merchant banker till completion
of all obligations under the regulations.
• Where part of the escrow account is in the form of a bank guarantee,
the company shall deposit with a scheduled commercial bank, in cash,
a sum of at least 2.5 per cent of the total amount earmarked for buy-
back as specified in the resolution of the board of directors or the special
resolution, as the case may be, as and by way of security for fulfillment of
the obligations under the regulations by the company.
• The amount may be released from escrow account for making of
payment to the shareholders subject to at least 2.5 per cent of the amount
earmarked for buy-back as specified in the resolution of the board of
directors or the special resolution, as the case may be, remaining in the
escrow account at all points of time.
• After utilisation of at least 50 % of the amount earmarked for buyback as
specified in the resolution of the Board of Directors or Special Resolution,
as case may be, the amount and the guarantee remaining in the escrow
account, if any, shall be released to the company.
• In the event of non-compliance as specified above, SEBI may direct the
merchant banker to forfeit the escrow account, subject to a maximum of
2.5 per cent of the amount earmarked for buy-back as specified in the
resolution of the board of directors or the special resolution, as the case
may be, except in cases where,-
a) volume weighted average market price (VWAMP) of the shares or
other specified securities of the company during the buy-back period
was higher than the buy-back price as certified by the Merchant
banker based on the inputs provided by the Stock Exchanges.
b) sell orders were inadequate despite the buy orders placed by the company
as certified by the Merchant banker based on the inputs provided by the
Stock Exchanges.
c) such circumstances existed which were beyond the control of the
company and in the opinion of SEBI
d) merit consideration.
e) In the event of forfeiture for non-fulfilment of obligations specified in sub-
regulation (viii) of this regulation, the amount forfeited shall be deposited
in the Investor Protection and Education Fund of Securities and Exchange
Board of India.
196 EP-SL&CM
7. Extinguishment of • The provisions pertaining to the extinguishment of certificates for tender

certificates offers specified above shall apply for extinguishment of certificates for
buy-back from open market.
• The verification of acceptances shall be completed by the company within
fifteen days of the payout.
• The company shall extinguish and physically destroy the securities
certificates so bought back during the month in the presence of a
Merchant Banker and the Statutory Auditor, on or before the fifteenth day
of the succeeding month.
However, the company shall ensure that all the securities bought-back are
extinguished within seven days of expiry of buy-back period.
BUY-BACK THROUGH BOOK BUILDING
1. Pre-conditions • Special resolution or Board Resolution, as the case may be, shall be
passed for authorisation of Buy back of shares or other specified securities
in the manner as specified under these regulations.
2. Disclosures, filing • The company shall appoint a merchant banker and make a public
requirements and announcement and made disclosures in public announcement under
timelines for public these regulations.
announcement
• The public announcement shall be made at least 7 days prior to the
commencement of buy-back.
• The public announcement shall also contain the detailed methodology
of the book-building process, the manner of acceptance, the
format of acceptance to be sent by the securities holders pursuant
to the public announcement and the details of bidding centres.
3. Escrow Account • The provisions with respect to deposit of amount in escrow account as
specified in buy-back through tenders offers shall also apply to buy back
of shares or other specified securities through book building process.
• The deposit in the escrow account shall be made before the date of the
public announcement.
• The amount to be deposited in the escrow account shall be determined with
reference to the maximum price as specified in the public announcement.
The cash component of the escrow account may be maintained in an interest
bearing account. However, the merchant banker shall ensures that the
funds should be available at the time of making payment to shareholders.
4. Filing with SEBI • A copy of the public announcement shall be filed with SEBI within two
days of such announcement along with the prescribed fees.
5. Offer Procedure • The book-building process shall be made through an electronically linked
transparent facility.
• The number of bidding centers shall not be less than thirty and there shall
be at least one electronically linked computer terminal at all the bidding
centers.
• The offer for buy-back shall remain open to the securities holders for a
period not less than fifteen days and not exceeding thirty days.
• The merchant banker and the company shall determine the buy-back
price based on the acceptances received.
• The final buy-back price, which shall be the highest price accepted shall
be paid to all holders whose shares or other specified securities have
been accepted for buy-back.
• The provisions with Closure and payment to securities holders mentioned
in this chapter shall be applicable mutatis mutandis.
6. Extinguishment of • The provisions pertaining to extinguishment of certificates for tender
certificates offer shall be applicable mutatis mutandis to the buy-back through book
building.
OBLIGATIONS FOR ALL BUY-BACK OF SHARES OR OTHER SPECIFIED SECURITIES

General
Obligations
for all buy-
The The Merchant back of
Company Banker shares or
other
specified
securities
Obligations of the Company Obligations of the Merchant Banker

• The company shall ensure that, – The merchant banker shall ensure that –
a) the letter of offer, the public announcement • the company is able to implement the
of the offer or any other advertisement, offer;
circular, brochure, publicity material
• the provision relating to escrow account
shall contain true, factual and material
has been complied with;
information and shall not contain any
misleading information and must state that • firm arrangements for monies for
the directors of the company accept the payment to fulfill the obligations under
responsibility for the information contained the offer are in place;
in such documents;
• the public announcement of buy-back is
b) the company shall not issue any shares or made in terms of the regulations;
other specified securities including by way
• the letter of offer has been filed in terms
of bonus till the date of expiry of buyback
of the regulations;
period for the offer made under these
regulations; • a due diligence certificate along with the
draft letter of offer has been furnished to
c) the company shall pay the consideration
SEBI;
only by way of cash;
• the contents of the public announcement
d) the company shall not withdraw the offer
of offer as well as the letter of offer are
to buy-back after the draft letter of offer is
true, fair and adequate and quoting the
filed with SEBI or public announcement of
source wherever necessary;
the offer to buy-back is made;
198 EP-SL&CM
e) the promoter(s) or his/their associates shall • due compliance of sections 68, 69 and
not deal in the shares or other specified 70 of the Companies Act and any other
securities of the company in the stock laws or rules as may be applicable in this
exchange or off-market, including inter- se regard has been made;
transfer of shares among the promoters
• the bank with whom the escrow or special
during the period from the date of passing
amount has been deposited releases
the resolution of the board of directors or
the balance amount to the company only
the special resolution, as the case may be,
upon fulfilment of all obligations by the
till the closing of the offer.
company under the regulations;
f) the company shall not raise further capital
for a period of one year from the expiry of • a final report is submitted to SEBI in the
buyback period, except in discharge of its form specified within fifteen days from
subsisting obligations. the date of expiry of buyback period.
• No public announcement of buy-back shall be

made during the pendency of any scheme of
amalgamation or compromise or arrangement
pursuant to the provisions of the Companies
Act, 2013.
• The company shall nominate a compliance officer
and investors service centre for compliance with
the buy-back regulations and to redress the
grievances of the investors.
• The particulars of the security certificates
extinguished and destroyed shall be furnished by
the company to the stock exchanges where the
shares or other specified securities of the company
are listed within seven days of extinguishment and
destruction of the certificates.
• The company shall not buy-back the locked-in
shares or other specified securities and non-
transferable shares or other specified securities
till the pendency of the lock-in or till the shares or
other specified securities become transferable.
• The company shall within two days of expiry of
buy-back period issue a public advertisement in
a national daily, inter alia, disclosing:
a) number of shares or other specified
securities bought;
b) price at which the shares or other specified
securities bought;
c) total amount invested in the buy-back;
d) details of the securities holders from
whom shares or other specified securities
exceeding one per cent of total shares or
other specified securities were bought back;
and
e) the consequent changes in the capital

structure and the shareholding pattern
after and before the buy-back.
• The company in addition to these regulations
shall comply with the provisions of buy-back
as contained in the Companies Act and other
applicable laws.
Buyback vis-a-vis compliance under SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011

In case the acquirer’s initial shareholding was more than 25% and the increase in shareholding due to buyback
is beyond the permissible creeping acquisition limit of 5% per financial year, the acquirer can get an exemption
from making an open offer, subject to the following:
• Such acquirer does not vote in favour of the resolution authorising the buy-back of securities under
section 68 of the Companies Act, 2013;
• In the case of a shareholders resolution, voting is by way of a postal ballot;
• The increase in voting rights does not result in an acquisition of control by such an acquirer over the
target company. In case the above conditions are not fulfilled, the acquirer may, within 90 days from
the date of increase, dilute his stake so that his voting rights fall below the threshold which requires an
open offer.
LESSON ROUND-UP
– “Buy-back” means the purchase of its own shares or other specified securities by a company.
– Buy-back of securities is a corporate financial strategy which involves capital restructuring and is
prevalent globally with the underlying objectives of increasing earnings per share, averting hostile
takeovers, improving returns to the stakeholders and realigning the capital structure.
– Buy-back of securities is regulated by the SEBI (Buy-Back of Securities) Regulations, 2018 in case of
listed companies.
– The main objective of buy-back may be to improve earnings per share; to improve return on capital,
return on net worth and to enhance the long-term shareholder value; to provide an additional exit
route to shareholders when shares are undervalued or are thinly traded; to enhance consolidation of
stake in the company; to prevent unwelcome takeover bids; to return surplus cash to shareholders; to
achieve optimum capital structure; to support share price during periods of sluggish market conditions
and to service the equity more efficiently.
– Buy-back of securities may be made :
a) from the existing shareholders or other specified securities holders on a proportionate basis
through the tender offer; or
b) from the open market through book-building and Stock exchange ; or
c) from odd lots holders.
– A company may undertake a buy-back of its own shares or other specified securities out of its free
reserves or the securities premium account; or the proceeds of the issue of any shares or other
specified securities.
200 EP-SL&CM
– The Company shall not make any buy-back unless it is authorised by the Company’s articles. In case
of no authorisation, the company may authorise the articles by passing of special resolution in the
General Meeting.
– Every buy-back shall be completed within a period of one year from the date of passing of the special
resolution at general meeting, or the resolution passed by the board of directors of the company, as
the case may be.
– The company shall, after expiry of the buy-back period, file with the Registrar of Companies and SEBI,
a return containing such particulars relating to the buy-back within thirty days of such expiry, in the
format as specified in the Companies (Share Capital and Debentures) Rules, 2014.
GLOSSARY
Bid An offer of a price to buy as in an auction. Business on the Stock Exchange is done
through bids. Bid also refers to the price one is willing to pay for a security.
Company A company as defined under the Companies Act, 1956 or 2013 as the case may
be, whose shares or other specified securities are listed on a Stock Exchange and
which buys or intends to buy such shares or other specified securities in accordance
with these regulations;
Earnings per share It is the portion of a company’s profit allocated to each outstanding share of common
(EPS) stock and it serves as an indicator of a company’s profitability.
Odd Lots The lots of shares or other specified securities of a company, whose shares are
listed on a recognised stock exchange, which are smaller than such marketable
lots, as may be specified by the stock exchange;
Open Market Purchase or sale of government securities by the monetary authorities (RBI in India)
to increase or decrease the domestic money supply.
Stakeholder Any individual or group who has an interest in a firm; in addition to shareholders and
bondholders, includes labour, consumers, suppliers, the local community and so
on.
Working Day It means any working day of the SEBI.
SELF-TEST QUESTIONS
1. What do you mean by buy-back of Securities?
2. Explain the provisions for opening of Escrow Account with respect to buy-back of shares through
Tender Offer?
3. What are the sources available for buy-back of shares or other specified securities under the SEBI
(Buy-back of securities) Regulations, 2018?
4. Elucidate the provisions with respect to Buy back of physical shares under the SEBI (Buy-back of
securities) Regulations, 2018?
5. What are the different methods of buy-back of shares?
6. Explain the obligations of a company under the SEBI (Buy-back of Securities) Regulations, 2018?
202 EP-SL&CM
Lesson 8
SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares)
Regulations, 2009
LESSON OUTLINE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
– Introduction
Delisting of securities means removal of the name
– Background of the company from the stock exchange. Delisting
– Framework of SEBI (Delisting of Equity may be voluntary or compulsory.
Shares) Regulations, 2009
SEBI has constituted various Committees on
– Agencies involved in delisting process and delisting of shares, e.g., Chandratre Committee,
their Role Pratip Kar Committee, etc., to inter alia examine
and review the condition for delisting of securities
– Applicability
of companies listed on recognised stock exchange.
– Non-Applicability SEBI earlier notified delisting guidelines, 2003.
– Voluntary Delisting In the year 2009 notified the SEBI (Delisting of
Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009 superseding its
– Compulsory Delisting earlier guidelines. These regulations provide for a
– Role of Company Secretary in delisting simple procedure for delisting by small companies
exempting them from certain specific requirements.
– LESSON ROUND UP
A student should be well acquainted with the
– GLOSSARY
various provisions of delisting, reason for delisting
– SELF-TEST QUESTIONS and the various requirements to be complied with.
Keeping this in view, this lesson has been designed
to explain the various types of delisting, the various
modes of voluntary delisting, consequences of
delisting, etc.
204 EP-SL&CM
INTRODUCTION
Delisting denotes removal of the listing of the securities of a listed company from the Stock Exchange.
Delisting differs from suspension or withdrawal of admission to dealings of listed securities, which is for a
limited period.
‘Suspension’ of trading in securities means that no trade can take place in the securities of the company
suspended for a temporary period. Suspension is not done at the instance of company but it is action taken
by the Stock Exchanges against the company, generally for non-compliance of listing conditions as stipulated
under the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (LODR Regulations).
Once, the company makes good the compliance of the listing conditions under the LODR Regulations, stock
exchange withdraw suspension and permits trading. Stock exchanges may impose fines or freeze promoter/
promoter group holding of designated securities, as may be applicable in coordination with depositories at the
instances of non-compliance with the LODR Regulations.
On the other hand, ‘delisting’ of securities means removal of the name of the company from the stock exchange
and no trade can take place in the securities of the company delisted. Delisting of securities can be done either
by company voluntarily or by the stock exchange, compulsorily. Generally stock exchange, in order to impose
severe punishment on companies compulsorily delists securities of any company, as a last resort. Compulsory
delisting affects reputation of company and to the extent of liquidity in trading those shares.
Delisting of securities may be of two types, namely, voluntary delisting and compulsory delisting. In the case of
voluntary delisting, a listed company seeks of its own volition for the delisting of its securities; while in case of
compulsory delisting, the Stock Exchange itself delists the securities of such Company.
BACKGROUND
In its continuous endeavor, SEBI in the year 2002 constituted a committee on delisting of shares to inter
alia examine and review the conditions for delisting of securities of companies listed on recognized stock
exchanges and suggest norms and procedures in connection therewith. The Report of the Committee was
considered and accepted by SEBI. Pursuant to the same, SEBI issued the SEBI (Delisting of Securities)
Guidelines, 2003.
The said Guidelines, although to a great extent, covered the issues involved in Delisting of Securities. Various
representations and views, from intermediaries, stock exchanges, shareholders’ associations, chambers of
commerce, etc., were given to the Regulators on the operational issues and procedural complications in the
guidelines.
SEBI circulated Concept Paper on the proposed SEBI (Delisting of Securities) Regulations, 2006, asking for
public comments on the proposed Regulations. SEBI received various comments, opinions and suggestions on
the subject and finally, by its publication dated June 10, 2009 in the Official Gazette, the SEBI notified the SEBI
(Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009.
FRAMEWORK OF SEBI (DELISTING OF EQUITY SHARES) REGULATIONS, 2009

These regulations contain 8 chapters and three schedules dealing with the following:
1. Chapter I Preliminary - Regulations 1 and 2
2. Chapter II Delisting of Equity Shares - Regulations 3 and 4
3. Chapter III Voluntary Delisting - Regulations 5 to 8
4. Chapter IV Exit Opportunity - Regulations 9 to 21

Lesson 8 n SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009 205
5. Chapter V Compulsory Delisting - Regulations 22 to 24
6. Chapter VI Powers of the SEBI - Regulations 25, 25A and 26
7. Chapter VII Special provisions for small companies and delisting by operation of law-Regulations
27 and 28
8. Chapter VIII Miscellaneous - Regulations 29 to 31
9. Schedule I Contents of the Public Announcement
10. Schedule II The Book building process
11. Schedule III Criteria for Compulsory Delisting
AGENCIES INVOLVED IN DELISTING PROCESS AND THEIR ROLE
Agencies Functions
Merchant Banker to the Offer l Determines exit price.

l Makes public announcements.
l Finalises schedule of delisting
l Manages escrow account
l Assist the acquirer in determining the final exit price.
l Interacts with regulatory authorities / stock exchange
for the delisting process
Registrar to the Offer l Completes dispatch of notice, letter of offer and

payment / rejection intimation to the shareholders of
the Company
l Holds equity shares tendered under the offer post
settlement of equity shares
Professionals involved l Intimates stock exchange.

l Manages the special resolution approval process and
resolution filed with ROC on approval.
l Assists the company in preparation of various
documents required for the process
APPLICABILITY
These regulations shall be applicable to delisting of equity shares of a company from all or any of the recognised
stock exchanges where such shares are listed.
206 EP-SL&CM
Delisting
Voluntary Compulsory
Voluntary delisting from Voluntary delisting from Small Company

all the exchanges. few exchanges but remains listed (whether listed at any of the
on at least one stock exchange Exchanges)
having nation wide terminals
Exit opportunity No exit opportunity No Bidding, but exit

opportunity is there
NON-APPLICABILITY
These regulation shall not be applicable to :–
• securities listed without making a public issue, on the institutional trading platform of a recognised stock
exchange;
• under a scheme sanctioned by the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction under the Sick
Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985 or by the National Company Law Tribunal under
section 262 of the Companies Act, 2013, if such scheme lays down any specific procedure to complete
the delisting; or provides an exit option to the existing public shareholders at a specified rate.
• to any delisting of equity shares of a listed entity made pursuant to a resolution plan approved under
section 31 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, if such plan, –
(a) lays down any specific procedure to complete the delisting of such share; or
(b) provides an exit option to the existing public shareholders at a price specified in the resolution
plan:
Provided that, exit to the shareholders should be at a price which shall not be less than the liquidation
value as determined under regulation 35 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency
Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016 after paying off dues in the order of
priority as defined under section 53 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
Provided further that, if the existing promoters or any other shareholders are proposed to be provided
an opportunity to exit under the resolution plan at a price higher than the price determined in terms
of the above proviso, the existing public shareholders shall also be provided an exit opportunity at a
price which shall not be less than the price, by whatever name called, at which such promoters or other
shareholders, directly or indirectly, are provided exit:
Provided also that, the details of delisting of such shares along with the justification for exit price in
respect of delisting proposed shall be disclosed to the recognized stock exchanges within one day of
resolution plan being approved under section 31 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
Circumstances where delisting is not permissible
Pursuant to Buy back of equity shares by the company; or
Pursuant to Preferential allotment made by the company; or
Unless a period of three years has elapsed since the listing of that class of equity
shares; or
Instruments which are convertible into the same class of equity shares that are sought
to be delisted are outstanding;
Delisting of convertible securities.
No promoter shall directly or indirectly employ the funds of the company to finance
an exit opportunity or an acquisition of shares made pursuant to delisting
provided under these regulation.
A Promoter or an acquirer or promoter group shall not propose delisting of equity shares
of a company, if any entity belonging to the promoter or promoter group who has
sold equity shares of the company during a period of six months prior to the date of the
board meeting in which the delisting proposal was approved in terms of
sub-regulation regulation (1B) of Regulation 8.
No acquirer or promoter or promoter group or persons acting in concert or their related

entities shall :
– Employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud any shareholder or other person; or
– Engage in any transaction or practice that operates as a fraud or deceit upon any
shareholder or other person; or
– Engage in any act or practice that is fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative in connection
with such delisting.
VOLUNTARY DELISTING
In voluntary delisting, the promoters of the listed company decides on their own to permanently remove its
securities from a stock exchange.
208 EP-SL&CM
Chapter III of SEBI (Delisting of Shares) Regulations 2009 gives an option to the listed company to either get
itself delisted from all the recognised stock exchanges where it is listed or only from some of the few stock
exchanges and continue to be listed on the exchange(s) having nation wide terminals.
The difference between two options is that of giving ‘exit opportunity’ to the shareholders. This is described as
under:
Option I
• No ‘exit opportunity’ required to be given : In this option, if after the proposed delisting
from any one or more recognised stock exchanges, the equity shares still remain listed on
any recognised stock exchange which has nation-wide trading terminals, no exit
opportunity needs to be given to the public shareholders. The procedure for such delisting
of shares can be through a board resolution, public notice and application to the
concerned exchange.
Option II
• ‘Exit opportunity’ must be given : This option requires that if after the proposed
delisting, the equity shares do not remain listed on any recognised stock exchange having
nation-wide trading terminals, exit opportunity shall be given to all the public shareholders
holding the equity shares sought to be delisted, through reverse book building.
Recognised stock exchange having nation wide trading terminals

It means the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited, the National Stock
Exchange of India Limited or any other recognised stock exchange which
may be specified by the SEBI in this regard.
Different modes of Voluntary Delisting

1. Voluntary delisting from all the stock exchanges.
2. Voluntary delisting from few stock exchanges subject to listing at atleast one stock exchange having
nation wide terminal.
3. Voluntary delisting for Small Companies.
1. Procedure for voluntary delisting from all the stock exchanges

If after the proposed delisting, the equity shares do not remain listed on any recognised stock exchange having
nationwide trading terminals, exit opportunity shall be given to all the public shareholders holding the equity
shares sought to be delisted. [(Regulation 6 (b)]
Convene a Board Meeting [Regulation 8 (1) (a)]

The proposed delisting shall be approved by a resolution of the board of directors of the company in its meeting.
The Company will then appoint a merchant banker who shall carry out due diligence in terms of Regulation
8(1A) of the Delisting Regulations and will submit their due diligence report before the Board of Directors of the
Company approves the delisting proposal. The due diligence to cover the following:
(a) the trading carried out by the entities belonging to acquirer or promoter or promoter group or their
related entities was in compliance or not, with the applicable provisions of the securities laws; and
(b) entities belonging to acquirer or promoter or promoter group or their related entities have carried out
or not, any transaction to facilitate the success of the delisting offer which is not in compliance with the
provisions of sub-regulation (5) of regulation 4.
Subsequent to receipt of the Due Diligence Report of the Merchant Banker appointed by the Company, the
Board of Directors will approve the delisting proposal of the Company and seek approval of the member through
postal ballot.
Intimation of Board Meeting to Stock Exchange [Regulation 29(1)(c) of SEBI LODR

Regulations]
The decision of the board meeting that the Board of directors has proposed to Delist the company from the
exchanges be sent to the exchanges.
Special Resolution through postal Ballot [Regulation 8 (1) (b)]

The prior approval of shareholders of the company is taken by special resolution to be passed through postal ballot,
disclosing all material facts in the explanatory statement sent to the shareholders in relation to such resolution.
Note – The special resolution shall be acted upon only if the votes cast by public shareholders in favour
of the proposal amount to at least two times the number of votes cast by public shareholders against it.
Application for in principal approval to concerned Stock Exchange [Regulation 8(1) (c)]
The company makes an application to the concerned recognized stock exchange for in-principle approval
of the proposed delisting in the form specified by the recognized stock exchange. The application shall be
accompanied by an audit report as required under regulation 76 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India
(Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018 (regulation 55A of the Securities and Exchange Board of
India (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 1996) in respect of the equity shares sought to be delisted,
covering a period of six months prior to the date of the application.
Final Application for delisting to concerned Stock Exchange [Regulation 8(1) (d)]
The company shall make an application to the concerned recognized stock exchange for grant of final delisting
approval within one year of passing the special resolution in the form specified by the recognised stockexchange.
Due Diligence by the Merchant Banker [Regulation 8(1A), (1B), (1C), (1D) & (1E)]
(1A) Prior to Prior to granting approval under clause (a) of sub-regulation (1), the board of directors of the
company shall,-
(i) make a disclosure to the recognized stock exchanges on which the equity shares of the company are
listed that the promoters/acquirers have proposed to delist the company;
(ii) appoint a merchant banker to carry out due-diligence and make a disclosure to this effect to the
recognized stock exchanges on which the equity shares of the company are listed;
(iii) obtain details of trading in shares of the company for a period of two years prior to the date of board
meeting by top twenty five shareholders as on the date of the board meeting convened to consider
the proposal for delisting, from the stock exchanges and details of off-market transactions of such
shareholders for a period of two years and furnish the information to the merchant banker for carrying
out due-diligence;
(iv) obtain further details in terms of sub-regulation (1D) of regulation 8 and furnish the information to the
merchant banker.
210 EP-SL&CM
(1B) The board of directors of the company while approving the proposal for delisting shall certify that :
(i) the company is in compliance with the applicable provisions of securities laws;
(ii) the acquirer or promoter or promoter group or their related entities, are in compliance with sub-regulation
(5) of regulation 4;
(iii) the delisting is in the interest of the shareholders.
(1C) For certification in respect of matters referred to in sub-regulation (1B), the board of directors of the company
shall take into account the report of the merchant banker as specified in sub-regulation (1E) of regulation 8.
(1D) The merchant banker appointed by the board of directors of the company under clause (ii) of sub-regulation
(1A) shall carry out due-diligence upon obtaining details from the board of directors of the company in terms of
clause (iii) of sub-regulation (1A) of regulation 8.
However if the merchant banker is of the opinion that details referred to in clause (iii) of sub-regulation (1A)
of regulation 8 are not sufficient for certification in terms of sub-regulation (1E) of regulation 8, he shall obtain
additional details from the board of directors of the company for such longer period as he may deem fit.
(1E) Upon carrying out due-diligence as specified in terms of sub-regulation (1D) of regulation 8, the merchant
banker shall submit a report to the board of directors of the company certifying the following:
(b) any of the acquirer or promoter or promoter group entity or persons acting in concert or their related
entities have carried out or not, any transaction to facilitate the success of the delisting offer which is
not in compliance with the provisions of sub-regulation (5) of regulation 4.
In principal Approval by the Exchange [Regulation 8 (3)]

The recognized stock exchange shall dispose off the Application of the in-Principal approval complete in all
respects within a period not exceeding five working days from the date of receipt of such application.
While considering an application seeking in-principle approval for delisting, the recognised
stock exchange satisfy itself on the following grounds – [Regulation 8(4)]
a. compliance with clause (b) of sub-regulation (1);
b. The resolution of investor grievances by the company;
c. Payment of listing fees to that recognised stock exchange;
d. The compliance with any condition of the SEBI LODR Regulations, 2015 with that recognised stock
exchange having a material bearing on the interests of its equity shareholders;
e. Any litigation or action pending against the company pertaining to its activities in the securities market
or any other matter having a material bearing on the interests of its equity shareholders;
f. Any other relevant matter as the recognised stock exchange may deem fit to verify.
A final application for delisting made shall be accompanied with such proof of having given the exit opportunity
in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations as the recognised stock exchange may require.
Appointment of Merchant Banker [Regulation 10 (4)]

The acquirer or promoter shall appoint a merchant banker registered with the SEBI and such other intermediaries
as are considered necessary. It should not be an associate of the promoter or acquirer.
Explanation – The merchant banker conducting the due diligence on behalf of the company may also act as the
manager to the delisting offer.
Promoter not to sell shares [Regulation 10(7)]

No entity belonging to the acquirer, promoter and promoter group of the Company shall sell shares of the
company during the period from the date of the board meeting in which delisting proposal was approved till the
completion of the delisting proposal.
Determination of Offer Price (Regulation 15)

The offer price shall be determined through book building process after fixation of floor price and disclosure
of the same in the public announcement and the letter of offer. The floor price shall be determined in terms
regulation 8 of the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011, as may be
applicable.
Opening of Escrow account [Regulation 11]

The acquirer or promoter open an escrow account and deposit therein the total estimated amount of consideration
calculated on the basis of floor price and number of equity shares outstanding with public shareholders. The
escrow account shall consist of either cash deposited with a scheduled commercial bank, or a bank guarantee
in favour of the merchant banker, or a combination of both.
Explanation – The reference date for computing the floor price would be the date on which the recognized stock
exchange/s were required to be notified of the board meeting in which delisting proposal would be considered.
Where the escrow account consists of deposit with a scheduled commercial bank, the promoter shall, while
opening the account, empower the merchant banker to instruct the bank to issue banker’s cheques or demand
drafts for the amount lying to the credit of the escrow account, for the purposes mentioned in these regulations,
and the amount in such deposit, if any, remaining after full payment of consideration for equity shares tendered
in the offer and those tendered under sub-regulation (1) of regulation 21 shall be released to the promoter
Where the escrow account consists of a bank guarantee, such bank guarantee shall be valid till payments are
made in respect of all shares tendered under sub-regulation (1) of regulation 21.
Public Announcement [Regulation 10]

The acquirer or promoters of the company within one working day from the date of receipt of in- principle
approval for delisting from the recognized stock exchange, make a public announcement in at least one English
national daily with wide circulation, one Hindi national daily with wide circulation and one regional language
newspaper of the region where the concerned recognized stock exchange is located.
The public announcement contain the material information including the information specified in Schedule I –
1. The floor price and the offer price and how they were arrived at.
2. The dates of opening and closing of the offer.
3. The name of the exchange from which the equity shares are sought to be delisted.
4. The manner in which the offer can be accepted by the shareholders.
5. Disclosure regarding the minimum acceptance condition for success of the offer.
6. The names of the merchant banker and other intermediaries together with the helpline number for the
shareholders.
212 EP-SL&CM
7. The specified date fixed as per sub-regulation (3) of regulation 10.

8. The object of the proposed delisting.
9. The proposed time table from opening of the offer till the payment of consideration or return of equity
shares.
10. Details of the escrow account and the amount deposited therein.
11. Listing details and stock market data:
(a) high, low and average market prices of the equity shares of the company during the preceding
three years;
(b) monthly high and low prices for the six months preceding the date of the public announcement;
and,
(c) the volume of equity shares traded in each month during the six months preceding the date of
public announcement.
12. Present capital structure and shareholding pattern.
13. The likely post-delisting shareholding pattern.
14. The aggregate shareholding of the promoter together with persons acting in concert and of the directors
of the promoter where the promoter is a company and of persons who are in control of the company.
15. A statement, certified to be true by the board of directors of the company, disclosing material deviation,
if any, in utilisation of proceeds of issues of securities made during the five years immediately preceding
the date of public announcement, from the stated object of the issue.
16. A statement by the board of directors of the company confirming that all material information which is
required to be disclosed under the provisions of continuous listing requirement have been disclosed to
the stock exchanges.
17. A statement by the board of directors of the company certifying that:-
a) the company is in compliance with the applicable provisions of securities laws;
b) the acquirer or promoter or promoter group or their related entities have not carried out any
transaction during the aforesaid period to facilitate the success of the delisting offer;
c) the delisting is in the interest of the shareholders.
18. Name of compliance officer of the company.
19. It should be signed and dated by the promoter. Where the promoter is a company, the public
announcement shall be dated and signed on behalf of the board of directors of the company by its
manager or secretary, if any, and by not less than two directors of the company, one of whom shall be
a managing director where there is one.
Specified Date [Regulation 10 (3)]

A date not later than one working days from the date of the public announcement, to be determined on which
the names of shareholders to whom the letter of offer shall be sent is determined.
Dispatch of Letter of offer [Regulation 12]

The acquirer or promoter shall dispatch the letter of offer to the public shareholders of equity shares, not later than
two working days from the date of the public announcement. The letter of offer shall contain all the disclosures
made in public announcement and such other disclosures as may be necessary for the shareholders to take an
informed decision. The letter of offer shall be accompanied with a bidding form for use of public shareholders
and a form to be used by them for tendering shares.
Explanation – An eligible public shareholder may participate in the delisting offer and make bids even if he
does not receive the bidding form or the tender offer /offer form and such shareholder may tender shares in the
manner specified by the SEBI in this regard.
Duration of the Bidding period [Regulation13]

The date of opening of the offer shall not be later than seven working days from the date of the public
announcement and shall remain open for a period of five working days during which the public shareholders
may tender their bids.
The acquirer or promoter shall facilitate tendering of shares by the shareholders and settlement of the same,
through the stock exchange mechanism.
The final offer price shall be determined as the price at which shares accepted through eligible bids.
An illustration for arriving at the final offer price is given as under:
Bid Price Number of Demand (Number of Cumulative demand

(Rs.) investors shares) (Number of shares)
550 5 2,50,000 2,50,000
565 8 4,00,000 6,50,000
575 10 2,00,000 8,50,000
585 4 4,00,000 12,50,000
595 6 1,20,000 13,70,000
600 5 1,30,000 15,00,000 Final Offer Price
605 3 2,10,000 17,10,000
610 3 1,40,000 18,50,000
615 3 1,50,000 20,00,000
620 1 5,00,000 25,00,000
48 25,00,000
Assuming floor price of Rs.550/- per share, promoter/ acquirer shareholding at 75% and number of shares
required for successful delisting as 15,00,000, the final price would be the price at which the promoter reaches
the threshold of 90%, i.e., it would be Rs.600/- per share.
If the Final Price is accepted.
Minimum number of equity shares to be acquired [Regulation 17]

If a counter offer has not been made by the acquirer or promoter in accordance with regulation 16(1A), an offer
made shall be deemed to be successful only if, –
(a) the post offer promoter shareholding (along with the persons acting in concert with the promoter) taken
214 EP-SL&CM
together with the shares accepted through eligible bids at the final price determined as per Schedule II,
reaches ninety percent of the total issued shares of that class excluding the shares which are held by
a custodian and against which depository receipts have been issued overseas; and
(b) at least twenty five percent of the public shareholders holding shares in the demat mode as on date of
the board meeting had participated in the Book Building Process.
However, this requirement shall not be applicable to cases where the acquirer and the merchant
banker demonstrate to the stock exchanges that they have delivered the letter of offer to all the public
shareholders either through registered post or speed post or courier or hand delivery with proof of
delivery or through email as a text or as an attachment to email or as a notification providing electronic
link or Uniform Resource Locator including a read receipt.
Explanation I. -
a. If the acquirer or the merchant banker send the letters of offer to all the shareholders by registered
post or speed post through India Post and is able to provide a detailed account regarding the status
of delivery of the letters of offer (whether delivered or not) sent through India Post, the same would be
considered as a deemed compliance with the proviso.
b. If the acquirer or the merchant banker is unable to deliver the letter of offer to certain shareholders by
modes other than speed post or registered post of India Post, efforts should be made to deliver the
letters of offer to them by speed post or registered post through India Post. In that case, a detailed
account regarding the status of delivery of letter of offer (whether delivered or not) provided from India
Post would also be considered as deemed compliance with the proviso.
Explanation II. – In case the delisting offer has been made in terms of regulation 5A of the SEBI (Substantial
Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011, the threshold limit of ninety per cent for successful
delisting offer shall be calculated taking into account the post offer shareholding of the acquirer taken together
with the existing shareholding, shares to be acquired which attracted the obligation to make an open offer and
shares accepted through eligible bids at the final price determined as per Schedule II.
If a counter offer has been made by the acquirer or promoter, an offer made under chapter III shall be deemed
to be successful only if the post offer promoter shareholding (along with the persons acting in concert with the
promoter) taken together with the shares accepted at the counter offer price reaches ninety percent of the total
issued shares of that class excluding the shares which are held by a custodian and against which depository
receipts have been issued overseas.
Counter Offer [Regulation16(1A)]

If the price discovered in terms of regulation 15 is not acceptable to the acquirer or the promoter, the acquirer
or the promoter may make a counter offer to the public shareholders within two working days of the price
discovered under regulation 15, in the manner specified by the Board from time to time.
However the counter offer price shall not be less than the book value of the company as certified by the
merchant banker.
Public Announcement after closure of offer [Regulation 18]

Within five working days of closure of the offer, the promoter/acquirer and the merchant banker shall make a
public announcement in at least one English national daily with wide circulation, one Hindi national daily with
wide circulation and one regional language newspaper of the region where the concerned recognized stock
exchanges are located regarding the success of the offer in terms of regulation 17 alongwith the final price
accepted by the acquirer or the failure of the offers in terms of regulation 19.
Payment of consideration [Regulation 20]

The promoter shall immediately upon success of the offer, open a special account with a SEBI registered
banker to an issue and transfer thereto, the entire amount due and payable as consideration in respect of equity
shares tendered in the offer, from the escrow account. All the shareholders whose equity shares are verified
to be genuine shall be paid the final price stated in the public announcement within ten working days from the
closure of the offer.
Final Application to Stock Exchange [Regulation 8 (5)]

A final application for delisting be made to the concerned recognised stock exchange accompanied with such
proof of having given the exit opportunity in accordance with the provisions of Chapter IV, as the recognised
stock exchange may require.
Delisting Order
The recognized stock exchange shall dispose off the application of the delisting complete in all respects and
pass the delisting order.
Right of remaining shareholders to tender equity shares [Regulation 21]

Remaining public shareholder holding such equity shares may tender their shares to the promoter upto a period
of minimum year from the date of delisting and, in such a case, the promoter shall accept the shares tendered
at the same final price at which the earlier acceptance of shares was made. The payment of consideration for
shares accepted shall be made out of the balance amount lying in the escrow account.
Release of amount in the escrow account [Regulation 21(1)]

The amount in the escrow account or the bank guarantee be released to the promoter after all payments are
made in respect of shares tendered under sub-regulation (1).
If the Final Price is not accepted
Returning of the Equity Shares tendered [Regulation 16 (2)]

Where the acquirer or promoter decides not to accept the offer price so determined, the acquirer or promoter
shall not acquire any equity shares tendered pursuant to the offer and the equity shares deposited or pledged
by a shareholder pursuant to clauses 7 or 9 of Schedule II shall be returned or released to him within ten
working days of closure of the bidding period;
Failure of Offer [Regulation 19]

(1) Where the offer is rejected or is not successful as, the offer shall be deemed to have failed and no equity
shares shall be acquired pursuant to such offer.
(2) Where the offer fails –
(a) the equity shares deposited or pledged by a shareholder shall be returned or released to him within ten
working days from the end of the bidding period;
However, the acquirer shall not be required to return the shares if the offer is made pursuant to regulation
5A of the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011.
(b) no final application shall be made to the exchange for delisting of the equity shares; and
(c) the escrow account opened shall be closed.
216 EP-SL&CM
2. Procedure for Voluntary delisting from few stock exchanges subject to listing at atleast one
stock exchange having nationwide terminals
If after the proposed delisting from any one or more recognised stock exchanges, the equity shares would
remain listed on any recognised stock exchange which has nationwide trading terminals, no exit opportunity
needs to be given to the public shareholders. [Section 6 (a)]
Ü Convene a Board Meeting [Regulation 7 (1) (a)]
The proposed delisting shall be approved by a resolution of the board of directors of the company in its
meeting.
Ü Outcome of Board Meeting to Stock Exchange [Regulation 29 of the SEBI LODR Regulations]
The decision of the board meeting that the Board of directors has proposed to Delist the company from
the exchanges be sent to the exchanges.
Ü Public notice [Regulation 7 (1) (b)]
The company to give a public notice of the proposed delisting in at least one English national daily with
wide circulation, one Hindi national daily with wide circulation and one regional language newspaper of
the region where the concerned recognized stock exchanges are located.
Ü Details shall mention in Public notice [Regulation 7 (2)]
(a) The names of the recognized stock exchanges from where the equity shares of the company are
intended to be delisted.
(b) The reasons for such delisting.
(c) The fact of continuation of listing of equity shares on recognized stock exchange having nation
wide trading terminals.
Ü Application to the concerned recognized stock exchange. [Regulation 7 (1)(c )]
The company shall make an application to the concerned recognized stock exchange for delisting its
equity shares.
Ü Delisting order by the Exchange. [Regulation 7 (3)]
The recognized stock exchange shall dispose off the Application of the delisting complete in all respects
within a period not exceeding thirty working days from the date of receipt of such application.
Ü Disclosure in the Annual report. [Regulation 7 (1)(d)]
In the first Annual report which will be prepared after the delisting, include the names of the recognised
stock exchanges from where the company got voluntary delisted during that year and the reason of the
delisting there from.
3. Voluntary Delisting by Small Companies
Small Company means

a) A company has a paid up capital not exceeding ten crore rupees and net worth not exceeding twenty
five crore rupees as on the last date of preceding financial year;
b) The number of equity shares of the company traded on each such recognised stock exchange during
the twelve calendar months immediately preceding the date of board meeting is less than ten per cent
of the total number of shares of such company.
However, where the share capital of a particular class of shares of the company is not identical
throughout such period, the weighted average of the shares of such class shall represent the total
number of shares of such class of shares of the company; and
c) the company has not been suspended by any of the recognised stock exchanges having nationwide
trading terminals for any non-compliance in the preceding one year;
Convene a Board Meeting [Regulation 8 (1) (a)]

The proposed delisting shall be placed beforethe board of directors of the company in its meeting.
The Company will then appoint a merchant banker who shall carry out due diligence in terms of Regulation
8(1A) of the Delisting Regulations and will submit their due diligence report before the Board of Directors of the
Company approves the delisting proposal. The due diligence to cover the following:
(b) entities belonging to acquirer or promoter or promoter group or their related entities have carried out
or not, any transaction to facilitate the success of the delisting offer which is not in compliance with the
provisions of sub-regulation (5) of regulation 4.
Subsequent to receipt of the Due Diligence Report of the Merchant Banker appointed by the Company, the
Board of Directors will approve the delisting proposal of the Company and seek approval of the member through
postal ballot.
The promoter appoint a merchant banker registered with the SEBI. The merchant banker appointed by the
Promoters and Company can be the same entity.
Appointment of Merchant Banker [Regulation 27 (3)(b)]

The promoter appoint a merchant banker registered with the SEBI.
Outcome of Board Meeting to Stock Exchange [Schedule III of the SEBI LODR Regulations,
2015]
The decision of the board meeting that the Board of directors has proposed to Delist the company from the
exchanges be sent to the exchanges within 30 minutes of the closure of the meeting.
Special Resolution Through postal Ballot (Regulation 8 (1) (b))

The prior approval of shareholders of the company be taken by special resolution to be passed through postal ballot,
disclosing all material facts in the explanatory statement sent to the shareholders in relation to such resolution.
Points to Remember:-
The special resolution shall be acted upon only if (i) the same has been passed as special resolution in terms
of the Companies Act, 2013 with 3/4th majority; and (ii) the votes casted by public shareholders in favour of
the proposal amount to at least two times the number of votes casted by public shareholders against it.
Determination of Exit Price [Regulation 27 (3)(b)]

The exit price offered to the public shareholders shall not be less than the floor price determined in terms of
sub-regulation (2) of regulation 15 of these regulations read with clause (e) of sub-regulation (2) of regulation 8
of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations,
2011.
218 EP-SL&CM
Application for In Principal Approval to Concerned Stock Exchange [Regulation 8(1)(c)]

The company makes an application to the concerned recognized stock exchange for in-principle approval
of the proposed delisting in the form specified by the recognized stock exchange. The application shall be
accompanied by an audit report as required under regulation 76 of the Securities and Exchange Board of
India (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 2018, in respect of the equity shares sought to be delisted,
covering a period of six months prior to the date of the application.
In principal Approval by the Exchange [Regulation 8 (3)]

The recognized stock exchange shall dispose off the Application of the in principal approval complete in all
respects within a period not exceeding five working days from the date of receipt of such application.
While considering an application seeking in-principle approval for delisting, the recognised stock exchange
satisfy itself on the following grounds – [Regulation 8(4)]
a. compliance with clause (b) of sub-regulation (1);
b. The resolution of investor grievances by the company;

c. Payment of listing fees to that recognised stock exchange;
d. The compliance with any condition of the listing agreement with that recognised stock exchange having
a material bearing on the interests of its equity shareholders;
e. Any litigation or action pending against the company pertaining to its activities in the securities market
or any other matter having a material bearing on the interests of its equity shareholders;
f. Any other relevant matter as the recognised stock exchange may deem fit to verify.
Public notice [Regulation 7(1)(b)]

The company shall give a public notice of the proposed delisting in at least one English national daily with wide
circulation, one Hindi national daily with wide circulation and one regional language newspaper of the region
where the concerned recognized stock exchanges are located.
Letter to all public Shareholders [Regulation 27 (3)(c)]

The promoters shall write individually to all the public shareholders containing the following particulars:
i. Intention of delisting the shares.
ii. Exit price and justification of the exit price.
iii. Acquisition of shares of the public shareholders / Seeking their positive consent of the shareholders for
delisting proposal.
Consent of the Public Shareholders [Regulation 27 (3)(d)]

The public shareholders, irrespective of their numbers, holding 90% or more of the public shareholding give
their consent in writing for the delisting of the shares and the shareholders shall have the option to surrender
their shares at the exit price determined or to remain the shareholders even if the shares get delisted.
Receiving consent from the Shareholders [Regulation 27(3)(e)]

The process of inviting the positive consent and finalisation of the proposal for delisting of shares to be made
within 75 working days of dispatching the Letter to all the shareholder .
Payment to shareholders [Regulation 27 (3)(f)]

The promoters shall make the payment in cash to the public shareholders who have tendered their shares
within 15 working days from the date of expiry of 75 working days as mentioned above.
Final Application to Stock Exchange [Regulation 8 (5)]

A final application for delisting be made to the concerned recognised stock exchange accompanied with such
proof of having given the exit opportunity in accordance with the above said provisions.
Delisting Order
The recognized stock exchange shall dispose off the Application of the delisting complete in all respects and
pass the delisting order.
Can the promoter of a small company, as defined under regulation 27 of Delisting Regulations, be considered
to have complied with the condition under regulation 27(3)(d) if the public shareholders holding at least ninety
percent of the public shareholding give their positive consent in writing to the proposal for delisting?
Yes, the promoter of a small company would be considered to have complied with the condition under
regulation 27(3) (d) if the public shareholders, irrespective of their numbers, holding ninety percent or more
of the public shareholding give their positive consent in writing to the proposal for delisting. (Please refer
to SAT Order dated November 04, 2011 in the matter of V. T. Somasundaram and M/s. Trichy Distilleries &
Chemicals Limited vs. Madras Stock Exchange and SEBI.)
COMPULSORY DELISTING
Compulsory delisting refers to permanent removal of securities of a listed company from a stock exchange as
a penalizing measure at the behest of the stock exchange for not making submissions/comply with various
requirements set out in the Listing agreement within the time frames prescribed.
As per Regulation 22(1) a recognized stock exchange may, by order, delist any equity shares of a company on
any ground prescribed in the rules made under section 21A of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 .
Constitution of Panel [Regulation 22 (2)]

The decision regarding compulsory delisting shall be taken by a panel to be constituted by the recognized stock
exchange consisting of -
a. Two directors of the recognized stock exchange (one of whom shall be a public representative);
b. One representative of the investors;
c. One representative of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs or Registrar of Companies; and
d. The Executive Director or Secretary of the recognized stock exchange.
Public notice before delisting order [Regulation 22 (3)]

Before passing a delisting order the recognized stock exchange shall give a notice in one English national daily
with wide circulation and one regional language newspaper of the region where the concerned recognized stock
exchange is located and shall also display such notice on its trading systems and website.
Time period of making representation [Regulation 22 (3)]

Time period of not less than fifteen working days from the notice, be given to any person who may be aggrieved
220 EP-SL&CM
by the proposed delisting within which he can made representations to the recognized stock exchange which
has issued a notice for the delisting.
Delisting Order by the Recognised Stock Exchange [Regulation 22 (4)]

The recognized stock exchange passes an order under sub-regulation (1) after considering the representations,
if any, made by the company and any aggrieved person in response to the notice and after considering the
following points:-
1. Nature and extent of the alleged non-compliance of the company and the number and percentage of
shareholders who may be affected by such non-compliance.
2. The status of compliance of the company with the office of the concerned Registrar of Companies.
Public notice after Delisting Order [Regulation 22 (6)]

Where the recognized stock exchange passes the delisting order, it shall, -
(a) Forthwith publish a notice in one English national daily with wide circulation and one regional language
newspaper of the region where the concerned recognized stock exchange is located.
(b) Inform all other stock exchanges where the equity shares of the company are listed, about such
delisting.
Disclosures to be made in the notice –

• Facts of such delisting;
• The name and address of the company;
• The fair value of the equity shares determined under sub-regulation (1) of regulation 23; and
• The names and addresses of the promoters of the company who would be liable under sub-regulation
Exit Price Determination by an Independent Valuer (Regulation 23)

• The recognized stock exchange shall form a panel of expert valuers from whom the valuer or valuers
shall be appointed.
• Where equity shares of a company are delisted by a recognised stock exchange under this Chapter,
the recognised stock exchange shall appoint an independent valuer or valuers who shall determine the
fair value of the delisted equity shares.
• The promoter of the delisted company shall acquire equity shares from the public shareholders by
paying them the value determined by the valuer within three months of the date of delisting from the
recognised stock exchange, subject to their option of retaining their shares.
Important points:-
1. No open offer is required to be given by the Delisted Company in the case of compulsory delisting made
by a recognized stock exchange.
2. Where a company has been compulsorily delisted the company, its whole time directors, its promoters
and the companies which are promoted by any of them shall not directly or indirectly access the
securities market or seek listing for any equity shares for a period of ten years from the date of such
delisting.
Special Powers to the recognized stock Exchanges (SCHEDULE III)

1. The recognised stock exchange can file prosecutions under relevant provisions of the Securities
Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 or any other law for the time being in force against identifiable
promoters and directors of the company for the alleged non-compliances.
2. The recognised stock exchange can also file a petition for winding up the company under section 271
of the Companies Act, 2013 or make a request to the Registrar of Companies to strike off the name of
the company from the register under section 248 of the said Act.
Constitution of Panel by Recognised stock exchange to take decision regarding

the compulsory delisting by the exchange
Public notice of compulsory delisting by recognized stock exchange in one English and one
regional language newspaper of the region where the concerned recognized stock
exchange is located
15 Working Days
Representation by the any person who may be aggrieved by the proposed delisting
Delisting order by the recognized stock exchange
Public notice after delisting order by recognized stock exchange in one English and regional
language newspaper of the region where the concerned recognized stock exchanges is located
and information to all the stock exchanges where the shares of the company listed and also on
its trading systems and website
Appointment of independent Valuer
Determination of the fair value of shares by the independent valuers appointed

by the recognized stock exchange
Acquisition of shares by the promoters at determined fair value
Company Promoters/PAC/ Directors can neither access securities market nor

seek listing for a period of 10 years
222 EP-SL&CM
Compulsory Delisting – Time-line

Compulsory Delisting Time-line in Working
Days
1. CONSTITUTION OF PANEL [Reg. 22(2)] —
The recognised stock exchange(s) shall constitute the panel to take the decision
regarding the compulsory delisting of the Company.
2. PUBLIC NOTICE BEFORE MAKING THE DELISTING ORDER [Reg. 22(3)] X
The recognised stock exchange (s) shall give the public notice for the compulsory
delisting of the company in one English, one Hindi national daily and one Regional
language news paper where the concerned stock exchange is located and also on
its trading system & website.
3. REPRESENTATIONS [Reg. 22(4)] X + 15
Any person aggrieved by such public notice may give representation within
maximum 15 working days from the date of the public notice.
4. DELISTING ORDER [Reg. 22(3)] X + 30
The recognised stock exchange(s) may pass the delisting order after giving the
reasonable opportunity of being heard to the concerned person.
5. PUBLIC NOTICE AFTER DELISTING ORDER [Reg. 22(6)] X + 31
The recognized stock exchange(s) shall publish the delisting order in one English,
one Hindi national daily newspaper and one Regional language newspaper where
the concerned stock exchange is located.
6. INTIMATION TO OTHER EXCHANGE(S) [Reg. 22(6)] X + 31
The recognized stock exchange(s) shall intimate other exchange(s) where the
company is listed about the delisting order.
7. APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT VALUER [Reg. 23(1)] X + 30
The recognised stock exchange(s) shall appoint the independent valuer(s) from
the panel of expert valuers.
8. DETERMINATION OF FAIR VALUE [Reg. 23(1)] X + 30
The independent valuer(s) shall determine the fair value of the delisted equity
shares at which the shares may be tendered by the public shareholders.
9. ACQUISITION OF SHARES [Reg. 23(3)] –
The promoters shall acquire the shares at the fair value from the public shareholders.
10. CONSEQUENCE OF COMPULSORY DELISTING (Reg. 24) _
The company / promoters / person acting in concert/ directors cannot access
securities market or seek listing for a period of 10 years.
CONSEQUENCES
Where a company has been compulsorily delisted the company, its whole time directors, its promoters and
the companies which are promoted by any of them shall not directly or indirectly access the securities market
or seek listing for any equity shares for a period of ten years from the date of such delisting.
ROLE OF COMPANY SECRETARY IN DELISTING

The SEBI has widen the area of responsibilities of a Company Secretary by mandating a listed company to
appoint Company Secretary to act as compliance officer under the SEBI (LODR) Regulations.
Being a compliance officer it is the responsibility of a Company Secretary to look after and ensure timely
compliances of various SEBI regulations. In case of non-compliance with the listing regulation a stock
exchange may delist the securities of a company.
Apart from this, a Company Secretary has to appoint and co-ordinate with various intermediaries, regulators,
etc. and advise the Board of Directors, the various requirements of Delisting.
LESSON ROUND UP
– Delisting of securities means permanent removal of securities of a listed company from a stock
exchange. As a consequence of delisting, the securities of that company would no longer be traded
at that stock exchange.
– Delisting can be voluntary or compulsory.
– SEBI has notified the SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009 by its publication dated
June 10, 2009.
– The delisting regulations are applicable to delisting of equity shares of a company from all or any of
the recognised stock exchanges where such shares are listed.
– There are certain circumstances as prescribed by the SEBI where delisting is not permissible.
– Chapter III of delisting regulations gives an option to the listed company to either get itself delisted from
all the recognised stock exchanges where it is listed or only from some of the few stock exchange(s)
having nation wide terminals.
– In voluntary delisting, a company decides its own to permanently remove its securities from stock
exchange.
– A recognised stock exchange may by order delist any equity shares of a company on any grounds
prescribed under the rules made under section 21 of the SCRA, 1956.
– When a company has been compulsorily delisted the company, its whole time directors, its promoters and
the companies which are promoted by any of them shall not directly or indirectly access the securities
market or seek listing for any equity shares for a period of ten years from the date of such delisting.
GLOSSARY
Bid An offer of a price to buy it as an auction. Business on the stock exchange is done
through bids. Bid also refers to the price one is willing to pay.
Delisting Exchange The exchange from which securities of a company are proposed to be delisted.
Offer Price Price at which units in trust can be bought it often includes an entry fee. It also
refers to the price at which securities are offered to the public.
Public Shareholders It means the holders of equity shares, other than the following: (a) promoters;
(b) holders of depository receipts issued overseas against equity shares held
with a custodian and such custodian.
Working Days It means the working days of the SEBI.
224 EP-SL&CM
SELF TEST QUESTIONS

1. Discuss the eligibility criteria for voluntary delisting of shares.
2. What are the rights of security holders in case of compulsory delisting of securities?
3. Can cash component of the escrow account in the delisting offer process be maintained in an interest
bearing account?
4. Explain the circumstances where delisting is not permissible under SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares)
Regulations, 2009.
5. How does one tender one’s shares for delisting in the tender offer method?
Lesson 9
Lesson 9 n SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 225
SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits)

Regulations, 2014 – An Overview
LESSON OUTLINE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
– Background
A company always wants to retain the top talent in
– Companies Act, 2013 the company those working for the future success
– SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) of the organization. Further, the human capital or
Regulations, 2014 the work force is always the vital component of a
business organization and those executives who
– Schemes – Implementation & Process
possess the potential to take the organization to
– Administration of Specific Schemes newer height need to be remunerated suitably.
– Directions by SEBI & Action in case of One of the key non-financial remuneration or
Default incentive may be issued to the employee in form of
Employee Stock Option.
– SEBI (Listing Obligations & Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015 for Taking into account the wider perspective of
ESOP/ESPS employee benefit scheme in India as well as
overseas and with the intent to align the provisions
of the extant regulations with the Companies Act,
– LESSON ROUND UP 2013, SEBI has notified the SEBI (Share Based
Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014.
– GLOSSARY
As it is of utmost importance to be conversant with
the legal dimensions associated with the various
employee benefit scheme, this lesson undertakes
a holistic approach by focusing in all the significant
facets of issue of ESOPs.
This lesson will enable the students to learn the
various provisions of SEBI (Share Based Employee
Benefits) Regulations, 2014 in respect of various
types of Schemes, its applicability, Scheme
implementation and process, Administration of
Specific Scheme and direction of SEBI etc.
226 EP-SL&CM
BACKGROUND
SEBI has (i) issued the SEBI (ESOS & ESPS) Guidelines, 1999 (“ESOS Guidelines”) to enable listed companies
to reward their employees through stock option schemes and stock purchase schemes; and (ii) notified the
SEBI (Issue of Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2002 (“Sweat Equity Regulations”) to regulate issuance of sweat
equity shares by listed companies in accordance with Section 79A of the Companies Act, 1956.
Under the ESOS Guidelines, an ESOS/ESPS Trust can only distribute options/shares to its employees issued
by the company. However, ESOS Guidelines, till recently, were silent regarding acquisition of shares from
secondary market. It came to the notice of SEBI that some listed companies were framing their own employees
benefit schemes wherein Trusts were set up to deal in their own securities in the secondary market, which was
not envisaged within the purview of the ESOS Guidelines.
Therefore, to regulate the listed companies from framing any employee benefit scheme involving acquisition
of own securities from the secondary market, it was felt that secondary market acquisitions by Trusts being an
internationally accepted practice should be considered subject to necessary safeguards to prevent misuse. It
was also recognized that there are many kinds of employee benefit schemes involving own securities which
being outside the purview of extant ESOS Guidelines are unregulated.
Accordingly, taking into account the wider perspective of employee benefit scheme in India as well as overseas
and with the intent to align the provisions of the extant regulations with the Companies Act, 2013, the SEBI
notified the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014.
COMPANIES ACT, 2013

As per Section 62(1) (b) of Companies Act 2013, a Company can offer shares through employee stock option
to their employees through special resolution subject to the conditions specified under Rule 12 of Companies
(Share Capital and Debentures) Rules 2014. However, pursuant to notification dated 5th June, 2015, the private
company can issue said shares to its employee by passing ordinary resolution in the General Meeting.
For the purposes of clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 62 and this rule ‘‘Employee’’ means –
Employee means But does not include
(a) Permanent employee (India or outside (i) An employee who is a promoter or a

India) person belonging to the promoter group; or
(b) Director whether WTD or not (ii) A director who either himself or
(Excluding independent director) through his relative or through anybody
corporate, directly or indirectly, holds
more than ten percent of the outstanding
(c) an employee as defined in clauses (a) or equity shares of the company.
(b) of a subsidiary, in India or Outside India
or of a holding company
However, in case of Startup Company, as defined in notification number G.S.R. 127(E), dated 19th February,
2019 issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry,
Government of India the conditions mentioned in table point (i) and (ii) shall not apply upto ten years from the
date of its incorporation or registration.
In terms of the provisions of the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 and
the Companies Act, 2013, independent directors are not entitled to ESOPs. However, prior to
commencement of these provisions, independent directors were eligible to receive ESOPs. In light of
this, if an independent director has been granted ESOPs before commencement of the said provisions
and such options remains to be exercised, can he/she still exercise such ESOPs?
Yes, the restriction on grant of ESOPs to independent director applies only on fresh grants of ESOPs after
commencement of the aforesaid provisions. Any grant already made prior to commencement of these provision
shall remain valid, i.e., an independent director can exercise such ESOPs subject of fulfillment of terms and
conditions of the ESOPs schemes framed by the Companies in terms of the relevant regulations.
SEBI (SHARE BASED EMPLOYEE BENEFITS) REGULATIONS, 2014

The SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 provides for regulation of all schemes by
companies for the benefit of their employees involving dealing in shares, directly or indirectly, with a view to
facilitate smooth operation of such schemes while preventing any possible manipulation and matters connected
therewith or incidental thereto.
SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 comprises of four chapters. Chapter I deal mainly with
the preliminary and definition used in regulation. Chapter II provides for implementation and process of scheme.
Chapter III deals with administration of specific schemes. Chapter IV deals with miscellaneous provisions.
APPLICABILITY
APPLICABILITY
Employee Employee Stock Stock General Retirement

Stock Option Purchase Appreciation Employee Benefit
Schemes Schemes Rights Schemes Benefits Schemes Schemes
COMPANIES COVERED
The provisions of these regulations shall apply to any company whose shares are listed on a recognised stock
exchange in India, and has a scheme:
(iii) satisfying, directly or indirectly, any one of

the following conditions:
(ii) involving dealing in or (a) the scheme is set up by the company or
(i) for direct subscribing to or any other company in its group;
or indirect purchasing securities of
benefit of the company, directly or (b) the scheme is funded or guaranteed by the
employees; indirectly and company or any other company in its group;
(c) the scheme is controlled or managed by
the company or any other company in its
group.
228 EP-SL&CM
NON- APPLICABILITY
– Shares issued to employees in compliance with the provisions pertaining to preferential allotment as
specified in the SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018.
– The provisions pertaining to preferential allotment as specified in SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2018 shall not be applicable in case of a company issuing new shares in
pursuance and compliance of these regulations.
“Appreciation” means the difference between the market price of the share of a company on the date of
exercise of stock appreciation right (SAR) or vesting of SAR, as the case may be, and the SAR price.
“Employee Stock Option Scheme” means a scheme under which a company grants employee stock option
directly or through a trust.
“Employee Stock Purchase Scheme” means a scheme under which a company offers shares to employees,
as part of public issue or otherwise, or through a trust where the trust may undertake secondary acquisition for
the purposes of the scheme.
“General Employee Benefits Scheme” means any scheme of a company framed in accordance with these
regulations, dealing in shares of the company or the shares of its listed holding company, for the purpose of
employee welfare including healthcare benefits, hospital care or benefits, or benefits in the event of sickness,
accident, disability, death or scholarship funds, or such other benefit as specified by such company.
“Relevant Date” means,-
(i) in the case of grant, the date of the meeting of the compensation committee on which the grant is
made; or
(ii) in the case of exercise, the date on which the notice of exercise is given to the company or to the trust
by the employee;
“Retirement Benefit Scheme” means a scheme of a company, framed in accordance with these regulations,
dealing in shares of the company or the shares of its listed holding company, for providing retirement benefits
to the employees subject to compliance with existing rules and regulations as applicable under laws relevant to
retirement benefits in India.
“Stock Appreciation Right” means a right given to a SAR grantee entitling him to receive appreciation for a
specified number of shares of the company where the settlement of such appreciation may be made by way of
cash payment or shares of the company.
Explanation – An SAR settled by way of shares of the company shall be referred to as equity settled SAR.
“Stock Appreciation Right Scheme” means a scheme under which a company grants SAR to employees.
SCHEMES - IMPLEMENTATION AND PROCESS

A company may implement schemes either :-
a) directly or
b) by setting up an irrevocable trust(s).
Direct Route for ESOP’s
Trust Route
Employee
Welfare
Trust
Trust Route for ESOP’s

230 EP-SL&CM
IMPLEMENTATION OF SCHEMES THROUGH TRUST

1. If a company has implemented the scheme through a trust and the same has to be decided upfront at
the time of taking approval of the shareholders for setting up the schemes.
However, if the scheme involves secondary acquisition or gift or both, then it is mandatory for the
company to implement such scheme(s) through a trust(s).
2. A company may implement several schemes as permitted under these regulations through a single
trust.
However, such single trust shall keep and maintain-
– proper books of account;
– records and documents;
for each such scheme so as to explain its transactions and to disclose at any point of time the financial
position of each scheme and in particular give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of each scheme.
3. SEBI may specify the minimum provisions to be included in the trust deed under which the trust is
formed, and such trust deed and any modifications thereto shall be mandatorily filed with the stock
exchange in India where the shares of the company are listed.
4. A person shall not be appointed as a trustee, if he-
(i) is a director, key managerial personnel or promoter of the company or its holding, subsidiary or
associate company or any relative of such director, key managerial personnel or promoter; or
(ii) beneficially holds ten percent or more of the paid-up share capital of the company;
However, where individuals or ‘one person companies’ as defined under the Companies Act, 2013 are
appointed as trustees, there shall be a minimum of two such trustees, and in case a corporate entity is
appointed as a trustee, then it may be the sole trustee.
5. The trustees of a trust, which is governed under these regulations, shall not vote in respect of the
shares held by such trust, so as to avoid any misuse arising out of exercising such voting rights.
6. The trustee should ensure that appropriate approval from the shareholders has been obtained by the
company in order to enable the trust to implement the scheme(s) and undertake secondary acquisition
for the purposes of the scheme(s).
7. The trust shall not deal in derivatives, and shall undertake only delivery based transactions for the
purposes of secondary acquisition as permitted by these regulations.
8. The company may lend monies to the trust on appropriate terms and conditions to acquire the shares
either through new issue or secondary acquisition, for the purposes of implementation of the scheme(s).
9. For the purposes of disclosures to the stock exchange, the shareholding of the trust shall be shown as
‘non-promoter and non-public’ shareholding.
Explanation: Shares held by the trust shall not form part of the public shareholding which needs to
be maintained at a minimum of twenty five percent as prescribed under the Securities Contracts
(Regulations) Rules, 1957
10. Secondary acquisition in a financial year by the trust shall not exceed two percent of the paid up equity
capital as at the end of the previous financial year.
11. The total number of shares under secondary acquisition held by the trust shall at no time exceed the
below mentioned prescribed limits as a percentage of the paid up equity capital as at the end of the
financial year immediately prior to the year in which the shareholder approval is obtained for such
secondary acquisition:
Sl. No. Particulars Limit
A For the schemes enumerated in Part A, Part B or Part C of Chapter III of these 5%
regulations
B For the schemes enumerated in Part D, or Part E of Chapter III of these 2%
regulations
C For all the schemes in aggregate 5%
Explanation 1.- The above limits shall automatically include within their ambit the expanded capital of
the company where such expansion has taken place on account of corporate action including issue of
bonus shares, split or rights issue.
Explanation 2.- If a company has multiple trusts and schemes, the aforesaid ceiling limit shall be
applicable for all such trusts and schemes taken together at the company level and not at the level of
individual trust or scheme.
Explanation 3.- The above ceiling limit will not be applicable where shares are allotted to the trust by
way of new issue or gift from promoter or promoter group or other shareholders.
Explanation 4.- In the event that the options, shares or SAR granted under any of the schemes exceeds
the number of shares that the trust may acquire through secondary acquisition, then such shortfall of
shares shall be made up by the company through new issue of shares to the trust in accordance with
the provisions of new issue of shares under the applicable laws.
12. The un-appropriated inventory of shares which are not backed by grants, acquired through secondary
acquisition by the trust under Part A, Part B or Part C of these regulations, shall be appropriated within
a reasonable period which shall not extend beyond the end of the subsequent financial year.
However, if such trust(s) existing as on the date of notification of these regulations are not able to
appropriate the un-appropriated inventory within one year of such notification, the same shall be
disclosed to the stock exchange(s) at the end of such period and then the same shall be sold on the
recognized stock exchange(s) where shares of the company are listed, within a period of five years
from the date of notification of these regulations.
Keeping in view point No. 12, for the purpose of clarifying the inventory as un-appropriated,
whether the appropriation made to scheme can be considered as compliance?
Appropriation towards ESPS/ESOP/SAR General Employee Benefit Scheme/Retirement Benefit
Scheme by October 27, 2015 would be considered as compliance with proviso to regulation 3(12).
The company may appropriate towards individual employees or sell in the market during next four
years so that no un-appropriated inventory remains thereafter.
13. The trust shall be required to hold the shares acquired through secondary acquisition for a minimum
period of six months except where they are required to be transferred in the circumstances enumerated
in this regulation, whether off market or on the platform of stock exchange.
Shares have been acquired by the trust from secondary market and held for the minimum
period of six months in terms of regulation 3(13) of SEBI (SBEB) Regulations, 2014 pursuant to
which the same are transferred to employees under ESPS. Whether the requirement of Lock-
in, in terms of regulation 22(2) of these regulations, shall be applicable to shares received by
employees?
No, lock-in shall not be applicable to the shares received by employees.
232 EP-SL&CM
14. The trust shall be permitted to undertake off-market transfer of shares only under the following
circumstances:
a) transfer to the employees pursuant to scheme(s);
b) when participating in open offer under the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers)
Regulations, 2011, or when participating in buy-back, delisting or any other exit offered by the
company generally to its shareholders.
15. The trust shall not become a mechanism for trading in shares and hence shall not sell the shares in
secondary market except under the following circumstances:
a) cashless exercise of options under ESOS as prescribed in these regulations;
b) on vesting or exercise, as the case may be, of SAR under ESPS as prescribed in these regulations;
c) in case of emergency for implementing the General Employee Benefits Scheme (GEBS) and
Retirement Benefit Scheme (RBS) as mentioned in these regulations, and for this purpose -
(i) the trustee shall record the reasons for such sale; and
(ii) money so realised on sale of shares shall be utilised within a definite time period as stipulated
under the scheme or trust deed.
d) participation in buy-back or open offers or delisting offers or any other exit offered by the company
generally to its shareholders, if required;
e) for repaying the loan, if the un-appropriated inventory of shares held by the trust is not appropriated
within the timeline as provided above.
f) winding up of the scheme(s); and
g) based on approval granted by the SEBI to an applicant, for the reasons recorded in writing in
respect of the schemes covered in these regulations, upon payment of a non-refundable fee of
rupees one lakh along with the application by way of direct credit in the bank account through
NEFT/RTGS/IMPS or any other mode allowed by RBI or by way of a banker’s cheque or demand
draft payable at Mumbai in favour of SEBI.
16. The trust shall be required to make disclosures and comply with the other requirements applicable
to insiders or promoters under the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 or any
modification or re-enactment thereto.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
An employee shall be eligible to participate in the schemes of the company as determined by the compensation
committee.
Explanation - Where such employee is a director nominated by an institution as its representative on the
board of directors of the company –
(i) The contract or agreement entered into between the institution nominating its employee as the director of
a company, and the director so appointed shall, inter alia, specify the following:-
a. whether the grants by the company under its scheme(s) can be accepted by the said employee in his
capacity as director of the company;
b. that grant if made to the director, shall not be renounced in favour of the nominating institution; and
c. the conditions subject to which fees, commissions, other incentives, etc. can be accepted by the director
from the company.
(ii) The institution nominating its employee as a director of a company shall file a copy of the contract or
agreement with the said company, which shall, in turn file the copy with all the stock exchanges on which its
shares are listed.
(iii) The director so appointed shall furnish a copy of the contract or agreement at the first board meeting of
the company attended by him after his nomination.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
• A company shall constitute a compensation committee for administration and
superintendence of the schemes.
• However, the company may designate such of its other committees as compensation
committee if they fulfil the criteria as prescribed in these regulations. Further that where the
1. scheme is being implemented through a trust the compensation committee shall delegate
the administration of such scheme(s) tothe trust.
• The compensation committee shall be a committee of such members of the board of

directors of the company as provided under section 178 of the Companies Act, 2013, as
amended or modified from time to time.
2.
• The compensation committee shall, inter alia, formulate the detailed terms and conditions of
the schemes which shall include the provisions as specified by the SEBI in this regard.
3.
• The compensation committee shall frame suitable policies and procedures to ensure that
there is no violation of securities laws, as amended from time to time, including the SEBI
(Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 and the SEBI (Prohibition of Fraudulent
and Unfair Trade Practices Relating to the Securities Market) Regulations, 2003 by the
4. trust, the company and its employees, as applicable.
Note: In case of Point no. 1,
SHAREHOLDERS APPROVAL
A Scheme shall not be offered to employees

of a company unless the shareholders of the
company approve it by passing a special
resolution in the general meeting.
Explanatory statement shall be annexed with

notice and the resolution proposed to be
Requirement for Shareholders Approval passed by shareholders for the schemes
shall include the information as specified by
the SEBI in this regard.
Approval of shareholders by way of separate

resolution in the general meeting shall be
obtained by the company in 4 cases.
234 EP-SL&CM
a) Secondary acquisition for implementation of the schemes.

Such approval shall mention the percentage of secondary acquisition (subject to limits specified under
these regulations) that could be undertaken;
b) Secondary acquisition by the trust in case the share capital expands due to capital expansion undertaken
by the company including preferential allotment of shares or qualified institutions placement, to maintain
the five percent cap as prescribed in these regulations of such increased capital of thecompany;
c) Grant of option, SAR, shares or other benefits, as the case may be, to employees of subsidiary or
holding company;
d) Grant of option, SAR, shares or benefits, as the case may be, to identified employees, during any
one year, equal to or exceeding one percent of the issued capital (excluding outstanding warrants
and conversions) of the company at the time of grant of option, SAR, shares or incentive, as the case
maybe.
VARIATION OF TERMS OF THE SCHEMES
The Company shall not vary the terms of the schemes unless special resolution is to be
passed in the General Meeting provided that such variation is not prejudicial to the interests of
the employees;
Notice for passing special resolution for variation of terms of the schemes shall disclose full
details of the variation, the rationale therefore, and the details of the employees who are
beneficiaries of such variation;
Variation may be includes reprice the options, SAR or shares, as the case may be which are
not exercised, whether or not they have been vested if the schemes were rendered
unattractive due to fall in the price of the shares in the stock market; and
The company shall ensures that such repricing shall not be detrimental to the interest of the
employees and approval of the shareholders in general meeting has been obtained for such
repricing.
Note : The provisions of shareholders’ approval shall apply to such variation of terms as they apply to the
original grant of option, SAR, shares or other benefits, as the case may be.
WINDING UP OF THE SCHEMES

In case of winding up of the schemes being implemented by a company through trust, the excess monies or
shares remaining with the trust after meeting all the obligations, if any, shall be utilised for repayment of loan or
by way of distribution to employees as recommended by the compensation committee.
NON-TRANSFERABILITY
• Option, SAR or any other benefit granted to an employee under the regulations shall not be transferable
to any person.
• No person other than the employee to whom the option, SAR or other benefit is granted shall be entitled
to the benefit arising out of such option, SAR, benefit etc.
However, in case of ESOS or SAR, under cashless exercise, the company may itself fund or permit the
empanelled stock brokers to fund the payment of exercise price which shall be adjusted against the
sale proceeds of some or all the shares, subject to the provisions of the applicable law or regulations.
• The option, SAR, or any other benefit granted to the employee shall not be pledged, hypothecated,
mortgaged or otherwise alienated in any other manner.
• In the event of death of the employee while in employment, all the options, SAR or any other benefit granted
to him under a scheme till such date shall vest in the legal heirs or nominees of the deceased employee.
• In case the employee suffers a permanent incapacity while in employment, all the options, SAR or any
other benefit granted to him under a scheme as on the date of permanent incapacitation, shall vest in
him on that day.
• In the event of resignation or termination of the employee, all the options, SAR, or any other benefit
which are granted and yet not vested as on that day shall expire.
However, an employee shall, subject to the terms and conditions formulated by the compensation committee,
be entitled to retain all the vested options, SAR, or any other benefit covered by these regulations.
• In the event that an employee who has been granted benefits under a scheme is transferred or deputed
to an associate company prior to vesting or exercise, the vesting and exercise as per the terms of grant
shall continue in case of such transferred or deputed employee even after the transfer or deputation.
LISTING
In case new issue of shares is made under any scheme, shares so issued shall be listed immediately in any
recognised stock exchange.
In case of the existing shares are listed, following conditions need to be fulfilled :-
A statement specified by As and when an exercise is

the SEBI in this regard, is made, the company notifies
Scheme is in compliance with filed and the company has the concerned stock
these regulations obtained an in-principle exchange as per the
approval from the stock statement as specified by
exchanges the SEBI in this regard
SCHEMES IMPLEMENTED BY UNLISTED COMPANIES

The shares arising after the initial public offering (“IPO”) of an unlisted company, out of options or SAR granted
under any scheme prior to its IPO to the employees shall be listed immediately upon exercise in all the
recognised stock exchanges where the shares of the company are listed subject to compliance with the SEBI
(Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018.
236 EP-SL&CM
COMPLIANCES AND CONDITIONS

1. The company shall not make any fresh grant which involves allotment or transfer of shares to its
employees under any schemes formulated prior to its IPO and prior to the listing of its equity shares
(‘pre-IPO scheme’) unless:
- Such pre-IPO scheme is in conformity with these regulations; and
- Such pre-IPO scheme is ratified by its shareholders subsequent to the IPO. However, the
ratification under clause (ii) may be done at any time prior to grant of new options or shares orSAR
under such pre-IPO scheme.
2. No change shall be made in the terms of options or shares or SAR issued under such pre-IPO schemes,
whether by repricing, change in vesting period or maturity or otherwise unless prior approval of the
shareholders is taken for such a change, except for any adjustments for corporate actions made in
accordance with these regulations.
3. For listing of shares issued pursuant to ESOS, ESPS or SAR , the company shall obtain the in-principle
approval of the stock exchanges where it proposes to list the said shares.
4. When holding company issues option, share, SAR or benefits to the employee of its subsidiary, the cost
incurred by the holding company for issuing such option, share, SAR or benefits shall be disclosed in
the ‘notes to accounts’ of the financial statements of the subsidiary company.
5. In a case, if the subsidiary reimburses the cost incurred by the holding company in granting option,
share, SAR or benefits to the employees of the subsidiary, both the subsidiary as well as the holding
company shall disclose the payment or receipt, as the case may be, in the ‗notes to accounts‘ to their
financial statements.
6. The company shall appoint a registered merchant banker for the implementation of schemes covered
by these regulations till the stage of obtaining in-principle approval from the stock exchanges in
accordance with clause (b) of regulation 10.
CERTIFICATE FROM AUDITORS

In case of company which has passed a resolution for the schemes under these regulations, the board of
directors shall at each annual general meeting place before the shareholders a certificate from the auditors of
the company that the scheme(s) has been implemented in accordance with these regulations and in accordance
with the resolution of the company in the general meeting.
DISCLOSURES
In addition to the information that a company is required to disclose, in relation to employee benefits under the
Companies Act, 2013, the board of directors of such a company shall also disclose the details of the scheme(s)
being implemented, as specified by the SEBI in this regard.
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Any company implementing any of the share based schemes shall follow the requirements of the ‘Guidance
Note on Accounting for employee share-based Payments’ (Guidance Note)or Accounting Standards as may be
prescribed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) from time to time, including the disclosure
requirements prescribed therein.
Where the existing Guidance Note or Accounting Standard do not prescribe accounting treatment or disclosure
requirements for any of the schemes covered under these regulations, then the company shall comply with the
relevant Accounting Standard as may be prescribed by the ICAI from time to time.
ADMINISTRATION OF SPECIFIC SCHEMES
Employee Stock Option Scheme (ESOS)

• The ESOS shall contain the details of the manner in which the scheme will
Administration and be implemented and operated. ESOS shall not be offered unless the
Implementation disclosures, as specified by SEBI in this regard, are made by the company to
the prospective option grantees.
• The company granting option to its employees pursuant to ESOS will have
Pricing the freedom to determine the exercise price subject to conforming to the
accounting policies as specified in these regulation.
• There shall be a minimum vesting period of one year in case of ESOS.
Vesting Period • The company may specify the lock-in period for the shares issued pursuant
to exercise of option.
• The employee shall not have right to receive any dividend or to vote or in any
Rights of the option
manner enjoy the benefits of a shareholder in respect of option granted to
holder
him, till shares are issued upon exercise of option.
• The amount payable by the employee, if any, at the time of grant of option, -
• may be forfeited by the company if the option is not exercised by the
Consequence of failure
employee within the exercise period; or
to exercise option
• may be refunded to the employee if the options are not vested due to non-
fulfilment of conditions relating to vesting of option as per the ESOS.
Note : In regards to Vesting period, where options are granted by a company under an ESOS in lieu of options
held by a person under an ESOS in another company which has merged or amalgamated with that company,
the period during which the options granted by the transferor company were held by him shall be adjusted
against the minimum vesting period required under this sub-regulation.
Employee Stock Purchase Scheme (ESPS)
Administration and Implementation Pricing and Lock-In
• The ESPS scheme shall contain the details of • The company may determine the price of
the manner in which the scheme will be shares to be issued under an ESPS, provided
implemented and operated. they conform to the provisions of accounting
policies under these regulation.
• Shares issued under an ESPS shall be
locked-in for a minimum period of one year
from the date of allotment.
• If ESPS is part of a public issue and the
shares are issued to employees at the same
price as in the public issue, the shares issued
to employees pursuant to ESPS shall not be
subject to lock-in.
Note : In regards to pricing and Lock-in,where shares are allotted by a company under an ESPS in lieu of shares
acquired by the same person under an ESPS in another company which has merged or amalgamated with the
first mentioned company, the lock-in period already under gone inrespect of shares of the transferor company
shall be adjusted against the lock-in period.
238 EP-SL&CM
Regulation 22(2) of the SEBI (SBEB) Regulations, 2014 prescribes lock-in of shares issued under ESPS
for a minimum period of one year from the date of allotment. Whether the said lock-in is applicable to
the Trust, if an ESPS scheme is implemented through Trust Route?
No, the Lock-in requirement is applicable at the level of employee and not at the level of trust. Lock-in in terms
of regulation 22(2) shall be applicable from the day shares are received by the employees.
Stock Appreciation Rights Scheme (SARS)
Administration and Implementation
•The SAR scheme shall contain the details of the manner in which the scheme will be
implemented and operated;
•A company shall have the freedom to implement cash settled or equity settled SAR
scheme;
•No SAR shall be offered unless the disclosures, as specified by Board in this regard, are
made by the company to the prospective SAR grantees.
Vesting
•There shall be a minimum vesting period of one year in case of SAR scheme.
Rights of the SAR holder
•The employee shall not have right to receive dividend or to vote or in any manner enjoy
the benefits of a shareholder in respect of SAR granted to him.
Note :
• In Point No. 1, in case of equity settled SAR scheme, if the settlement results in fractional shares, then
the consideration for fractional shares should be settled in cash.
• In Point No. 2, in a case where SAR is granted by a company under a SAR scheme in lieu of SAR held
by the same person under a SAR scheme in another company which has merged or amalgamated with
the first mentioned company, the period during which the SAR granted by the transferor company were
held by the employee shall be adjusted against the minimum vesting period.
General Employee Benefits Scheme (GEBS)

GEBS shall contain the details of the scheme and the manner in which the scheme shall be implemented and
operated. At no point in time, the shares of the company or shares of its listed holding company shall exceed
ten percent of the book value or market value or fair value of the total assets of the scheme, whichever is lower,
as appearing in its latest balance sheet for the purposes of GEBS.
Retirement Benefit Scheme (RBS)

Retirement benefit scheme may be implemented by a company provided it is incompliance with these regulations,
and provisions of any other law in force in relation to retirement benefits. The retirement benefit scheme shall
contain the details of the benefits under the scheme and the manner in which the scheme shall be implemented
and operated.
At no point in time, the shares of the company or shares of its listed holding company shall exceed ten per
cent of the book value or market value or fair value of the total assets of the scheme, whichever is lower, as
appearing in its latest balance sheet for the purposes of RBS.
DIRECTIONS BY THE SEBI AND ACTION IN CASE OF DEFAULT

The SEBI may issue any direction or order or undertake any measure in the interests of the investors or the
securities market, and deal with any contravention of these regulations, in exercise of its powers under the
SEBI Act, 1992, the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 or the Companies Act, 2013 and any statutory
modification or re-enactment thereto.
SEBI (LISTING OBLIGATIONS & DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS) REGULATIONS, 2015

FOR ESOP/ESPS
Regulation 17: Board of Directors

Sub-regulation 6 (a)
The board of directors shall recommend all fees or compensation, if any, paid to non-
executive directors, including independent directors and shall require approval of
shareholders in general meeting
Sub-regulation 6 (c)
The approval of shareholders mentioned in clause (a), shall specify the limits for the
maximum number of stock options that may be granted to non-executive directors, in
any financial year and in aggregate.
Regulation 30: Disclosure of events or information read with Para B of Part A of Schedule III
(1) Every listed entity shall make disclosures of any events or information which, in the opinion of the
board of directors of the listed company, is material.
(3) The listed entity shall make disclosure of events specified in Para B of Part A of Schedule III, based
on application of the guidelines for materiality, as specified in sub-regulation (4).
(4) (i) The listed entity shall consider the following criteria for determination of materiality of events/
information:
(a) the omission of an event or information, which is likely to result in discontinuity or alteration
of event or information already available publicly; or
(b) the omission of an event or information is likely to result in significant market reaction if the
said omission came to light at a later date;
(c) case where the criteria specified in sub-clauses (a) and (b) are not applicable, an event/
information may be treated as being material if in the opinion of the board of directors of listed
entity, the event / information is considered material.
(ii) The listed entity shall frame a policy for determination of materiality, based on criteria specified
in this sub-regulation, duly approved by its board of directors, which shall be disclosed on its
website.
(6) The listed entity shall first disclose to stock exchange(s) of all events, as specified in Part A of
Schedule III, or information as soon as reasonably possible and not later than twenty four hours
from the occurrence of event or information:
Provided that in case the disclosure is made after twenty four hours of occurrence of the event or
information, the listed entity shall, along with such disclosures provide explanation for delay:
240 EP-SL&CM
(8) The listed entity shall disclose on its website all such events or information which has been
disclosed to stock exchange(s), and such disclosures shall be hosted on the website of the listed
entity for a minimum period of five years and thereafter as per the archival policy of the listed entity,
as disclosed on its website.
SCHEDULE III PART A: DISCLOSURES OF EVENTS OR INFORMATION: SPECIFIED SECURITIES
B. Events which shall be disclosed upon application of the guidelines for materiality referred under
sub-regulation (4) of regulation (30):
Options to purchase securities including any ESOP/ESPS Scheme.
SEBI circular dated September 09, 2015

Details which a listed entity need to disclose for events on which the listed entity may apply materiality in terms
of Para B of Part A of Schedule III of Listing Regulations.
Item No. 10. Options to purchase securities (including any Share Based Employee Benefit (SBEB) Scheme) at
the time of instituting the scheme and vesting or exercise of options:
a) brief details of options granted;
b) whether the scheme is in terms of SEBI (SBEB) Regulations, 2014 (if applicable);
c) total number of shares covered by these options;
d) pricing formula;
e) options vested;
f) time within which option may be exercised;
g) options exercised;
h) money realized by exercise of options;
i) the total number of shares arising as a result of exercise of option;
j) options lapsed;
k) variation of terms of options;
l) brief details of significant terms;
m) subsequent changes or cancellation or exercise of such options;
n) diluted earnings per share pursuant to issue of equity shares on exercise of options.
Procedure for issuing ESOP by a Listed Company

• An advance notice of the Board Meeting at least two working days before to the stock exchange where
securities of the company are listed and formation of Compensation Committee;
• Compensation committee shall plan draft the scheme of ESOP;
• Hold Board meeting to adopt the final scheme, appoint the Merchant banker and approve the notice of
the General meeting for shareholders approval by passing special resolution;
• Outcome of the Board Meeting is also to be notified within 30 minutes of the conclusion of the Board
meeting.
• An advance notice of the General meeting at least two working days before to the Stock Exchanges
where securities of the Company are listed.
• Hold General Meeting for approval of shareholders;

• Outcome of the General Meeting is also to be notified within 30 minutes of the conclusion of the
meeting to the Stock exchange.
• File e-form MGT-14 within 30 days of passing the special resolution with ROC.
• For listing of shares issued pursuant to ESOS, the company shall obtain the in-principle approval of the
stock exchanges before issuing shares as per Regulation 28 of LODR where it proposes to list the said
shares.
• Issue of letter of grant of option to the eligible employees along with the letter of acceptance of option;
• On receipt of letter of acceptance of option along with upfront payment (if any), from the employee issue
the option certificates;
• After expiry of vesting period, not less than one year the options shall vest in the employee. At that time,
the Company shall issue a letter of vesting along with the letter of exercise of options;
• Receipt to letter of exercise from the employee;
• Hold a Board Meeting at the suitable Interval during the exercise period for allotment of shares on
options exercised by the optioness;
• Dispatch of letter of allotment along with the share certificates or credit the shares so allotted with the
Depositories;
• Make an application to the Stock exchange for listing of the Shares so allotted; and
• Receipt of Listing of the shares from the Stock exchange.
• File a return of allotment in form PAS 3 with the ROC within 30 days from the date of allotment.
Does the contra trade restriction (for a period not less than six months) under clause 10 of Schedule B
of the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulation, 2015 also apply to the exercise of ESOPs and
the sale of shares so acquired?
Exercise of ESOPs shall not be considered to be “trading” except for the purposes of Chapter III of the
Regulations. However, other provisions of the Regulations shall apply to the sale of shares so acquired.
For Example:
(i) If a designated person has sold/ purchased shares, he can subscribe and exercise ESOPs at any
time after such sale/purchase, without attracting contra trade restrictions.
(ii) Where a designated person acquires shares under an ESOP and subsequently sells/pledges those
shares, such sale shall not be considered as contra trade, with respect to exercise of ESOPs.
(iii) Where a designated person purchases some shares (say on August 01, 2015), acquires shares
later under an ESOP (say on September 01, 2015) and subsequently sells/pledges (say on October
01, 2015) shares so acquired under ESOP. The sale will not be a contra trade but will be subject
other provisions of the Regulations, however, lie will not be able to sell the shares purchased on
August 01, 2015 during the period of six months from August 01, 2015.
(iv) Where a designated person sells shares (say on August 01, 2015), acquires shares later under
an ESOP (say on September 01, 2015) the acquisition under ESOP shall not be a contra trade.
Further, he can sell/pledge shares so acquired at any time thereafter without attracting contra trade
restrictions. He, however, will not be able to purchase further shares during the period of six months
from August 01, 2015 when he had sold shares.
242 EP-SL&CM

For listing of equity shares issued pursuant to exercise of options granted under ESPS/ESOS/SARS/
GEBS/RBS basis- Post issue
• A Certificate from Company Secretary for receipt of money.
• A quarterly certificate from the practising Company Secretary specifically certifying that the company
has received the application/allotment monies from the applicants of these shares. [Source: www.
bseindia.com]
LESSON ROUND-UP
– As per Section 62(1) (b) of Companies Act 2013, a Company can offer shares through employee stock
option to their employees through special resolution subject to the conditions specified under Rule 12
of Companies (Share Capital and Debentures) Rules 2014.
– Issue of Employee Stock option by a listed entity is regulated by the SEBI (Share Based Employee
Benefits) Regulations, 2014.
– SEBI has, on October 28, 2014 notified the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, for
regulation of all schemes by companies for the benefit of their employees involving dealing in shares,
directly or indirectly, with a view to facilitate smooth operation of such schemes while preventing any
possible manipulation and matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
– A company may implement schemes either :-
• directly; or
• by setting up an irrevocable trust(s).
– An employee shall be eligible to participate in the schemes of the company as determined by the
compensation committee.
– In case of winding up of the schemes being implemented by a company through trust, the excess
monies or shares remaining with the trust after meeting all the obligations, if any, shall be utilised
for repayment of loan or by way of distribution to employees as recommended by the compensation
committee.
GLOSSARY
Grant It means issue of option to employees under the scheme.
Option grantee It means an employee having a right but not an obligation to exercise an option in
pursuance of ESOS.
Secondary Market The market for previously issued securities or financial instruments.
Trustee Legal Custodian who looks after all the monies invested in a unit trust or mutual fund.
Vesting The process by which the employee is given the right to apply for shares of the company
against the option granted to him in pursuance of ESOS.
Vesting Period It means the period during which the vesting of option, SAR or a benefit granted under
any of the schemes takes place.
SELF TEST QUESTIONS

1. What are applicability and non-applicability of the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations,
2014?
2. Explain the implementation of Scheme through trust.
3. Elucidate the conditions where approval of shareholders shall be obtained by passing of separate
resolution in the general meeting under the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014.
4. Discuss the procedure for issue of ESOP by a listed company.
5. State briefly the provisions of pricing and lock-in period under ESPS.
244 EP-SL&CM
Lesson 10
SEBI (Issue of Sweat Equity)
LESSON OUTLINE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
– Introduction
Factors behind the success of any company is
– Companies Act, 2013 its ability to attract top talent while retaining those
– SEBI (Issue of Sweat Equity) Regulations, already working within the company. One of the ways
2002 in which companies attract and retain key employees
is by rewarding them with equity shares. Traditionally,
– Sweat equity shares may be issued to
these types of equity shares are called Sweat Equity
employee and directors
Shares which is administered by the SEBI (Issue of
– Special Resolution Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2002, in case of a listed
– Issue of Sweat Equity Shares to Promoters company and by the Companies Act, 2013, in case
of unlisted company respectively.
– Pricing of Sweat Equity Shares
In this lesson, the students will be able to understand
– Valuation of Intellectual Property the various provisions of SEBI (Issue of Sweat
– Accounting Treatment Equity) Regulations, 2002, its applicability, non-
applicability, issuance of Sweat equity shares to
– Placing of Auditors before Annual General
employee & directors, Special Resolution, Pricing,
Meeting
Valuation, Ceiling on Managerial Remuneration,
– Ceiling on Managerial Remuneration Lock-in, Listing etc.
– Lock-in
– Listing
– Applicability of Takeover
– LESSON ROUND UP
– GLOSSARY
246 EP-SL&CM
INTRODUCTION
Sweat equity shares refers to equity shares given to the company’s employees on favourable terms, in recognition
of their work. Sweat equity shares is one of the modes of making share based payments to employees of the
company. The issue of sweat equity shares allows the company to retain the employees by rewarding them
for their services. Sweat equity shares rewards the beneficiaries by giving them incentives in lieu of their
contribution towards the development of the company. Further, Sweat equity shares enables greater employee
stake and interest in the growth of an organization as it encourages the employees to contribute more towards
the company in which they feel they have a stake.
Section 2 (88) of the Companies Act, 2013 defines “sweat equity shares” which means such equity shares
as are issued by a company to its directors or employees at a discount or for consideration, other than cash,
for providing their know-how or making available rights in the nature of intellectual property rights or value
additions, by whatever name called.
Company issue shares at a discount or for consideration other than cash to selected employees and directors
as per norms approved by the Board of Directors or any committee, like compensation committee, formed for
this purpose. This is based on the know how provided or intellectual property rights created and given for value
additions made by such directors and employees to the company.
It may be noted that the intellectual property right, know how or value additions arise as of now mainly in the case
of Information Technology related companies and Pharmaceutical companies. Categories of industries which are
eligible to issue sweat equity shares have not been indicated by the Government either in the Act or otherwise.
COMPANIES ACT, 2013

According to Section 54 of the Companies Act, 2013 a company may issue sweat equity shares of a class of
shares already issued, if the following conditions are fulfilled:
(a) The issue is authorized by a special resolution passed by the company in the general meeting.
(b) The resolution specifies the number of shares, current market price, consideration if any and the class
or classes of directors or employees to whom such equity shares are to be issued.
(c) The sweat equity shares of a company whose equity shares are listed on a recognised stock exchange
are issued in accordance with the regulations made by SEBI in this regard and if they are not listed the
sweat equity shares are to be issued in accordance with the rule 8 of Companies (Share Capital and
Debenture) Rules, 2014.
Whether Issue of sweat equity shares can be in the form of preferential Issue?
Issue of Sweat Equity Shares is not a ‘preferential issue’ as per regulation 2(1)(nn) of SEBI (ICDR)
Regulations, 2018 which gives the meaning of a preferential issue excludes an issue of sweat equity
shares there from, which means issue of sweat equity shares is not a preferential issue within the
meaning of preferential issue.
Further Rule 13 of The Companies (Share Capital and Debentures) Rules, 2014, clearly excludes issue
of sweat equity shares from the definition of preferential offer.
SEBI (ISSUE OF SWEAT EQUITY) REGULATIONS, 2002

SEBI (Issue of Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2002 has been notified on September 24, 2002 in order to streamline the
process of issue of sweat equity shares. These regulations are divided into Four Chapters and a Schedule. Chapter
I deals with Preliminary & Important Definitions, Chapter II deals with Issue of Sweat Equity by a Listed Company,
Chapter III deals General Obligations of the company and Chapter IV deal with Penalties and Procedure.
Lesson 10 n SEBI (Issue of Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2002 – An Overview 247
Listed companies which are issuing sweat equity shares

are required to comply with SEBI (Issue of Sweat Equity)
Applicability Regulations, 2002.
These regulations shall not apply to an unlisted company.

Non- Applicability However, unlisted company coming out with initial public offering
and seeking listing of its securities on the stock exchange,
pursuant to issue of sweat equity shares, shall comply with the
SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018.
SWEAT EQUITY SHARES MAY BE ISSUED TO EMPLOYEE AND DIRECTORS
Employees
A company whose equity

shares are listed on a
recognized stock exchange
may issue sweat equity shares
in accordance with Section 54
of Companies Act, 2013 and
these Regulations to its
Directors
SPECIAL RESOLUTION
For the purposes of passing a special resolution under clause (a) of sub section (1) of Section 54 of the
Companies Act, 2013, the Board of Directors at the time of sending notice to the shareholders shall send
additional information for approving the issuance of sweat equity shall, inter alia, contain the following information:
a) The total number of shares to be issued as sweat equity.
b) The current market price of the shares of the company.
c) The value of the intellectual property rights or technical know how or other value addition to be received
from the employee or director along with the valuation report / basis of valuation.
d) The names of the employees or directors or promoters to whom the sweat equity shares shall be issued
and their relationship with the company.
e) The consideration to be paid for the sweat equity.
f) The price at which the sweat equity shares shall be issued.
248 EP-SL&CM
g) Ceiling on managerial remuneration, if any, which will be affected by issuance of such sweat equity.
h) A statement to the effect that the company shall conform to the accounting policies as specified by SEBI.
i) Diluted Earning Per Share pursuant to the issue of securities to be calculated in accordance with International
Accounting Standards / standards specified by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
ISSUE OF SWEAT EQUITY SHARES TO PROMOTERS

In case of Issue of sweat equity shares to promoters, the same shall also be approved by simple majority of the
shareholders in General Meeting.
Further, the promoters to whom such Sweat Equity Shares are proposed to be issued shall not participate in such
resolution and separate resolution shall be passed for each transaction of issue of Sweat Equity. Such resolution
shall be valid for a period of not more than twelve months from the date of passing of the resolution. For the purposes
of passing the resolution, the explanatory statement shall contain the disclosures as specified in the Schedule.
PRICING OF SWEAT EQUITY SHARES
The price of sweat equity shares shall not be less than

the higher of the following:
The average of the weekly high and low of the closing prices of the
related equity shares during last six months preceding the relevant
date; or
The average of the weekly high and low of the closing prices of the
related equity shares during the two weeks preceding the
relevant date.
If the shares are listed on more than one stock exchange, but
quoted only on one stock exchange on given date, then the price on
the stock exchange shall be considered.
If the share price is quoted on more than one stock exchange, then
the stock exchange where there is highest trading volume during
that date shall be considered.
If the shares are not quoted on the given date, then the share price
on the next trading day shall be considered.
“Relevant date” for this purpose means the date which is thirty days prior to
the date on which the meeting of the General Body of the shareholders is
convened, in terms of clause (a) of sub section (1) of section 54 of the
VALUATION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

• The valuation of the intellectual property rights or of the know how provided or other value addition
mentioned in Explanation II of sub-rule (1) of Rule (8) of the Companies (Share Capital and Debentures)
Rules, 2014 shall be carried out by a merchant banker.
• The merchant banker may consult such experts and valuers, as he may deem fit having regard to the
nature of the industry and the nature of the property or other value addition.
• The merchant banker shall obtain a certificate from an independent Chartered Accountant that the
valuation of the intellectual property or other value addition is in accordance with the relevant accounting
standards.
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
Where the sweat equity shares are issued for a non-cash consideration, such non cash consideration shall be
treated in the following manner in the books of account of the company:-
where the non-cash consideration takes the form of a depreciable or amortizable

1. asset, it shall be carried to the balance sheet of the company in accordance with
the relevant accounting standards; or
2. where the above clause is not applicable, it shall be expensed as provided in the
relevant accounting standards.
PLACING OF AUDITORS BEFORE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

In the General meeting subsequent to the issue of sweat equity, the Board of Directors shall place before
the shareholders, a certificate from the auditors of the company that the issue of sweat equity shares has
been made in accordance with the Regulations and in accordance with the resolution passed by the company
authorizing the issue of such Sweat Equity Shares.
CEILING ON MANAGERIAL REMUNERATION

The amount of Sweat Equity shares issued shall be treated as part of managerial remuneration for the purpose
of sections 197 of the Companies Act, 2013, if the following conditions are fulfilled:
(i) the Sweat Equity shares are issued to any director or manager; and
(ii) they are issued for non-cash consideration, which does not take the form of an asset which can be
carried to the balance sheet of the company in accordance with the relevant accounting standards.
LOCK-IN
The Sweat Equity shares shall be locked in for a period of three years from the date of allotment. The SEBI
(ICDR) Regulations, 2018 on public issue in terms of lock-in and computation of promoters’ contribution shall
apply if a company makes a public issue after it has issued sweat equity.
250 EP-SL&CM
LISTING
The Sweat Equity issued by a listed company shall be eligible for listing only if such issues are in accordance
with these regulations.
APPLICABILITY OF TAKEOVER
Any acquisition of Sweat Equity Shares shall be subject to the provision of the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of
Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011.
LESSON ROUND UP
– Section 2 (88) of the Companies Act, 2013 defines “sweat equity shares” which means such equity
shares as are issued by a company to its directors or employees at a discount or for consideration,
other than cash, for providing their know-how or making available rights in the nature of intellectual
property rights or value additions, by whatever name called.
– Where the equity shares of the company are listed on a recognized stock exchange, sweat equity
shares should be issued in accordance with regulations made by the Securities and Exchange Board
of India in this regard.
– These regulations shall not apply to an unlisted company. However, unlisted company coming out with
initial public offering and seeking listing of its securities on the stock exchange, pursuant to issue of
sweat equity shares, shall comply with the SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2009.
– In case of Issue of sweat equity shares to promoters, the same shall also be approved by simple
majority of the shareholders in General Meeting.
– The Sweat Equity shares shall be locked in for a period of three years from the date of allotment.
– The Sweat Equity issued by a listed company shall be eligible for listing only if such issues are in
GLOSSARY
Accounting Standard Accounting Standards are codified or written statements of accounting rules and
guidelines for preparation and presentation of financial statements. They are
policy documents issued by an expert accounting body or by the Government or
other regulatory body.
Diluted Earning Per EPS is which accuses to the shareholder of the company. Dilution is a reduction in
Shares EPS or an increase in loss per share resulting from the assumption, that
convertible instruments are converted, that options or warrants are exercised or
the ordinary shares are issued.
Intellectual Property It is a category of property that includes intangible creations of the human intellect,
and primarily encompasses copyrights, patents, and trademarks. It also includes
other types of rights, such as trade secrets, publicity rights, moral rights, and
rights against unfair competition.
Special Resolution A special resolution is a resolution of a company’s shareholders which requires at
least 75% of the votes cast by the shareholders in favour of it in order to pass.
Valuer It means a Chartered Accountant or a merchant banker appointed to determine
the value of the intellectual property rights or other value addition.
SELF TEST QUESTIONS

1. What are applicability and non-applicability of the SEBI (Issue of Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2002?
2. Explain the requirements for issue of Sweat Equity shares to promoters.
3. Elucidate the Pricing provisions of Sweat Equity Shares.
252 EP-SL&CM
Lesson 11 Lesson 11 n SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 253
SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading)

Regulations, 2015
LESSON OUTLINE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
– Introduction
Shares and other securities of listed companies are
– SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) freely traded on stock exchanges and the price thereof
Regulations, 2015 is determined by the demand supply mechanism by
the investors. The decision of investors to buy, hold or
– Communication or Procurement of UPSI sell securities of any company is mainly determined
on the basis of the various information available in the
– Trading when in possession of UPSI public. There are many information which affect the
price of the securities when made available to general
– Trading Plans
public. These kind of information are known as price
– Disclosure of trading by insiders sensitive information and the generally the insiders
like employees, Board of Directors, Consultants,
– Disclosure of interest by certain persons Advisors, Auditors etc. who are associated with the
business and affairs of the Company are having such
– Codes of Fair Disclosure and Conduct information before they are made accessible to the
– Penalty Provisions for violations of the others. If Such insiders buy, sell or deal in the securities
of the Company when they are in possession such
Regulations price sensitive information which is yet to publish in
– Appeal to Securities Appellate Tribunal general public, if affects the very fundamental pillar
of capital market efficiency by providing opportunity
– Role of Company Secretary as Compliance to insiders to make abnormal gain over others. In
Officer simple terms ‘insider trading’ is an act of buying or
selling of securities, in breach of a fiduciary duty
– LESSON ROUND UP or other relationship of trust, and confidence, while
in possession of material, non-public information
– GLOSSARY about the security. Therefore, preventing such
transactions is an important obligation for any capital
market regulatory system, because insider trading
undermines investor confidence in the fairness and
integrity of the securities markets.
SEBI notified the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading)
Regulations, 2015 to strengthen the legal and
enforcement framework aligning India regime with the
international best practices prevailing in this regard.
A Company Secretary, being a professional, and
most importantly being a compliance officer plays a
pivotal role in a company to prevent Insider Trading
by establishment of policies and procedures in
this regard. This lesson will enable the students to
have the basic understanding of the Insider trading
regulations in India, the disclosures required to be
made under these regulations by the company,
employee, directors, promoters, etc. the duty of
compliance officer, Model Code of Conduct, Code of
Corporate Disclosure Practices, the Penal provisions
prescribed for Insider Trading by the SEBI.
254 EP-SL&CM
INTRODUCTION
The practice of Insider Trading came into existence ever since the very concept of trading of securities of a
company became prevalent among the investors worldwide and has now become a formidable challenge for
investors all over the world.
The United State of America was the first country to formally enact a legislation to regulate insider trading. Over
the years, most of the jurisdictions around the world have recognized the requirement to restrict insider trading
in one form or other and accordingly put in place legal restrictions to this effect so as to maintain investors’
confidence in the capital market.
India was not late in recognizing the detrimental impact of insider trading. The history of Insider Trading in India
relates back to the 1940’s with the formulation of government committees such as the Thomas Committee
under the chairmanship of Mr. P.J.Thomas to evaluate restrictions that can be imposed on short swing profit
of 1948, which evaluated inter alia, the regulations in the US on short swing profits under Section 16 of the
Securities Exchange Act, 1934. Thereafter in India provisions relating to Insider Trading were incorporated in
the Companies Act, 1956 under Sections 307 and 308, which required shareholding disclosures by the directors
and managers of a company. Due to inadequate provisions of enforcement in the companies Act, 1956, the
Sachar Committee in 1979, the Patel Committee in 1986 and the Abid Hussain Committee in 1989 proposed
recommendations for a separate statute regulating Insider Trading.
The Patel committee in 1986 in India defined Insider Trading as:
“Insider trading generally means trading in the shares of a company by the persons who are in the management
of the company or are close to them on the basis of undisclosed price sensitive information regarding the
working of the company, which they possess but which is not available to others.”
The concept of Insider Trading in India started fermenting in the 80’s and 90’s and came to be known and
observed extensively in the Indian Securities market. As mentioned earlier due to inadequate provisions in
the Companies Act, 1956 and rapidly advancing Indian Securities market needed a more comprehensive
legislation to regulate the practice of Insider Trading, thus resulting in the formulation of the SEBI (Insider
Trading) Regulations in the year 1992, which were amended in the year 2002 after the discrepancies observed
in the 1992 regulations in the cases like Hindustan Levers Ltd. vs. SEBI, Rakesh Agarwal vs. SEBI, etc. to
remove the lacunae existing in the Regulations of 1992. The amendment in 2002 came to be known as the
SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 1992.
Further, the PIT Regulations, 1992 had their challenges in their drafting, interpretation and reach. Besides, the
need felt to ensure a clear regulatory policy that is not only easily comprehendible but is also comprehensive
led to this Committee being set up under the chairmanship of Justice N. K. Sodhi, Former Chief Justice of the
High Courts of Kerala and Karnataka and a Former Presiding Officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal. The
High Level Committee reviewed the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 1992 submitted its report
to SEBI on December 7, 2013.
The Committee made a range of recommendations to the legal framework for prohibition of insider trading in
India and has focused on making this area of regulation more predictable, precise and clear by suggesting a
combination of principles-based regulations and rules that are backed by principles. The Committee had also
suggested that each regulatory provision might be backed by a note on legislative intent.
SEBI issued and notified the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 on 15th January, 2015
based on recommendations of Sodhi committee and became effective from 15th May, 2015, by repealing the
SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations 1992.
These regulations strengthen the legal and enforcement framework, align Indian regime with international practices,
provide clarity with respect to the definitions and concepts, and facilitate legitimate business transactions.
Lesson 11 n SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 255
Newer definitions have also been incorporated so as to remove ambiguities being experienced in past. The
definition of price sensitive information has also been included.
Five Chapters Two Schedules
Chapter I Definitions
Chapter II Restrictions on communication and trading in securities by insiders
Chapter III Disclosures of trading by insiders.
Chapter IV Codes of fair disclosure and conduct to be followed by listed companies and
other entitites, disclosure requirements
Chapter V Miscellaneous matters like sanction for violation, power to remove

difficulties, repeal and savings
Definitions
Compliance officer
Compliance Officer means:
– any senior officer, designated so and reporting to the board of directors or head of the organization in
case board is not there,
– who is financially literate and is capable of appreciating requirements for legal and regulatory compliance
under these regulations and
– who shall be responsible for compliance of policies, procedures, maintenance of records, monitoring
adherence to the rules for the preservation of unpublished price sensitive information,
– monitoring of trades and the implementation of the codes specified in these regulations under the
overall supervision of the board of directors of the listed company or the head of an organization, as the
case may be.
“Financially literate” shall mean a person who has the ability to read and understand basic financial statements
i.e. balance sheet, profit and loss account, and statement of cash flows.
256 EP-SL&CM
Connected person
Connected
person means
Any person who is or has during the six months prior to the concerned Act
been associated with a company, or indirectly, in any capacity including :
By reason of frequent communication with its officers; or
By being in a contractual, fiduciary or employment

relationship; or
By being a director, officer or an employee of

the company; or
Holds any position including a professional or

business relationship between himself and the
company whether temporary or permanent that
allows such person, directly or indirectly,
access to UPSI or is reasonably expected to
allow such access.
It is important to note that SEBI has in its recent judgments establishes nexus and relationship of various
persons through social media networking websites to identify the Connected Persons.
Insider
“Insider” means any person who is:
i) a connected person; or
ii) in possession of or having access to unpublished price sensitive information.
Person deemed to be connected person

“Person is deemed to be a connected person” unless the contrary is established, if such person is –
(a) an immediate relative of connected persons; or
(b) a holding company or associate company or subsidiary company; or
(c) an intermediary as specified in section 12 of the SEBI Act or an employee or director thereof; or
(d) an investment company, trustee company, asset management company or an employee or director
thereof; or
(e) an official of a stock exchange or of clearing house or corporation; or
(f) a member of board of trustees of a mutual fund or a member of the board of directors of the asset
management company of a mutual fund or is an employee thereof; or
(g) a member of the board of directors or an employee, of a public financial institution as defined in section
2 (72) of the Companies Act, 2013; or
(h) an official or an employee of a self-regulatory organization recognised or authorized by the SEBI; or
(i) a banker of the company; or
(j) a concern, firm, trust, Hindu undivided family, company or association of persons wherein a director of a
company or his immediate relative or banker of the company, has more than ten percent of the holding
or interest;
Immediate Relative:
“Immediate Relative” means spouse of a person, and includes parents, sibling, and child of such person or
of the spouse, any of whom is either dependent financially on such person, or consult such person in taking
decisions relating to trading in securities.
If a spouse is financially independent and does not consult an insider while taking trading
decisions is that spouse exempted from the definition of ‘immediate relative’?
A spouse is presumed to be an ‘immediate relative’, unless rebutted so.
“Proposed to be listed” shall include securities of an unlisted company:

(i) if such unlisted company has filed offer documents or other documents, as the case may be, with the
SEBI, stock exchange(s) or registrar of companies in connection with the listing; or
(ii) if such unlisted company is getting listed pursuant to any merger or amalgamation and has filed a copy
of such scheme of merger or amalgamation under the Companies Act, 2013.
Trading
“Trading” means and includes subscribing, buying, selling, dealing, or agreeing to subscribe, buy, sell, deal in
any securities, and “trade” shall be construed accordingly.
Unpublished price sensitive information

“Unpublished price sensitive information” means any information, relating to a company or its securities, directly
or indirectly, that is not generally available which upon becoming generally available, is likely to materially affect
the price of the securities and shall, ordinarily including but not restricted to, information relating to the following–
(i) Financial results;
(ii) Dividends;
(iii) Change in capital structure;
(iv) Mergers, de-mergers, acquisitions, delisting, disposals and expansion of business and such other
transactions;
(v) Changes in key managerial personnel.
258 EP-SL&CM
COMMUNICATION OR PROCUREMENT OF UNPUBLISHED PRICE SENSITIVE INFORMATION

Regulation 3 provides that any person shall not :
– communicate, provide, or allow access to any unpublished price sensitive information; or
– procure from or cause the communication by any insider of unpublished price sensitive information;
– relating to a company or securities listed or proposed to be listed except in furtherance of legitimate
purposes, performance of duties or discharge of legal obligations.
− The board of directors of a listed company shall make a policy for determination of “legitimate purposes”
as a part of “Codes of Fair Disclosure and Conduct” formulated under regulation 8.
Explanation – For the purpose of illustration, the term “legitimate purpose” shall include sharing of
unpublished price sensitive information in the ordinary course of business by an insider with partners,
collaborators, lenders, customers, suppliers, merchant bankers, legal advisors, auditors, insolvency
professionals or other advisors or consultants, provided that such sharing has not been carried out to
evade or circumvent the prohibitions of these regulations.
− Any person in receipt of unpublished price sensitive information pursuant to a “legitimate purpose”
shall be considered an “insider” for purposes of these regulations and due notice shall be given to such
persons to maintain confidentiality of such unpublished price sensitive information in compliance with
these regulations.
− Notwithstanding anything contained in this regulation, an unpublished price sensitive information may
be communicated, provided, allowed access to or procured, in connection with a transaction that
would:–
(i) entail an obligation to make an open offer under the takeover regulations where the board of
directors of the listed company is of informed opinion that sharing of such information is in the best
interests of the company;
(ii) not attract the obligation to make an open offer under the takeover regulations but where the
board of directors of the listed company is of informed opinion that sharing of such information is
in the best interests of the company and the information that constitute unpublished price sensitive
information is disseminated to be made generally available at least two trading days prior to the
proposed transaction being effected in such form as the board of directors may determine to be
adequate and fair to cover all relevant and material facts.
– The board of directors shall require the parties to execute agreements to contract confidentiality and
non-disclosure obligations and such parties shall keep information so received confidential, except
for the purpose specified above and shall not otherwise trade in securities of the company when in
possession of unpublished price sensitive information.
– The board of directors shall ensure that a structured digital database is maintained containing the names
of such persons or entities as the case may be with whom information is shared under this regulation
along with the Permanent Account Number or any other identifier authorized by law where Permanent
Account Number is not available. Such databases shall be maintained with adequate internal controls
and checks such as time stamping and audit trails to ensure non-tampering of the database.
TRADING WHEN IN POSSESSION OF UNPUBLISHED PRICE SENSITIVE INFORMATION (UPSI)

Regulation 4 prescribes that an insider shall not trade in securities, which are listed or proposed to be listed on
stock exchange when in possession of unpublished price sensitive information.
Explanation – When a person who has traded in securities has been in possession of unpublished price sensitive
information, his trades would be presumed to have been motivated by the knowledge and awareness of such
information in his possession.
However, the insider may prove his innocence by demonstrating the circumstances including the following: –
(i) the transaction is an off-market inter-se transfer between insiders who were in possession of the same
unpublished price sensitive information without being in breach of regulation 3 and both parties had
made a conscious and informed trade decision.
Provided that such unpublished price sensitive information was not obtained under sub-regulation (3)
of regulation 3 of these regulations.
Provided further that such off-market trades shall be reported by the insiders to the company within two
working days. Every company shall notify the particulars of such trades to the stock exchange on which
the securities are listed within two trading days from receipt of the disclosure or from becoming aware
of such information.
(ii) the transaction was carried out through the block deal window mechanism between persons who were
in possession of the unpublished price sensitive information without being in breach of regulation 3 and
both parties had made a conscious and informed trade decision;
Provided that such unpublished price sensitive information was not obtained by either person under
sub-regulation (3) of regulation 3 of these regulations.
(iii) the transaction in question was carried out pursuant to a statutory or regulatory obligation to carry out
a bona fide transaction.
(iv) the transaction in question was undertaken pursuant to the exercise of stock options in respect of which
the exercise price was pre-determined in compliance with applicable regulations.
(v) in the case of non-individual insiders: –
(a) the individuals who were in possession of such unpublished price sensitive information were
different from the individuals taking trading decisions and such decision-making individuals were
not in possession of such unpublished price sensitive information when they took the decision to
trade; and
(b) appropriate and adequate arrangements were in place to ensure that these regulations are not
violated and no unpublished price sensitive information was communicated by the individuals
possessing the information to the individuals taking trading decisions and there is no evidence of
such arrangements having been breached;
(vi) the trades were pursuant to a trading plan set up in accordance with regulation 5.
In the case of connected persons the onus of establishing, that they were not in possession of unpublished
price sensitive information, shall be on such connected persons and in other cases, the onus would be on
the SEBI.
The SEBI may specify such standards and requirements, from time to time, as it may deem necessary for the
purpose of these regulations.
Whether creation of a pledge or invocation of pledge is allowed when trading window is closed?
Yes, however, the pledgor or pledgee may demonstrate that the creation of the pledge or invocation of pledge
was bonafide and prove this innocence under proviso to sub-regulation (1) of regulation 4.
260 EP-SL&CM
TRADING PLANS
As per regulation 5, an insider shall be entitled to formulate a trading plan and present it to the compliance officer
for approval and public disclosure pursuant to which trades may be carried out on his behalf in accordance with
such plan.
Such trading plan shall:–
(i) not entail commencement of trading on behalf of the

insider earlier than six months from the public disclosure
of the plan;
(ii) not entail trading for the period between the twentieth
trading day prior to the last day of any financial period for
which results are required to be announced by the issuer
of the securities and the second trading day after the
disclosure of such financial results;
(iii) entail trading for a period of not less than twelve

months;
(iv) not entail overlap of any period for which another
trading plan is already in existence;
(v) set out either the value of trades to be effected or the

number of securities to be traded along with the nature of
the trade and the intervals at, or dates on which such
trades shall be effected; and
(vi) not entail trading in securities for market abuse.
– The compliance officer shall review the trading plan to assess whether the plan would have any potential
for violation of these regulations and shall be entitled to seek such express undertakings as may be
necessary to enable such assessment and to approve and monitor the implementation of the plan.
– However, pre-clearance of trades shall not be required for a trade executed as per an approved trading
plan.
– Further, trading window norms and restrictions on contra trade shall not be applicable for trades carried
out in accordance with an approved trading plan.
– The trading plan once approved shall be irrevocable and the insider shall mandatorily have to implement
the plan, without being entitled to either deviate from it or to execute any trade in the securities outside
the scope of the trading plan.
However, the implementation of the trading plan shall not be commenced if any unpublished price
sensitive information in possession of the insider at the time of formulation of the plan has not become
generally available at the time of the commencement of implementation and in such event the compliance
officer shall confirm that the commencement ought to be deferred until such unpublished price sensitive
information becomes generally available information so as to avoid a violation of sub-regulation (1) of
regulation 4.
– Upon approval of the trading plan, the compliance officer shall notify the plan to the stock exchanges
on which the securities are listed.
Whether contra trade is allowed within the duration of the trading plan?
Any trading plan opted by a person under trading plan can be done only to the extent and in the manner
disclosed in the plan, save and except for pledging of securities.
DISCLOSURES OF TRADING BY INSIDERS

Regulation 6 deals with the general provisions relating to disclosures of trading by insiders:
– The disclosures made by person shall also include those relating to trading by such person’s immediate
relatives, and by any other person for whom such person takes trading decisions.
– The disclosures of trading in securities shall also include trading in derivatives of securities and the
traded value of derivative shall be taken into account for this purpose. However, trading in derivatives
of securities is permitted by any law for the time being in force.
– Such disclosure shall be maintained by the company for a period of minimum five years.
DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST BY CERTAIN PERSONS
Initial Disclosures [Regulation 7 (1)]

Every promoter, member shall disclose his
of the promoter group, key holding of securities of
managerial personnel and the company as on the
Within 30 days of
director of every company date of these these regulations
whose securities are listed regulations taking taking effect.
on any recognised stock effect, to the company,
exchange,
Every person on
appointment as a key shall disclose his
managerial personnel or holding of securities of
the company as on the
within 7 days of such
a director of the company appointment or
or upon becoming a date of appointment or
becoming a promoter, becoming a promoter.
promoter or member of
the promoter group, to the company,
Continual Disclosures [Regulation 7 (2)]
Every promoter, member

of the promoter group,
designated personand within two trading days whether in one aggregates to a traded
director of every company of such transaction if transaction or a series value in excess of ten
shall disclose to the the value of the of transactions over lakh rupees or such
company the number of securities traded, any calendar quarter, other value as may be
such securities acquired or specified.
disposed of,
Every company shall notify the

within two trading days of receipt
particulars of such trading to the
of the disclosure or from becoming
stock exchange on which the
aware of such information.
securities are listed,
262 EP-SL&CM
Any company whose securities are listed on stock exchange may, at its discretion require any other connected
person or class of connected persons to make disclosures of holdings and the company may determine trading
in securities of the company in such form and at such frequency as may be determined by the company in order
to monitor compliance with these regulations.
INFORMANT INCENTIVES AND REWARDS

A new Chapter IIIA has been prescribed under the Regulation for incentive and reward for the informants
who submits to the SEBI a Voluntary Information Disclosure relating to any alleged violation of insider trading
laws that has occurred, in occurring or has a reasonable belief that it is about to occur. The new provisions
prescribes the manner of submitting information, various forms and procedure for determination of rewards and
confidentiality of informants.
Informant
‘Informant’ means an individual(s), who voluntarily submits to the SEBI a Voluntary Information Disclosure Form
relating to an alleged violation of insider trading laws that has occurred, is occurring or has a reasonable belief
that it is about to occur, in a manner provided under these regulations, regardless of whether such individual(s)
satisfies the requirements, procedures and conditions to qualify for a reward.
‘Irrelevant, vexatious and frivolous information’

‘irrelevant, vexatious and frivolous information’ includes, reporting of information which in the opinion of the
SEBI –
(i) Does not constitute a violation of insider trading laws;
(ii) Is rendered solely for the purposes of malicious prosecution;
(iii) Is rendered intentionally in an effort to waste the time and resource of the SEBI.
‘Monetary Sanctions’
‘Monetary Sanctions’ shall mean any non-monetary settlement terms or any direction of the SEBI, in the nature
of disgorgement under securities laws aggregating to at least Rupees one crore arising from the same operative
facts contained in the original information.
‘Original Information’
‘Original Information’ means any relevant information submitted in accordance with these regulations pertaining
to any violation of insider trading laws that is:-
(i) derived from the independent knowledge and analysis of the Informant;
(ii) not known to the SEBI from any other source, except where the Informant is the original source of the
information;
(iii) is sufficiently specific, credible and timely to –
• commence an examination or inquiry or audit,
• assist in an ongoing examination or investigation or inquiry or audit,
• open or re-open an investigation or inquiry, or
• inquire into a different conduct as part of an ongoing examination or investigation or inquiry or
audit directed by the SEBI;
(iv) not exclusively derived from an allegation made in a judicial or administrative hearing, in a Governmental
report, hearing, audit, or investigation, or from the news media, except where the Informant is the
original source of the information; and
(v) not irrelevant or frivolous or vexatious.
Explanation. –Information which does not in the opinion of the SEBI add to the information already possessed
by the SEBI is not original information.
‘Reward’
‘Reward’ means any gratuitous monetary amount for which an Informant is declared eligible as per the provisions
of these regulations;
Submission of Original Information to the Board [Regulation 7 (B)]

An Informant shall submit Original Information by furnishing the Voluntary Information Disclosure Form to the
Office of Informant Protection of the SEBI in the format and manner set out in Schedule D. The Voluntary
Information Disclosure Form may be submitted through informant’s legal representative.
However where the Informant does not submit the Voluntary Information Disclosure Form through a legal
representative, the SEBI may require such Informant to appear in person to ascertain his/her identity and the
veracity of the information so provided.
Explanation. – Where any information pertaining to any violation of the Securities Laws is received in a manner
not in accordance with the manner provided under these regulations, the SEBI may require such information to
be filed with it in accordance with these regulations or reject the same.
The legal representative shall,-
i. Verify the identity and contact details of the Informant;
ii. Unless otherwise required by the SEBI, maintain confidentiality of the identity and existence of the
Informant, including the original Voluntary Information Disclosure Form;
iii. Undertake and certify that he/she,-
(a) Has reviewed the completed and signed Voluntary Information Disclosure Form for completeness
and accuracy and that the information contained therein is true, correct and complete to the best
of his/her knowledge;
(b) Has obtained a irrevocable consent from the Informant to provide to the Board with original
Voluntary Information Disclosure Form whenever required by the SEBI; and
(c) Agrees to be legally obligated to provide the original Voluntary Information Disclosure Form within
seven (7) calendar days of receiving such requests from the SEBI
iv. Submits to the SEBI, the copy of the Voluntary Information Disclosure Form in the manner provided in
Schedule D of these regulations along with a signed certificate as required under clause (iii).
An Informant shall while submitting the Voluntary Information Disclosure Form shall expunge such information
from the content of the information which could reasonably be expected to reveal his or her identity and in
case where such information cannot be expunged, the Informant may identify such part of information or any
document that the Informant believes could reasonably be expected to reveal his or her identity.
Receipt of Original Information by the Board [Regulation 7 (C)]

The Board may designate a division to function as the independent Office of Informant Protection.
264 EP-SL&CM
The Office of Informant Protection shall perform following as may be specified by the SEBI, including,-
i. Receiving and registering the Voluntary Information Disclosure Form;
ii. Making all necessary communications with the Informant;
iii. Maintaining a hotline for the benefit of potential Informant;
iv. Maintaining confidentiality of the legal representative of the Informant and act as an interface between
the Informant and the officers of the SEBI;
v. Interacting with the Informant Incentive Committee;
vi. Issuing press releases and rewards relating to Informant; and
vii. Submitting an annual report to the SEBI relating to the functioning of the Office of Informant Protection.
On receipt of the Voluntary Information Disclosure Form, the Office of Informant Protection shall communicate
the substance of the information along with the evidence submitted by the informant to the relevant department
or division of the SEBI for examination and initiation of necessary action, if any.
The SEBI shall not be required to send any intimation or acknowledgement to the Informant or any other
person, of the examination or action initiated by the SEBI, if any, pursuant to receipt of the Voluntary Information
Disclosure Form or information under these regulations, including rejection thereof.
INFORMANT REWARD [Regulation 7(D)]

Upon collection or substantial recovery of the monetary sanctions amounting to at least twice the Reward, the
SEBI may at its sole discretion, declare an Informant eligible for Reward and intimate the Informant or his or
her legal representative to file an application in the format provided in Schedule-E for claiming such Reward.
However the amount of Reward shall be ten percent of the monetary sanctions collected or recovered and shall
not exceed Rupees One crore or such higher amount as the SEBI may specify from time to time.
The SEBI may if deemed fit, out of the total Reward payable, grant an interim reward not exceeding Rupees Ten
lacs or such higher amount as the SEBI may specify from time to time, on the issue of final order by the SEBI
against the person directed to disgorge.
In case of more than one Informant jointly providing the Original Information, the Reward, shall be divided
equally amongst the total number of Informants. The Reward under these regulations shall be paid from the
Investor Protection and Education Fund.
Determination of amount of Reward. [Regulation 7 (E)]

• The amount of the Reward, if payable, shall be determined by the SEBI.
• While determining the amount of Reward the SEBI may specify the factors that may be taken into
consideration by the Informant Incentive Committee.
• An Informant may be eligible for a Reward whether or not he reported the matter to his organization
as per its internal legal and compliance procedures and irrespective of such organization’s compliance
officer subsequently providing the same Information to the Board.
Application for Reward [Regulation 7 (F)]

Informants who are considered tentatively eligible for a Reward, shall submit the Informant Reward Claim Form
set out in Schedule E to the SEBI within the period specified in the intimation sent by the Board.
Prior to the payment of a Reward, an Informant shall directly or through his or her legal representative, disclose
his or her identity and provide such other information as the SEBI may require.
Rejection of claim for Reward [Regulation 7 (G)]

No Reward shall be made to an Informant:-
 who does not submit original information;
 who has acquired the Original Information, through or as a member, officer, or an employee of:-
(i) any regulatory agency constituted by or under any law in India or outside India, including the
SEBI;
(ii) any self-regulatory organization;
(iii) the surveillance or investigation wings of any recognised stock exchange or clearing corporation;
or
(iv) any law enforcement organization including the police or any central or state revenue authorities.
 against whom the SEBI may initiate or has initiated criminal proceedings under securities laws;
 who wilfully refused to cooperate with the SEBI during its course of investigation, inquiry, audit,
examination or other proceedings under securities laws;
 who:
(i) knowingly makes any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation;
(ii) uses any false writing or document knowing that the writing or document contains any false,
fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry;
(iii) fails to furnish the complete information available with him or accessible by him in relation to the
alleged violation.
 who is obligated, under any law or otherwise, to report such Original Information to the SEBI, including a
compliance officer under securities laws. Provided that the SEBI may if deemed fit, at its sole discretion,
exempt a person from any of these disqualifications.
Informant confidentiality [Regulation 7 (H)]

Sharing of information shall be in accordance with such assurances of confidentiality as the SEBI determines
appropriate.
Protection against retaliation and victimization [Regulation 7 (I)]

Every person required to have a Code of Conduct under these regulations shall ensure that such a Code of
Conduct provides for suitable protection against any discharge, termination, demotion, suspension, threats,
harassment, directly or indirectly or discrimination against any employee who files a Voluntary Information
Disclosure Form, irrespective of whether the information is considered or rejected by the SEBI or he or she is
eligible for a Reward under these regulations.
Nothing in these regulations shall prohibit any Informant who believes that he or she has been subject to retaliation
or victimisation by his or her employer, from approaching the competent court or tribunal for appropriate relief.
Any employer who violates above, may be liable for penalty, debarment, suspension, and/or criminal
prosecution by the SEBI. However nothing in these regulations will require the SEBI to direct re-instatement or
compensation by an employer.
266 EP-SL&CM
Nothing in these regulations shall diminish the rights and privileges of or remedies available to any Informant
under any other law in force.
CODES OF FAIR DISCLOSURE AND CONDUCT
A. CODE OF FAIR DISCLOSURE [Regulation 8]

The board of directors of listed company shall formulate and publish on its official website, a code of practices
and procedures for fair disclosure of unpublished price sensitive information.
Every such code of practices and procedures for fair disclosure of unpublished price sensitive information and
every amendment thereto shall be promptly intimated to the stock exchanges where the securities are listed.
Principles and Procedures of Fair Disclosure

Schedule A to these regulations lays down the following principles of fair disclosure for purposes of Code of
Practices and Procedures for Fair Disclosure of Unpublished Price Sensitive Information:-
1. Prompt public disclosure of unpublished price sensitive information that would impact price discovery
no sooner than credible and concrete information comes into being in order to make such information
generally available.
2. Uniform and universal dissemination of unpublished price sensitive information to avoid selective
disclosure.
3. Designation of a senior officer as a chief investor relations officer to deal with dissemination of information
and disclosure of unpublished price sensitive information.
4. Prompt dissemination of unpublished price sensitive information that gets disclosed selectively,
inadvertently or otherwise to make such information generally available.
5. Appropriate and fair response to queries on news reports and requests for verification of market rumours
by regulatory authorities.
6. Ensuring that information shared with analysts and research personnel is not unpublished price
sensitive information.
7. Developing best practices to make transcripts or records of proceedings of meetings with analysts
and other investor relations conferences on the official website to ensure official confirmation and
documentation of disclosures made.
8. Handling of all unpublished price sensitive information on a need-to-know basis.
Whether Chief Investor Relations Officer (CIRO) will also be responsible along with compliance
officer for not disseminating information or non-disclosure of UPSI?
Regulation 2(c) clearly provides the functions and responsibilities of the compliance officer. Specific
responsibilities to deal with dissemination of information and disclosure of UPSI are given to CIRO
under clause 30 of Schedule A. It is company’s discretion to designate two separate persons as CIRO
and compliance officer, respectively for fulfilling specified responsibilities in cases where CIRO and
compliance officer have been designated for overlapping functions, they shall be jointly and severally
responsible.
B. CODE OF CONDUCT [Regulation 9]
The board of directors of every listed company and the board of directors
or head(s) of the organisation of every intermediary shall ensure that the
chief executive officer or managing director,
Shall formulate a code of conduct with their approval to regulate, monitor

and report trading by its designated persons and immediate relatives of
designated persons towards achieving compliance with these
regulations,
Adopt the minimum standards set out in Schedule B to these regulations

(in case of a listed company) and Schedule C (in case of an
intermediary) to these regulations, without diluting the provisions of these
regulations in any manner.
Every company whose securities are listed on stock exchanges and

every intermediary registered with the SEBI is mandatorily required to
formulate a code of conduct governing trading by designated persons
and their immediate relatives. The standards set out in the schedules are
required to be addressed by such code of conduct.
Explanation: Intermediaries, which are listed, would be

required to formulate a code of conduct to regulate, monitor
and report trading by their designated persons, by adopting
the minimum standards set out in Schedule B with respect to
trading in their own securities and in Schedule C with
respect to trading in other securities.
– The board of directors or head(s) of the organisation, of every other person who is required to handle
unpublished price sensitive information in the course of business operations shall formulate a code
of conduct to regulate, monitor and report trading by their designated persons and immediate relative
of designated persons towards achieving compliance with these regulations, adopting the minimum
standards set out in Schedule C to these regulations, without diluting the provisions of these regulations
in any manner.
Explanation - Professional firms such as auditors, accountancy firms, law firms, analysts, insolvency
professional entities, consultants, banks etc., assisting or advising listed companies shall be collectively
referred to as fiduciaries for the purpose of these regulations.
NOTE: This provision mandate persons other than listed companies and intermediaries that are
required to handle unpublished price sensitive information to formulate a code of conduct governing
trading in securities by their designated persons. These entities include professional firms such as
auditors, accountancy firms, law firms, analysts, insolvency professional entities, consultants, banks
etc., assisting or advising listed companies. Even entities that normally operate outside the capital
market may handle unpublished price sensitive information. This provision would mandate all of them
to formulate a code of conduct.
– Every listed company, intermediary and other persons formulating a code of conduct shall identify and
designate a compliance officer to administer the code of conduct and other requirements under these
regulations.
– The board of directors or such other analogous authority shall in consultation with the compliance officer
specify the designated persons to be covered by the code of conduct on the basis of their role and
function in the organisation and the access that such role and function would provide to unpublished
268 EP-SL&CM
price sensitive information in addition to seniority and professional designation and shall include:-
(i) Employees of such listed company, intermediary or fiduciary designated on the basis of their
functional role or access to unpublished price sensitive information in the organization by their
board of directors or analogous body;
(ii) Employees of material subsidiaries of such listed companies designated on the basis of their
functional role or access to unpublished price sensitive information in the organization by their
board of directors;
(iii) All promoters of listed companies and promoters who are individuals or investment companies for
intermediaries or fiduciaries;
(iv) Chief Executive Officer and employees upto two levels below Chief Executive Officer of such
listed company, intermediary, fiduciary and its material subsidiaries irrespective of their functional
role in the company or ability to have access to unpublished price sensitive information;
(v) Any support staff of listed company, intermediary or fiduciary such as IT staff or secretarial staff
who have access to unpublished price sensitive information.
Minimum Standards for Code of Conduct

Schedule B of these regulations lays down the following minimum standards for Code of Conduct for listed
companies to regulate monitor and report trading by designated persons :-
1. The compliance officer shall report to the board of directors and in particular, shall provide reports to the
Chairman of the Audit Committee, if any, or to the Chairman of the board of directors at such frequency
as may be stipulated by the board of directors but not less than once in a year.
2. All information shall be handled within the organisation on a need-to-know basis and no unpublished
price sensitive information shall be communicated to any person except in furtherance of legitimate
purposes, performance of duties or discharge of legal obligations.
3. The code of conduct shall contain norms for appropriate Chinese Walls procedures, and processes for
permitting any designated person to “cross the wall”.
4. Designated persons and immediate relatives of designated persons in the organisation shall be
governed by an internal code of conduct governing dealing in securities.
5. Designated persons may execute trades subject to compliance with these regulations. Towards this
end, a notional trading window shall be used as an instrument of monitoring trading by the designated
persons.
6. The trading window shall be closed when the compliance officer determines that a designated person
or class of designated persons can reasonably be expected to have possession of unpublished price
sensitive information. Such closure shall be imposed in relation to such securities to which such
unpublished price sensitive information relates.
7. Designated persons and their immediate relatives shall not trade in securities when the trading window
is closed.
8. Trading restriction period shall be made applicable from the end of every quarter till 48 hours after the
declaration of financial results. The gap between clearance of accounts by audit committee and board
meeting should be as narrow as possible and preferably on the same day to avoid leakage of material
information.
9. The trading window restrictions mentioned above shall not apply in respect of –
(a) transactions specified in clauses (i) to (iv) and (vi) of the proviso to sub-regulation (1) of regulation
4 and in respect of a pledge of shares for a bonafide purpose such as raising of funds, subject to
pre-clearance by the compliance officer and compliance with the respective regulations made by
the Board;
(b) transactions which are undertaken in accordance with respective regulations made by the SEBI
such as acquisition by conversion of warrants or debentures, subscribing to rights issue, further
public issue, preferential allotment or tendering of shares in a buy-back offer, open offer, delisting
offer.
10. The timing for re-opening of the trading window shall be determined by the compliance officer taking
into account various factors including the unpublished price sensitive information in question becoming
generally available and being capable of assimilation by the market, which in any event shall not be
earlier than forty-eight hours after the information becomes generally available.
11. When the trading window is open, trading by designated persons shall be subject to pre-clearance by
the compliance officer, if the value of the proposed trades is above such thresholds as the board of
directors may stipulate.
12. Prior to approving any trades, the compliance officer shall be entitled to seek declarations to the effect
that the applicant for pre-clearance is not in possession of any unpublished price sensitive information.
13. He shall also have regard to whether any such declaration is reasonably capable of being rendered
inaccurate.
14. The code of conduct shall specify any reasonable timeframe, which in any event shall not be more
than seven trading days, within which trades that have been pre-cleared have to be executed by the
designated person, failing which fresh pre-clearance would be needed for the trades to be executed.
15. The code of conduct shall specify the period, which in any event shall not be less than six months, within
which a designated person who is permitted to trade shall not execute a contra trade. The compliance
officer may be empowered to grant relaxation from strict application of such restriction for reasons to
be recorded in writing provided that such relaxation does not violate these regulations. Should a contra
trade be executed, inadvertently or otherwise, in violation of such a restriction, the profits from such
trade shall be liable to be disgorged for remittance to SEBI for credit to the Investor Protection and
Education Fund administered by the SEBI under the Act.
However, this shall not be applicable for trades pursuant to exercise of stock options.
16. The code of conduct shall stipulate such formats as the board of directors deems necessary for making
applications for pre-clearance, reporting of trades executed, reporting of decisions not to trade after
securing pre-clearance, and for reporting level of holdings in securities at such intervals as may be
determined as being necessary to monitor compliance with these regulations.
17. The code of conduct shall stipulate the sanctions and disciplinary actions, including wage freeze,
suspension recovery, clawback etc. that may be imposed, by the listed company required to formulate
a code of conduct for the contravention of the code of conduct.
18. The code of conduct shall specify that in case it is observed by the listed company required to formulate
a code of conduct, that there has been a violation of these regulations, it shall inform the SEBI promptly.
19. Designated persons shall be required to disclose names and Permanent Account Number or any other
identifier authorized by law of the following persons to the company on an annual basis and as and
when the information changes:
270 EP-SL&CM
a) immediate relatives
b) persons with whom such designated person(s) shares a material financial relationship
c) Phone, mobile and cell numbers which are used by them.
In addition, the names of educational institutions from which designated persons have graduated and
names of their past employers shall also be disclosed on a one time basis.
Explanation – The term “material financial relationship” shall mean a relationship in which one person
is a recipient of any kind of payment such as by way of a loan or gift from a designated person during
the immediately preceding twelve months, equivalent to at least 25% of the annual income of such
designated person but shall exclude relationships in which the payment is based on arm’s length
transactions.
20. Listed entities shall have a process for how and when people are brought ‘inside’ on sensitive
transactions. Individuals should be made aware of the duties and responsibilities attached to the receipt
of Inside Information, and the liability that attaches to misuse or unwarranted use of such information.
Whether separate code of conduct can be adopted for listed company and each of intermediaries in
a group?
In case of group, separate code may be adopted for listed company and each of intermediaries as applicable
to the concerned entity.
Institutional Mechanism for Prevention of Insider trading [Regulation 9A]

– The Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director or such other analogous person of a listed company,
intermediary or fiduciary shall put in place adequate and effective system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the requirements given in these regulations to prevent insider trading.
The internal controls shall include the following:
(a) all employees who have access to unpublished price sensitive information are identified as
designated person;
(b) all the unpublished price sensitive information shall be identified and its confidentiality shall be
maintained as per the requirements of these regulations;
(c) adequate restrictions shall be placed on communication or procurement of unpublished price
sensitive information as required by these regulations;
(d) lists of all employees and other persons with whom unpublished price sensitive information is
shared shall be maintained and confidentiality agreements shall be signed or notice shall be
served to all such employees and persons;
(e) all other relevant requirements specified under these regulations shall be complied with;
(f) periodic process review to evaluate effectiveness of such internal controls.
– The board of directors of every listed company and the board of directors or head(s) of the organisation
of intermediaries and fiduciaries shall ensure that the Chief Executive Officer or the Managing Director
or such other analogous person ensures compliance with these regulations.
– The Audit Committee of a listed company or other analogous body for intermediary or fiduciary shall
review compliance with the provisions of these regulations at least once in a financial year and shall
verify that the systems for internal control are adequate and are operating effectively.
– Every listed company shall formulate written policies and procedures for inquiry in case of leak of
unpublished price sensitive information or suspected leak of unpublished price sensitive information,
which shall be approved by board of directors of the company and accordingly initiate appropriate
inquiries on becoming aware of leak of unpublished price sensitive information or suspected leak of
unpublished price sensitive information and inform the Board promptly of such leaks, inquiries and
results of such inquiries.
– The listed company shall have a whistle-blower policy and make employees aware of such policy to
enable employees to report instances of leak of unpublished price sensitive information.
– If an inquiry has been initiated by a listed company in case of leak of unpublished price sensitive
information or suspected leak of unpublished price sensitive information, the relevant intermediaries
and fiduciaries shall co-operate with the listed company in connection with such inquiry conducted by
listed company.
PENALTY PROVISIONS FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE REGULATIONS

If any person violates provisions of these regulations, he shall be liable for appropriate action under Sections
11, 11 B, 11D, Chapter VIA and Section 24 of the SEBI Act.
Penalty for insider trading under section 15G of the SEBI Act, 1992
If any insider who, –
– either on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person, deals in

securities of a body corporate listed on any stock exchange on the basis
of any unpublished price sensitive information; or
– communicates any unpublished price sensitive information to any person,
with or without his request for such information except as required in the
ordinary course of business or under any law; or
– counsels, or procures for any other person to deal in any securities of any
body corporate on the basis of unpublished price sensitive information.
shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than ten lakh rupees but
which may extend to twenty-five crore rupees or three times the amount of
profits made out of insider trading, whichever is higher.
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Section 24 of SEBI Act, 1992
If any person contravenes or If any person fails to pay the

attempts to contravene or abets the penalty imposed by the
contravention of the provisions of adjudicating officer or the SEBI or
this Act or of any rules or regulations fails to comply with any directions
made there under or orders
He shall be punishable with imprisonment for a He shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term
term which may extend to ten years, or with fine, which shall not be less than one month but which may
which may extend to twenty-five crore rupees or extend to ten years, or with fine, which may extend to
with both. twenty-five crore rupees or with both.
APPEAL TO SECURITIES APPELLATE TRIBUNAL

Violation of the provisions of these regulations attract huge monetary penalty and may lead to criminal
prosecution. However those aggrieved by an order of SEBI, may prefer an appeal to the Securities Appellate
Tribunal within a period of forty-five days of the order.
ROLE OF COMPANY SECRETARY AS COMPLIANCE OFFICER

The obligations cast upon the Company Secretary in relation to insider trading regulations can be summarized
as under. The Company Secretary shall:
1. Ensure compliance with SEBI (Prohibition of insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 including maintenance
of various documents.
2. Frame a code of fair disclosure and conduct in line with the model code specified in the Schedule A
of the regulations, get the same approved by the board of directors of the company and submit to the
stock exchanges
3. Frame Code of Conduct for the listed company to regulate, monitor and report trading by designated
persons in accordance with the minimum standards as enumerated in the Schedule B to these
regulations.
4. Receive initial disclosure from every Promoter, KMP and director or every person on appointment as
KMP or director or becoming a Promoter shall disclose its shareholding in the prescribed form within :
– 30 days from these regulations taking effect or
– 7 days of such appointment or becoming a promoter
5. Receive from every Promoter, designated persons and director, continual disclosures of the number
of securities acquired or disposed of and changes therein, even if the value of the securities traded,
exceeds Rs. 10 lakh with single or series of transaction in any calendar quarter in prescribed form
within two trading days of :
– receipt of the disclosure or
– from becoming aware of such information
Submit the disclosures received as above to the stock exchanges as applicable

6. Pre Clear the trade pursuant to the requests received from the designated persons and also monitor
trading in accordance with the regulations.
7. Ensure that no trading shall between 20th day prior to closure of financial period and 2nd trading day
after disclosure of financial results.
8. Approve the trading plan and after the approval of the trading plan, as compliance officer shall notify the
plan to the stock exchanges on which the securities are listed.
9. Maintain records, as a Compliance Officer, of all the declarations given by the directors/designated
employees/partners in the appropriate form for a minimum period of three years.
10. Take additional undertakings, as a compliance officer, from the insiders for approval of the trading plan.
Such trading plan on approval will also be disclosed to the Stock Exchanges, where the securities of
the company are listed.
11. Monitor trades and the implementation of the code of conduct under the overall supervision of the
Board of Directors of the listed company.
12. Frame and then to monitor adherence to the rules for the preservation of “Price sensitive information”.
13. Ensure that proper internal control system is in place and continuously monitor and review of its
functioning.
14. Suggest any improvements required in the policies, procedures, etc. to ensure effective implementation
of the code.
15. Assist in addressing any clarifications regarding the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations,
2015 and the company’s code of conduct.
16. Maintain a list of all information termed as ‘price sensitive information’.
17. Maintain a record of names of files containing confidential information deemed to be price sensitive
information and persons in charge of the same.
18. Ensure that files containing confidential information are kept secured.
19. Keep records of periods specified as ‘close period’ and the ’Trading window’.
20. Ensure that the trading restrictions are strictly observed and all directors/officers/designed employees
conduct all their dealings in the securities of the company only in a valid trading window and do not deal
in the company’s securities during the period when the trading window is closed.
21. Receive and maintain records of periodic and annual statement of holdings from directors/officers/
designed employees and their dependent family members.
22. Ensure that the “Trading Window” is closed at the time of :
a) Declaration of financial results(quarterly, half-yearly and annual)
b) Declaration of dividends(“interim and final)
c) Issue of securities by way of public/right/bonus etc.,
d) Any Major expansion plans or execution of new projects.
e) Amalgamation, mergers, takeovers and buy-back
f) Disposal of whole or substantially whole of the undertaking
274 EP-SL&CM
g) Any change in policies, plans or operations of the company

23. Maintain a structured digital database of names of persons and entities with whom unpublished price
sensitive informations are shared alongwith their PAN and other details.
24. Serve due notices to maintain confidentiality to every such persons with whom informations are shared
for legitimate purposes.
25. Educate the employees, board of directors regarding the provisions of the regulations and amendments
from time to time for their better understanding and compliances.
26. Assist the board of directors to undertake enquiry or investigation in case of any suspected violation of
the regulation and advising on taking appropriate disciplinary actions including transfer of all unlawful
gain to the SEBI Investor Protection and Education Fund.
27. Place before the Chief Executive Officer/Partner or a committee notified by the organization/firm, as
a Compliance Officer, on a monthly basis all the details of the dealing in the securities by designated
employees/directors/partners of the organization/firm.
RECENT JUDGEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENTS:

 During the year 2018 it was came to the knowledge of the SEBI that several unpublished price sensitive
information were circulated in private social media networking groups about certain companies ahead
of their official announcements to the respective stock exchanges. This calls for immediate change in
ongoing PIT Regulations with newer requirements like Policy for leak of unpublished price sensitive
information, maintaining structure digital database of persons with whom information are shared,
reward and incentive system for informants etc.
 In the matter of Insider Trading in the Scrip of Deep Industries Ltd., the SEBI during the investigation
go beyond the prescribed definition of Connected Persons under the regulation and establishes
relationships and nexus of persons, leak of information on the basis of social media network websites
and KYC documents with intermediaries of suspected persons and entities involved in the insider
trading.
LESSON ROUND UP
– To curb insider trading SEBI formulated SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 and
which prescribes code of fair disclosure and conduct to be followed by listed companies and entities
connected with them.
– The Insider Trading Regulations comprises of five chapter and three schedules encompassing the
various regulations relating to Insider Trading.
– Insider means and includes deemed to be a connected person. The definition of deemed to be a
connected person is inclusive and very elaborate.
– The regulations not only seeks to curb dealing in securities, they also seek to curb communicating or
counseling about securities by the insiders.
– The regulations provide for initial as well as continual disclosures by members of the company by the
directors/ employees/ designated employees/promoter/promoter group at regular interval.
GLOSSARY
Book Closure The periodic closure of the Register of Members and Transfer Books of the company, to
take a record of the shareholders to determine their entitlement to dividends or to bonus
or right shares or any other rights pertaining to shares.
Chinese Walls Artificial barriers to the flow of information set up in large firms to prevent the movement
of sensitive information between departments.
Contra Trade Contra trading involves buying and selling the same shares without paying for them.

Interim A dividend payment made during the course of a company’s financial year. Interim
Dividend dividend, unlike the final dividend, does not have to be agreed in a general meeting.
Punitive It implies involving or inflicting punishment.
SELF TEST QUESTIONS

1. What do you mean by insider trading? Enumerate the penalties which can be imposed under the SEBI
Act, 1992 for insider trading?
2. What are the restrictions on communication or procurement of unpublished price sensitive information?
3. State the circumstances and conditions subject to which insider trading is permitted under the SEBI
(Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015.
4. Explain the disclosure requirements by certain persons under the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading)
Regulations, 2015.
5. Discuss the provisions relating to ‘Codes of fair disclosure and conduct’ as per the SEBI (Prohibition of
Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015.
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Lesson 12
Mutual Funds
LESSON OUTLINE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
– Introduction
Different investment avenues are available to
– Structure of a Mutual Fund investors, one of them being Mutual Fund. Mutual
– Overview of Mutual Fund Industry in India fund is a mechanism for pooling the resources by
issuing units to the investors and investing funds
– Schemes according to Investment Objective
in securities in accordance with objectives as
– Advantages of Mutual Funds disclosed in offer document.
– Risks involved in Mutual Funds Mutual funds offer good investment opportunities
to the investors. Like all investments, they also
– Key Players in Mutual Fund
carry certain risks. The investors should compare
– Net Asset Value the risks and expected yields after adjustment of
– Expense Ratio tax on various instruments while taking investment
decisions.
– Holding Period Return
The SEBI formulates policies and regulates
– Evaluating Performance of Mutual Fund the mutual funds to protect the interest of the
– SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations, 1996 investors. SEBI notified regulations for the mutual
funds in 1993. Thereafter, mutual funds sponsored
– SEBI (Listing Obligations & Disclosure
by private sector entities were allowed to enter the
capital market. The regulations were fully revised
– LESSON ROUND UP in 1996 and have been amended thereafter from
– GLOSSARY time to time.
– SELF TEST QUESTIONS Keeping the above in view this lesson is designed
to enable the students to understand the trend of
mutual funds in India over a period of time. Various
schemes of mutual funds, advantages and risk
involved in Mutual Fund and SEBI law governing
mutual fund pertaining the mutual fund operating
in India etc.
278 EP-SL&CM
INTRODUCTION
SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations, 1996, define mutual fund as a fund established in the form of a trust to raise
monies through the sale of units to the public or a section of the public under one or more schemes for investing
in securities including money market instruments or gold or gold related instruments or real estate assets.
Mutual fund is a mechanism for pooling the resources by issuing units to the investors and investing funds in
securities in accordance with objectives as disclosed in offer document. Investments in securities are spread
across a wide cross-section of industries and sectors and thus the risk is reduced. Diversification reduces the
risk because all stocks may not move in the same direction in the same proportion at the same time. The mutual
funds normally come out with a number of schemes with different investment objectives which are launched
from time to time. A mutual fund is required to be registered with SEBI before it can collect funds from the public.
What is a mutual fund?

– A trust that raises money through sale of units
– Gives investors exposure to different segments of markets
– Investors get access to professional management
– Plays an active role in building wealth and generating income for investors
– A key participant in the capital market
– Source for corporates to raise money
Investors
Mutual Fund
Money Market
Equity Debt Instruments
Returns
List of all stakeholders in Indian mutual fund industry is as follows:

l Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
l Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
l Association of Mutual Funds in India ( AMFI)
l Ministry of Finance
l Self Regulatory Organistion (SROs)
l Income Tax Regulations
l Investors‘ Associations
STRUCTURE OF A MUTUAL FUND

A mutual fund is set up in the form of a trust, which has sponsor, trustees, asset management company (“AMC”)
Lesson 12 n Mutual Funds 279
and a custodian. The trust is established by a sponsor or more than one sponsor who is like a promoter of
a company. The trustees of the mutual fund hold its property for the benefit of the unit-holders. The AMC,
approved by SEBI, manages the funds by making investments in various types of securities. The custodian,
who is registered with SEBI, holds the securities of various schemes of the fund in its custody. The trustees are
vested with the general power of superintendence and direction over AMC. They monitor the performance and
compliance of SEBI Regulations by the mutual fund.
Mutual Fund Structure
Sponsor(s)
Mutual Fund Trust Asset

(Managed by Trustees) Management
Custodian
Company
Registrar &
Transfer
Agent
Mutual Fund Structure - Example
Description Entity
Mutual Fund Trust IDBI Mutual Fund
Sponsor IDBI Bank Limited
Trustee IDBI MF Trustee Company Limited
Asset Management Company IDBI Asset Management Limited
Registrar Karvy Computershare Private Limited
Custodian Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited
The Bank of Nova Scotia
OVERVIEW OF MUTUAL FUNDS INDUSTRY IN INDIA

– Started with the introduction of Unit Trust of India (UTI) – in 1963.
– Public sector companies started setting up mutual funds, beginning with SBI Mutual Fund in 1987. This
was followed by Canbank Mutual Fund, Punjab National Bank Mutual Fund, Bank of Baroda Mutual
Fund, etc.
– Private sector mutual funds started in 1993; Franklin Templeton (erstwhile Kothari Pioneer) was the first
of its kind.
280 EP-SL&CM
Regulator & Industry Body

Regulator: Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
– Regulates mutual funds, custodians and registrars & transfer agents
– The applicable guidelines for mutual funds are set out in SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996;
updated periodically
Industry Body: Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI)
– All 44 AMCs are members of AMFI (Source : www.amfiindia.com)
– Recommends and promotes best business practices and code of conduct
– Disseminates information and carries out studies/research on mutual fund industry
Types of Mutual Funds
Mutual Fund
Schemes
Open-ended Closed-ended
Open Ended Close Ended

– Can be purchased on any transaction day – Can be purchased only during NFO
– Can be redeemed on any transaction day – Can be redeemed only at maturity
(Except when units are locked-in in the case of
ELSS funds)
– High liquidity – Low on liquidity
Types of Mutual Fund Plans
Mutual Fund
Plans
Regular Direct
Regular Plans Direct Plans

– Sold through a distributor – Sold directly by the AMC
– Higher Expense Ratio – Lower Expense Ratio
(Due to commissions paid to distributor) (No commission paid to distributor)
– Potentially lower returns to the investor – Potentially higher returns

(Due to higher expenses) (Due to lower expenses)
Categories of Mutual Funds
Mutual Funds
Equity Hybrid Debt Commodity
Large-cap Balanced Liquid

Ultra Short-
Diversified / term
Multicap MIP
Short-term
Small &
Mid-cap CPOF Income
Sectoral &
Thematic
Gilt
ELSS
Fixed
Index & Maturity
ETFs Plans
SCHEMES ACCORDING TO INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

•
Besides these, there are other types of mutual funds also to meet the investment needs of several groups of
investors. Some of them include the following:
(a) Income Oriented Schemes: The fund primarily offer fixed income to investors. Naturally enough, the
main securities in which investments are made by such funds are the fixed income yielding ones like
bonds, corporate debentures, Government securities and money market instruments, etc.
(b) Growth Oriented Schemes: These funds offer growth potentialities associated with investment in
capital market namely: (i) high source of income by way of dividend and (ii) rapid capital appreciation,
both from holding of good quality scrips. These funds, with a view to satisfying the growth needs
of investors, primarily concentrate on the low risk and high yielding spectrum of equity scrips of the
corporate sector.
(c) Hybrid Schemes: These funds cater to both the investment needs of the prospective investors –
namely fixed income as well as growth orientation. Therefore, investment targets of these mutual funds
are judicious mix of both the fixed income securities like bonds and debentures and also sound equity
scrips. In fact, these funds utilise the concept of balanced investment management. These funds are,
thus, also known as “balanced funds”.
(d) High Growth Schemes: As the nomenclature depicts, these funds primarily invest in high risk and
high return volatile securities in the market and induce the investors with a high degree of capital
appreciation.
(e) Capital Protection Oriented Scheme: It is a scheme which protects the capital invested in the mutual
fund through suitable orientation of is portfolio structure.
(f) Tax Saving Schemes: These schemes offer tax rebates to the investors under tax laws as prescribed
from time to time. This is made possible because the Government offers tax incentive for investment in
specified avenues. For example, Equity Linked Saving Schemes (ELSS) and pensions schemes.
282 EP-SL&CM
(g) Special Schemes: This category includes index schemes that attempt to replicate the performance
of particular index such as the BSE, Sensex or the NSE-50 or industry specific schemes (which invest
in specific industries) or sectoral schemes (which invest exclusively in segment such as ‘A’ Group
or initial public offering). Index fund schemes are ideal for investors who are satisfied with a return
approximately equal to that of an index. Sectoral fund schemes are ideal for investors who have already
decided to invest in particular sector or segment.
(h) Real Estate Funds: These are close ended mutual funds which invest predominantly in real estate and
properties.
(i) Off-shore Funds: Such funds invest in securities of foreign companies with RBI permission.
(j) Leverage Funds: Such funds, also known as borrowed funds, increase the size and value of portfolio
and offer benefits to members from out of the excess of gains over cost of borrowed funds. They tend
to indulge in speculative trading and risky investments.
(k) Hedge Funds: They employ their funds for speculative trading, i.e. for buying shares whose prices are
likely to rise and for selling shares whose prices are likely to fall.
(l) Fund of Funds: They invest only in units of other mutual funds. Such funds do not operate at present
in India.
(m) New Direction Funds: They invest in companies engaged in scientific and technological research
such as birth control, anti-pollution, oceanography etc.
(n) Exchange Trade Funds (ETFs) are a new variety of mutual funds that first introduced in 1993. ETFs
are sometimes described as mere “tax efficient” than traditional equity mutual funds, since in recent
years, some large ETFs have made smaller distribution of realized and taxable capital gains than most
mutual funds.
(o) Money Market Mutual Funds: These funds invest in short- term debt securities in the money market
like certificates of deposits, commercial papers, government treasury bills etc. Owing to their large size,
the funds normally get a higher yield on such short term investments than an individual investor.
(p) Infrastructure Debt Fund: They invest primarily in the debt securities or securitized debt investment
of infrastructure companies.
ADVANTAGES OF MUTUAL FUNDS

The advantages of investing in a mutual fund are:
1. Professional Management: Investors avail the services of experienced and skilled professionals who
are backed by a dedicated investment research team which analyses the performance and prospects
of companies and selects suitable investments to achieve the objectives of the scheme.
2. Diversification: Mutual funds invest in a number of companies across a broad cross-section of
industries and sectors. This diversification reduces the risk because seldom do all stocks decline at the
same time and in the same proportion. Investors achieve this diversification through a Mutual Fund with
far less money than one can do on his own.
3. Convenient Administration: Investing in a mutual fund reduces paper work and helps investors
to avoid many problems such as bad deliveries, delayed payments and unnecessary follow up with
brokers and companies. Mutual funds save investors time and make investing easy and convenient.
4. Return Potential: Over a medium to long term, Mutual funds have the potential to provide a higher
return as they invest in a diversified basket of selected securities.
5. Low Costs: Mutual funds are a relatively less expensive way to invest compared to directly investing in
the capital markets because the benefits of scale in brokerage, custodial and other fees translate into
lower costs for investors.
6. Liquidity: In open ended schemes, investors can get their money back promptly at net asset value
related prices from the mutual fund itself. With close ended schemes, investors can sell their units on
a stock exchange at the prevailing market price or avail of the facility of direct repurchase at net asset
value (NAV) related prices which some close ended and interval schemes offer periodically or offer it
for redemption to the fund on the date of maturity.
7. Transparency: Investors get regular information on the value of their investment in addition to disclosure
on the specific investments made by scheme, the proportion invested in each class of assets and the
fund manager’s investment strategy and outlook.
RISKS INVOLVED IN MUTUAL FUNDS

Mutual funds may face the following risks, leading to non-satisfactory performance:
1. Excessive diversification of portfolio, losing focus on the securities of the key segments.
2. Too much concentration on blue-chip securities.
3. Necessity to effect high turnover through liquidation of portfolio resulting in large payments of brokerage
and commission.
4. Poor planning of investment returns.
5. Unresearched forecast on income, profits and Government policies.
6. Fund managers being unaccountable for poor results.
7. Failure to identify clearly the risk of the scheme as distinct from risk of the market.
8. Under performance in comparison to peers.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR REGISTRATION OF MUTUAL FUNDS

For the purpose of grant of a certificate of registration, the applicant has to fulfill the following, namely –
l the sponsor should have a sound track record and general reputation of fairness and integrity in all his
business transactions.
Explanation: For the purposes of this clause “sound track record” shall mean the sponsor should –
(i) be carrying on business in financial services for a period of not less than five years; and
(ii) the networth is positive in all the immediately preceding five years; and
(iii) the networth in the immediately preceding year is more than the capital contribution of the sponsor
in the asset management company; and
(iv) the sponsor has profits after providing for depreciation, interest and tax in three out of the
immediately preceding five years, including the fifth year;
l the applicant is a fit and proper person.
l in the case of an existing mutual fund, such fund is in the form of a trust and the trust deed has been
approved by the Board.
l the sponsor has contributed or contributes at least 40% to the net worth of the asset management
company.
284 EP-SL&CM
l Provided that any person who holds 40% or more of the net worth of an asset management company
shall be deemed to be a sponsor and will be required to fulfill the eligibility criteria specified in these
regulations
l the sponsor or any of its directors or the principal officer to be employed by the mutual fund should not
have been guilty of fraud or has not been convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude or has not
been found guilty of any economic offence
l appointment of trustees to act as trustees for the mutual fund in accordance with the provisions of the
regulations
l appointment of asset management company to manage the mutual fund and operate the scheme of
such funds in accordance with the provisions of these regulations
l appointment of custodian in order to keep custody of the securities or goods or gold and gold related
instrument or other assets of the mutual fund held in terms of SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations, 1996
and provide such other custodial services as may be authorised by the trustees.
KEY PLAYERS IN MUTUAL FUND

A mutual fund is a professionally-managed investment scheme, usually run by an asset management company
that brings together a group of people and invests their money in stocks, bonds and other securities. It is formed
by trust body.
There are five principal constituents and three market intermediaries in the formation and functioning of mutual
fund:
Five principal constituents

l Sponsor
A sponsor is an influential investor who creates demand for a security because of their positive
outlook on it. The sponsor brings in capital and creates a mutual fund trust and sets up the AMC. The
sponsor makes an application for registration of the mutual fund and contributes at least 40% of the net
worth of the AMC.
SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations, 1996 defines sponsor as any person who, acting alone or in
combination with another body corporate, establishes a mutual fund.
l Asset Management Company
An asset management company (AMC) is a company that invests its clients’ pooled funds into
securities that match declared financial objectives. Asset management companies provide investors
with more diversification and investing options than they would have themselves. AMCs manage
mutual funds, hedge funds and pension plans, these companies earn income by charging service fees
or commissions to their clients.
SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations, 1996 defines asset management company as a company formed and
registered under the Companies Act, 2013 and approved as such by the SEBI under sub regulation (2)
of regulation 21.
The sponsor or, if so authorised by the trust deed, the trustee, shall appoint an asset management
company, which has been approved by the SEBI.The appointment of an asset management company
can be terminated by majority of the trustees or by seventy-five per cent of the unit holders of the
scheme. Any change in the appointment of the asset management company shall be subject to prior
approval of the SEBI and the unitholders.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR APPOINTMENT OF ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY

l in case the asset management company is an existing asset management company it has a sound
track record, general reputation and fairness in transactions;
l the asset management company is a fit and proper person;
l the directors of the asset management company are persons having adequate professional experience
in finance and financial services related field and not found guilty of moral turpitude or convicted of any
economic offence or violation of any securities laws;
l the key personnel of the asset management company 41[have not been found guilty of moral
turpitude or convicted of economic offence or violation of securities laws] 42[or worked] for any asset
management company or mutual fund or any intermediary 43[during the period when its] registration
has been suspended or cancelled at any time by the Board;
l the board of directors of such asset management company has at least fifty per cent directors, who are
not associate of, or associated in any manner with, the sponsor or any of its subsidiaries or the trustees;
l the Chairman of the asset management company is not a trustee of any mutual fund;
l the asset management company has a networth of not less than rupees fifty crore;
Sponsor
Asset Management
Company
5 principal
Trustee
constituents
Unit Holders
Key Players of MF Mutual fund
Custodian
3 market
Transfer Agents
intermediaries
l Trustee
Depository
A trustee is a person or firm that holds and administers property or assets for the benefit of a third
party. A trustee may be appointed for a wide variety of purposes, such as in case of bankruptcy, for a
286 EP-SL&CM
charity, for a trust fund or for certain types of retirement plans or pensions.
SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations, 1996 defines trustees as the Board of Trustees or the Trustee
Company who hold the property of the Mutual Fund in trust for the benefit of the unit holders.
No person shall be eligible to be appointed as a trustee unless—
l he is a person of ability, integrity and standing; and
l has not been found guilty of moral turpitude; and
l has not been convicted of any economic offence or violation of any securities laws; and
l has furnished particulars as specified.
No asset management company and no director (including independent director), officer or employee
of an asset management company shall be eligible to be appointed as a trustee of any mutual fund.
No person who is appointed as a trustee of a mutual fund shall be eligible to be appointed as a trustee
of any other mutual fund
Two-thirds of the trustees shall be independent persons and shall not be associated with the sponsors
or be associated with them in any manner whatsoever.
In case a company is appointed as a trustee then its directors can act as trustees of any other trust
provided that the object of the trust is not in conflict with the object of the mutual fund.
l Unit Holders
A unitholder is an investor who owns the units issued by a trust, like a real estate investment trust or
a master limited partnership (MLP). The securities issued by trusts/MF are called units, and investors
in units are called unitholders. The unit in turn reflect share of the investor in the Net Assets of the fund.
l Mutual fund
A mutual fund established under the Indian Trust Act to raise money through, the sale of units to
the public for investing in the capital market. The funds thus collected as per the directions of asset
management company for invested. The mutual fund has to be SEBI registered.
Three market intermediaries are:

l Custodian
A custodian is a person who carries on the business of providing custodial services to the client. The
custodian keeps the custody of the securities of the client. The custodian also provides incidental
services such as maintaining the accounts of securities of the client, collecting the benefits or rights
accruing to the client in respect of securities.
Every custodian should have adequate facilities, sufficient capital and financial strength to manage
the custodial services. The SEBI (Custodian of Securities) Regulations, 1996 prescribe the roles and
responsibilities of the custodians.
According to the SEBI the roles and responsibilities of the custodians are to Administrate and protect
the assets of the clients; Open a separate custody account and deposit account in the name of each
client; Record assets; and Conduct registration of securities.
l Transfer Agents
A transfer agent is a person who has been granted a Certificate of Registration to conduct the business
of transfer agent under the SEBI (Registrars to an Issue and Share Transfer Agents) Regulations,
1993. Transfer agents’ services include issue and redemption of mutual fund units, preparation of
transfer documents and maintenance of updated investment records. They also record transfer of units
between investors where depository does not function. They also facilitate investors to get customized
reports.
l Depository
A depository facilitates the smooth flow of trading and ensure the investor`s about their investment in
securities.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

l the trustees, the sponsor, the asset management company and the custodian shall comply with the
provisions of SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations, 1996.
l the mutual fund shall forthwith inform the SEBI, if any information or particulars previously submitted to
the SEBI was misleading or false in any material respect.
l the mutual fund shall forthwith inform the SEBI, of any material change in the information or particulars
previously furnished, which have a bearing on the registration granted by it.
l payment of fees as specified in the SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations, 1996regulations.
Mutual Fund Terminology

A. Offer Document
– AMC raises money in new schemes through New Fund Offer (NFO)
– Offer document contains key details about the NFO – open and close dates, scheme objective, nature
of the scheme, etc.
– Filed with SEBI
Two parts:
1. Scheme Information Document (SID) - A document that contains the details of the scheme. SID has
to be updated every year
Key Contents:
– Scheme name on the cover page, along with scheme structure (open / closed-ended) and
expected scheme nature (equity / debt / balanced / liquid / ETF)
– Highlights of the scheme
– Risk factors
o Standard
o Scheme specific
– Due diligence certificate issued by the AMC
– Fees and expenses
– Rights of unit holders
– Penalties, litigations, etc.
2. Statement of Additional Information - A document that contains statutory information about the fund
house offering the scheme. SAI has to be updated the end of every quarter
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Key Contents:
– Information about sponsor, mutual fund, trustees, custodian and registrar & transfer agents
– Condensed financial information for schemes launched in the last three financial years
– Information on how to apply
– Rights of unit holders
– Details of the fund managers
– Tax, legal and other general information
B. Key Information Memorandum (KIM)
– Essentially a summary of SID & SAI
– As per SEBI regulations, every application form should be accompanied by the KIM
– The KIM has to be updated at least once a year
Contents
– Name of the AMC, Mutual Fund Trust, Trustee, Fund Manager(s) and Scheme details
– Open and close dates of the issue
– Issue price of the scheme
– Plans and options available in the scheme
– Risk profile of the scheme
– Benchmark
– Dividend policy
– Performance of the scheme and benchmark over last 1, 3, 5 years and since inception
– Loads and expenses
– Contact information and registrars
C. Fact Sheets
Usually provided on a monthly basis by AMCs
Contains the following:
– NAV and AUM
– Expense ratio, exit loads, average maturity, YTM, modified duration
– Benchmark & Fund manager details
– Past performance
– Scheme’s allocation & portfolios
– Style box
– Other scheme attributes – like risk category, minimum investment amount, scheme objective, etc.
D. Assets under Management (AUM)
What is AUM?
It is the total market value of the assets managed by a mutual fund scheme as on a particular date
Periodic AUM Available
– Month-end
– Quarterly average
E. Know Your Client (KYC)
What is KYC?
– A one-time process made mandatory to invest in mutual funds
– Key details required: PAN, Address proof, contact details, occupation and income details
Where can it be done?
– CDSL Ventures Limited KRA
– CAMS KRA
– Karvy KRA
– NDML KRA (wholly owned subsidiary of NSDL)
– DOTEX KRA (wholly owned subsidiary of NSE)
F. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA)
What is FATCA?
– Requires that all financial institutions (including Indian mutual funds) need to report financial transactions
of US persons and entities in which US persons hold a substantial ownership.
– Enacted to prevent tax evasion through foreign investments.
– Key details required: Country of birth, Country of citizenship, country of tax residence, TIN from such
country.
– Currently made mandatory for all investors (existing and new) in Indian mutual funds.
– For non-individual investors, Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) details have to be provided.
G. Modes of Holding
– Single
– Either or Survivor
o Signature of any of the applicants is sufficient for making transactions
– Joint
o Signature of all the applicants is required for making transactions
H. Nomination
– Up to 3 nominees can be registered for a folio
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– Units get transferred to the nominees (in the proportion specified) in case of the investor’s demise
– Nomination can be updated as and when required by the investor
– A minor can also be nominated, provided the guardian is specified
– If nomination is not registered, in case of death of the investor, the legal heir has to produce documents
such as Will, Legal Heir Certificate, No-Objection Certificate from other legal heirs, etc.
I. Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in Mutual Fund

An SIP allows an investor to invest a fixed amount regularly in a mutual fund scheme, typically an equity mutual
fund scheme. An SIP helps investor to stagger the investments in equity mutual fund schemes over a period.
Most mutual fund advisors do not recommend investing a lumpsum in equity mutual funds.
NET ASSET VALUE

The performance of a particular scheme of a mutual fund is denoted by Net Asset Value (NAV). In simple words,
NAV is the market value of the securities held by the scheme.
Mutual funds invest the money collected from investors in securities markets. Since market value of securities
changes every day, NAV of a scheme also varies on day to day basis.
The NAV per unit is the market value of securities of a scheme divided by the total number of units of the
scheme on any particular date.
For example, if the market value of securities of a mutual fund scheme is INR 200 lakh and the mutual fund has
issued 10 lakh units of INR 10 each to the investors, then the NAV per unit of the fund is INR 20 (i.e.200 lakh/10
lakh). NAV is required to be disclosed by the mutual funds on a daily basis.
Unlike stocks (where the price is driven by the market and changes from minute-to-minute), mutual funds don’t
declare NAVs through the day. Instead, NAVs of all mutual fund schemes are declared at the end of the trading
day after markets are closed, in accordance with SEBI Mutual Fund Regulations. Further, as per SEBI Mutual
Fund Regulations, for all mutual fund schemes, other than liquid fund schemes, the mutual fund Units are
allotted only at prospective NAV, i.e., the NAV that would be declared at the end of the day, based on the closing
market value of the securities held in the respective schemes.
How is it calculated?
Net Asset of the Scheme

Net Asset Value =
Number of units outstanding
Net Asset of the Scheme = Market value of investments + Receivables+ other accrued income+ other assets –
Accrued Expenses- Other Payables- Other Liabilities
Net Asset Value (NAV) – Cut-off Timeline
Type of Transaction Before/ Cut-off Applicable NAV

After Time
Equity-oriented & Debt funds (except liquid funds)
Purchase & Switch-in (value < 3 pm Before Same day NAV
Rs.2 lakhs)
After Next business day NAV
Purchase & Switch-in (value > 3 pm Before NAV of the business day on which funds are available
Rs.2 lakhs) for utilization
After
Redemption & Switch-out 3 pm Before Same day NAV
After Next business day NAV
Liquid Funds
Purchase & Switch-in 2 pm Before Previous day NAV if funds are realized
After NAV of the day previous to the funds realized
Redemption & Switch-out 3 pm Before NAV of the day immediately preceding the next
business day
NAV of the day preceding the second business day
After
from submission
Illustration.
1) The redemption price of mutual fund unit is ₹ 48 while the front end load and back end load charges are 2%
and 3% respectively. Compute:
i) NAV per unit
ii) Public offer price of the unit.
Solution:
Redemption Price = NA Public Offer Price = NAV

(1+ Back End Load)
(1- Front End Load)
48 = NAV = 49.44
(1+0.03) (1-0.02)
= 48x1.03 = 49.44
NAV= ₹ 49.44 0.98
Public Offer Price = ₹ 50.45
EXPENSE RATIO
– The fees charged by the scheme to manage investors’ money.
What does it contain?
– Fees paid to service providers like trustees, Registrar & Transfer Agents, Custodian, Auditor, etc.
– Asset management expenses
– Commissions paid to distributors
– Other selling expenses including advertising expenses
– Expenses on investor communication, account statements, dividend / redemption cheques / warrants
– Listing fees and Depository fees

292 EP-SL&CM
– Service tax
Under SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996, Mutual Funds are permitted to incur / charge certain operating
expenses for managing a mutual fund scheme – such as sales & marketing / advertising expenses, administrative
expenses, transaction costs, investment management fees, registrar fees, custodian fees, audit fees – as a
percentage of the fund’s daily net assets.
This is commonly referred to as ‘Expense Ratio’. In short, Expense ratio is the cost of running and managing
a mutual fund which is charged to the scheme. All expenses incurred by a Mutual Fund, AMC will have to be
managed within the limits specified under Regulation 52(6) & (6A) of the SEBI Mutual Funds Regulations.
The expense ratio is calculated as a percentage of the Scheme’s average Net Asset Value (NAV). The daily
NAV of a mutual fund is disclosed after deducting the expenses. Thus, the TER has a direct bearing on a
scheme’s NAV – the lower the expense ratio of a scheme, the higher the NAV.
In terms of Regulation 52(1) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996, all scheme related expenses including
commission paid to distributors, by whatever name it may be called and in whatever manner it may be paid,
shall necessarily be paid from the scheme only within the regulatory limits and not from the books of the Asset
Management Companies (AMC), its associate, sponsor, trustee or any other entity through any route. Any
expenditure in excess of the limits specified in these regulations shall be borne by the asset management
company or by the trustee or sponsors.
HOLDING PERIOD RETURN

Holding period return is the total return received from holding an asset or portfolio of assets over a period of
time, generally expressed as a percentage. Holding period return is calculated on the basis of total returns from
the asset or portfolio – i.e. income plus changes in value. It is particularly useful for comparing returns between
investments held for different periods of time.
Calculation of HPR
HPR = (Income + (end of period value- original value) x 100
Original Value
Illustration :2 Calculate HPR for a unit holder who bought a unit at ₹ 17.60 and received a dividend of ₹
2 per unit during the period. Face value of the unit is ₹ 10and current unit price is ₹19.875
Dividend+ (NAV at present- NAV at purchase) x 100
HPR=
NAV at purchase
= 2+ (19.875- 17.60)
17.60
HPR = 24.29%
EVALUATING PERFORMANCE OF MUTUAL FUND

While looking at a mutual fund scheme’s performance, one must not be led by the scheme’s return in isolation.
A scheme may have generated 10% annualised return in the last couple of years. But then, even the market
indices would have gone up in similar way during the same period. Under-performance in a falling market, i.e.
when the NAV of the scheme falls more than its benchmark (or the market), is the time when one must review
his/her investment.
One must compare the scheme’s return as against its benchmark return. It is better to be rid of investment in
a scheme that consistently under-performs as compared to its benchmark over a period of time, from one’s
portfolio. It is important to identify under-performers over the longer time horizon (as also out-performers).
In addition, one may also consider evaluating the ‘category average returns’ as well. Even if a scheme has
outperformed its benchmark by a decent margin, there could be better performers in the peer group. The
category average returns will reveal how good (or bad) is one’s investment is against its peers which help in
deciding whether it is time shift the investment to better performers.
One may be holding a too little or too much-diversified portfolio. Even the expense ratio of some of the schemes
that one could be holding may be high compared to others within the same category.
SEBI (MUTUAL FUND) REGULATIONS, 1996

SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations, 1996 has been notified on December 09, 1996 with objective to improve the
working and regulation of the mutual fund industry, so that mutual funds could provide a better performance and
service to all categories of investors and offer a range of innovative products in a competitive manner to match
investor needs and preferences across various investor segments. SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
deals with 10 Chapters and 12 schedules.
The key provisions of the SEBI Regulations, 1996 include:
l All the schemes to be launched by the AMC needs to be approved by the Board of Trustees and copies
of offer documents of such schemes are to be filed with SEBI.
l The offer documents shall contain adequate disclosures to enable the investors to make informed
decisions.
l The listing of close-ended schemes is mandatory and they should be listed on a recognised stock
exchange within six months from the closure of subscription. However, the listing is not mandatory in
case:
a) if the scheme provides for monthly income or caters to senior citizens, women, children and
physically handicapped;
b) if the scheme discloses details of repurchase in the offer document; or
c) if the scheme opens for repurchase within six months of closure of subscription.
d) if the scheme is a capital protection oriented scheme.
l Units of a close-ended scheme can be opened for sale or redemption at a predetermined fixed interval
if the minimum and maximum amount of sale, redemption and periodicity is disclosed in the offer
document.
l Units of a close-ended scheme can be converted into an open-ended scheme with the consent of a
majority of the unit-holders and disclosure is made in the offer document about the option and period of
conversion.
l Units of close-ended scheme may be rolled over by passing a resolution by a majority of the shareholders.
l No scheme other than equity-linked saving scheme can be opened for subscription for more than
15 days. Further, the minimum subscription and the extent of over subscription that is intended to
be retained should be specified in the offer document. In the case of over-subscription, all applicants
applying up to 5,000 units must be given full allotment subject to over subscription.
l The AMC is required to refund the application money if minimum subscription is not received, and also
the excess over subscription within five working days of closure of subscription.
294 EP-SL&CM
l A close-ended scheme shall be wound up on redemption date, unless it is rolled over, or if 75% of
the unit-holders of a scheme pass a resolution for winding up of the scheme; if the trustees on the
happening of any event require the scheme to be wound up; or if SEBI, so directs in the interest of
investors.
In addition, the SEBI took various measures and issued guidelines to facilitate operations of mutual funds. As
part of these measures, mutual funds were allowed to invest in foreign debt securities in the countries with full
convertible currencies and with highest foreign currency credit rating by accredited credit rating agencies.
They were also allowed to invest in government securities where the countries are AAA rated. Moreover,
guidelines were issued for valuation of unlisted equity shares in order to bring about uniformity in the calculation
of NAVs of mutual fund schemes.
In order to allow mutual funds to invest in both gold and gold related instruments, the SEBI amended its regulation
in 2006. The amended regulation, Securities and Exchange Board of India (Mutual Funds) (Amendment)
Regulation, 2006 permits introduction of Gold Exchange Traded Fund (GETF) Schemes by mutual fund. The
new mutual fund scheme can invest primarily in gold and gold related instruments, subject to certain investment
restrictions.
SEBI (LISTING OBLIGATIONS AND DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS) REGULATIONS, 2015

The provisions of chapter IX of the SEBI LODR Regulations, 2015 applies to the asset management company
managing the mutual fund scheme whose units are listed on the recognised stock exchange(s).
Notwithstanding anything contained in this chapter, the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of
India (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 and directions issued thereunder shall apply on the listed entity and to
the schemes whose units are listed on the recognised stock exchange(s).
Submission of Documents
The listed entity shall intimate to the recognised stock exchange(s), the information relating to daily Net Asset
Value, monthly portfolio, half yearly portfolio of those schemes whose units are listed on the recognised stock
exchange(s) in the format as specified under SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 and directions issued
there under.
The listed entity shall intimate to the recognised stock exchange(s) in the manner specified by the recognized
stock exchange(s) of:
(a) movement in unit capital of those schemes whose units are listed on the recognised stock exchange(s);
(b) rating of the scheme whose units are listed on the recognised stock exchange(s) and any changes in
the rating thereof (wherever applicable);
(c) imposition of penalties and material litigations against the listed entity and Mutual Fund; and
(d) any prohibitory orders restraining the listed entity from transferring units registered in the name of the
unit holders.
Dissemination on the website of stock exchange(s)

The listed entity shall submit such information and documents, which are required to be disseminated on the
listed entity’s website in terms of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 and directions issued thereunder, to
the recognized stock exchange for dissemination.
LESSON ROUNDUP
– Mutual fund is a trust that collects money from a number of investors who share a common investment
objective and invests the same in equities, bonds, money market instruments and/or other securities.
– Mutual funds are regulated by the SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations, 1996.
– Mutual Fund schemes could be ‘open ended’ or close-ended’ and actively managed or passively
managed.
– There are five principal constituents and three market intermediaries in the formation and functioning
of mutual fund.
– The NAVs of all Mutual Fund schemes are declared at the end of the trading day after markets are
closed, in accordance with SEBI Mutual Fund Regulations.
– Holding period return is calculated on the basis of total returns from the asset or portfolio – i.e. income
plus changes in value.
– The SEBI LODR Regulations, 2015 is applicable to the AMC managing the mutual fund scheme
whose units are listed on the recognised stock exchange.
GLOSSARY
Annual Return The change in percentage in the Net Asset Value (NAV) of a fund over one year
based on the assumption that distributions such as dividend payment and bonuses
have been reinvested.
Diversification The process of investing across different asset classes (equity, debt, property, etc.)
and across different investments within each asset class (for instance, investing
across equity shares of various companies in case of equity) to reduce risk.
Investment Every mutual fund scheme has an investment objective according to which the fund
objective manager has to make investments for the scheme. For example, in case of an equity
fund, the investment objective may be to invest in large cap companies across a
range of sectors in order to give investors capital appreciation.
Maturity Some investments such as close-ended funds have a maturity date, which is the date
on which the investor is paid back his principal amount as well as all income due to
him on that investment.
Repurchase/ When a mutual fund investor wants to exit from his mutual fund investment, he can
Redemption sell back the units to the mutual fund and receive cash. The mutual fund ‘repurchases’
his units and the investor is said to ‘redeem’ his units.
SELF-TEST QUESTIONS
1. Elucidate the key players of Mutual funds in the formation and functioning of mutual fund.
2. What do you mean by Net Asset Value? How to calculate NAV?
3. Distinguish between Open ended Mutual Funds and Close ended Mutual funds.
4. Write short notes on the followings:
a) Asset Management Company
b) Holding Period Return
c) Expense Ratio
296 EP-SL&CM
Lesson 13
Collective Investment Schemes
LESSON OUTLINE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
– Introduction
The increasing complexity of the financial markets
– SEBI (Collective Investment Schemes)
witnessed unravelled financial schemes that
defrauded investors by promising exorbitantly
– Restriction on Business Activities high returns on their principal investment. It was
– Obligations of Collective Investment in response to these Ponzi Schemes that the SEBI
Management Company (CIMC) formulated regulations encompassing Collective
Investment Schemes (CIS) that specifically
– Submission of information and documents
characterised a unique manner of financial
– Trustees and their obligations manipulations.
– Contents of trust deed Considering difficulties in enforcement of the
– Eligibility for appointment as trustee Securities Laws (Amendment) Act, 2014 amends
the SEBI Act, 1992 as well as introduces
– Rights and obligations of the trustee
consequential changes in the Securities Contracts
– Termination of trusteeship Regulation Act, 1956 and the Depositories Act,
– Termination of the agreement with the 1996. Section 11AA of the principal Act was
collective investment management amended to include a new proviso which gave
company SEBI the power to regulate all pooling of funds
under any scheme or arrangement in excess of
– Procedure for launching of schemes
100 crores not regulated by any other law, thus
– Disclosures in the offer document slipping into the net of a CIS.
– Allotment of units and refunds of money This lesson will briefly explain the student about
– Unit certificates the CIS and how they are regulated and penal
provisions for violations etc.
– Transfer of units
– Investments and segregation of funds
– Listing of schemes
– Winding up of scheme
– Directions by the SEBI
– Penal Provisions
– LESSON ROUND UP
– GLOSSARY
298 EP-SL&CM
INTRODUCTION
A collective investment scheme is a scheme that comprises a pool of assets that is managed by a collective
investment scheme manager and is governed by the Collective Investment Schemes Regulations given by
SEBI.
The word ‘unit’ refers to the portion or part of the CIS portfolio that is owned by the investor. The ‘trust’ is the
financial instrument that is created in order to manage the investment. The trust enables financial experts to
invest the money on behalf of the CIS investor.
With a CIS, the money or funds from a group of investors are pooled or collected together to form a CIS
portfolio.
In order to strengthen the hands of SEBI to protect interests of investors in plantation companies, the Securities
Laws (Amendment) Act, 1999 amended the definition of ’securities’ in the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act,
so as to include within its ambit the units or any other instruments issued by any CIS to the investors in such
schemes. The Act also inserted a definition of the CIS in the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.
The International Organisation of Securities Commission (IOSCO) in its Report on Investment Management
of the Technical Committee defined a Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) as an open ended collective
investment scheme that issues redeemable units and invests primarily in transferable securities or money
market instruments.
‘Collective Investment Scheme’ means

any scheme or arrangement which
satisfies the conditions specifies in
section 11AA.
Section 11AA provides that any scheme

or arrangement which satisfies the
conditions referred to in sub-section (2)
Definition or sub-section (2A) shall be a collective
investment scheme.
SEBI Act, 1992
However, any pooling of funds under any

scheme or arrangement, which is not
registered with SEBI or is not covered
under sub-section (3), involving a corpus
amount of one hundred crore rupees or
more shall be deemed to be a collective
investment scheme.
Lesson 13 n Collective Investment Schemes 299
Section 11AA
Sub-Section 2A
Sub-Section 2 Sub-Section 3
Any scheme or arrangement made or offered by any

person satisfying the conditions as may be specified in
accordance with the regulations made under this Act.
Any scheme or arrangement made or offered by any person under which,—

(i) the contributions, or payments made by the investors, by whatever name called,
are pooled and utilized for the purposes of the scheme or arrangement;
(ii) the contributions or payments are made to such scheme or arrangement by the
investors with a view to receive profits, income, produce or property, whether
movable or immovable, from such scheme or arrangement;
(iii) the property, contribution or investment forming part of scheme or arrangement,
whether identifiable or not, is managed on behalf of the investors;
(iv) the investors do not have day-to-day control over the management and
operation of the scheme or arrangement.
Sub-section (2) or sub-section (2A) shall not applicable if any scheme or

arrangement –
(i) made or offered by a co-operative society registered under the Co-
operative Societies Act, 1912 or a society being a society registered
or deemed to be registered under any law relating to co-operative
societies for the time being in force in any State;
(ii) under which deposits are accepted by non-banking financial
companies as defined in clause (f) of section 45-I of the Reserve Bank
of India Act, 1934;
(iii) being a contract of insurance to which the Insurance Act, 1938,
applies;
(iv) providing for any Scheme, Pension Scheme or the Insurance Scheme
framed under the Employees Provident Fund and Miscellaneous
Provisions Act, 1952;
(v) under which deposits are accepted under section 74 of the
Companies Act, 2013;
(vi) under which deposits are accepted by a company declared as a Nidhi
or a mutual benefit society under section 406 of the Companies Act,
2013;
(vii) falling within the meaning of Chit business as defined in clause (d) of
section 2 of the Chit Fund Act, 1982;
(viii) under which contributions made are in the nature of subscription to a
mutual fund;
(ix) such other scheme or arrangement which the Central Government
may, in consultation with SEBI, notify, shall not be a collective
investment scheme.
300 EP-SL&CM
SEBI (COLLECTIVE INVESTMENT SCHEMES) REGULATIONS, 1999 – AN OVERVIEW

SEBI (Collective Investment Schemes) Regulations, 1999 defines Collective Investment Management
Company to mean a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 and registered with SEBI under
these regulations, whose object is to organize, operate and manage a collective investment.
No person other than a Collective Investment Management Company which has obtained a certificate under the
regulations should carry on or sponsor or launch a collective investment scheme.
“Close ended collective investment scheme” means any collective investment scheme launched by a collective
investment management company. In which the maturity period of the collective investment scheme is specified
and these is no provision for repurchase before the expiry of the collective investment scheme.
“Collective investment scheme property” includes:
(i) subscription of money or money’s worth (including bank deposits) to the collective investment scheme;
(ii) property acquired, directly or indirectly, with, or with the proceeds of, subscription of money retired to in
item (i); or
(iii) income arising, directly or indirectly from, subscription money or property retired to in item (i) or (ii).
RESTRICTIONS ON BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
The Collective Investment Management Company should not:
undertake any activity other than that of managing the

CIS
act as a trustee of any CIS
launch any CIS for the purpose of investing in securities
invest in any CIS floated by it
However, it has been provided that a CIMC may invest in its own CIS, if it
makes a disclosure of its intention to invest in the offer document of the
CIS, and does not charge any fees on its investment in that CIS.
OBLIGATIONS OF COLLECTIVE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Every Collective Investment Management Company should:
(i) be responsible for managing the funds or properties of the CIS on behalf of the unit holders and take
all reasonable steps and exercise due diligence to ensure that the CIS is managed in accordance with
the provisions of these regulations, the offer document and the trust deed;
(ii) exercise due diligence and care in managing assets and funds of the CIS and also responsible for the
acts of commissions and omissions by its employees or the persons whose services have been availed
by it;
(iii) remain liable to the unit holders for its acts of commission or omissions, notwithstanding anything
contrary contained in any contract or agreement and be incompetent to enter into any transaction with
or through its associates, or their relatives relating to the scheme.
(iv) be incompetent to enter into any transaction with or through its associates, or their relatives relating
to the CIS. However, in case the CIMC enters into any transactions relating to the CIS with any of its
associates, a report to that effect shall immediately be sent to the trustee and to SEBI.
(v) appoint registrar and share transfer agents and should also abide by their respective Code of Conducts
as specified in the Third Schedule;
(vi) give receipts for all monies received and report of the receipts and payments to SEBI, on monthly
basis;
(vii) hold a meeting of Board of Directors to consider the affairs of CIS, at least twice in every three months
and also ensures that its officers or employees do not make improper use of their position or information
to gain, directly or indirectly, an advantage for themselves or for any other person or to cause detriment
to the CIS;
(viii) obtain adequate insurance against the properties of the CIS and comply with such guidelines, directives,
circulars and instructions as may be issued by SEBI from time to time on the subject of Collective
Investment Scheme.
SUBMISSION OF INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS

The Collective Investment Management Company should prepare quarterly reports of its activities and the
status of compliance of SEBI regulations and submit the same to the trustees within one month of the expiry
of each quarter. The Collective Investment Management Company should file with the trustees and the SEBI,
particulars of all its directors along with their interest in other companies within fifteen days of their appointment.
It should furnish a copy of the Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Account; a copy of the summary of the yearly
appraisal report and such other information as may be required, to the unit holders, to the SEBI and the trustees
within two months from the closure of financial year.
TRUSTEES AND THEIR OBLIGATIONS

A scheme should be constituted in the form of a trust and the instrument of trust should be framed in the form of
a deed duly registered under the provisions of the Indian Registration Act, 1908 executed by the CIMC in favour
of the trustees named in such an instrument. It can appoint a trustee under the deed to hold the assets of the
scheme for the benefit of unit holders.
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CONTENTS OF TRUST DEED

The trust deed should contain such clauses as are specified and other clauses as are necessary for safeguarding
the interests of the unit holders. No trust deed should contain a clause which has the effect of limiting or
extinguishing the obligations and liabilities of the Collective Investment Management Company in relation to
any scheme or the unit holders; or indemnifying the trustee or the Collective Investment Management Company
for loss or damage caused to the unit holders by their acts of negligence or acts of commissions or omissions.
ELIGIBILITY FOR APPOINTMENT AS TRUSTEE

The persons registered with the SEBI as Debenture Trustee under SEBI (Debenture Trustee) Regulations,
1993 are only eligible to be appointed as trustees of collective investment schemes. However, no person is
eligible to be appointed as trustee, if he is directly or indirectly associated with the persons who have control
over the CIMC. The CIMC shall furnish to SEBI particulars in respect of trustees appointed in the prescribed
form. No person should be appointed as trustee of a scheme, if he has been found guilty of an offence under
the securities laws or the SEBI or any authority to which the SEBI has delegated its power has passed against
such person, an order under the Act for violation of any provision of the Act or of regulations made hereunder.
The trustee and the Collective Investment Management Company should enter into an agreement for managing
the schemes’ property. The agreement for managing the scheme property should contain clauses as specified
and such other clauses as are necessary for the purpose of fulfilling the objectives of the scheme.
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE TRUSTEE

The trustee have a right to obtain from the CIMC such information as is considered necessary by the trustee
and to inspect the books of accounts and other records relating to the scheme. The trustee should ensure that
the CIMC has;
(i) the necessary office infrastructure;
(ii) appointed all key personnel including managers for the schemes and submitted their bio-data which
shall contain the educational qualifications and past experience in the areas relevant for fulfilling the
objectives of the schemes;
(iii) appointed auditors from the list of auditors approved by SEBI to audit the accounts of the scheme;
(iv) appointed a compliance officer to comply with the provisions of the Act and these regulations and to
redress investor grievances;
(v) appointed registrars to an issue and share transfer agent.
(vi) prepared a compliance manual and designed internal control mechanisms including internal audit
systems;
(vii) taken adequate insurance for the assets of the scheme;
(viii) not given any undue or unfair advantage to any associates of the company or dealt with any of the
associates in any manner detrimental to the interest of the unit holders;
(ix) operated the scheme in accordance with the provisions of the trust deed, these regulations and the
offer document of the scheme(s);
(x) undertaken the activity of managing schemes only;
(xi) taken adequate steps to ensure that the interest of investors of one scheme are not compromised with
the object of promoting the interest of investors of any other scheme;
(xii) minimum networth on a continuous basis and shall inform the SEBI immediately of any shortfall;
(xiii) been diligent in empanelling the marketing agents and in monitoring their activities.
The trustee should forthwith take such remedial steps as are necessary and immediately inform the SEBI of the
action taken where the trustee believes that the conduct of business of the scheme is not in accordance with
the regulations. The trustee should be accountable for, and act as the custodian of the funds and property of
the respective schemes and should hold the same in trust for the benefit of the unit holders in accordance with
these regulations and the provisions of trust deed. The trustee should be responsible for the calculation of any
income due to be paid to the scheme and also for any income received in the scheme to the unit holders. The
trustee is required to convene a meeting of the unit holders on requisition of SEBI or unit holders holding at least
one-tenth of nominal value of the unit capital of any scheme or when any change in the fundamental attributes
of any scheme which affects the interest of the unit holders is proposed to be carried out. However, no such
change should be carried out unless the consent of unit holders holding at least three-fourths of nominal value
of the unit capital of the scheme is obtained.
The trustee should review on a quarterly basis i.e. by the end of March, June, September, and December every
year :
– all activities carried out by the CIMC;
– periodically all service contracts relating to registrars to an issue and share transfer agents and satisfy
itself that such contracts are fair and reasonable in the interest of the unit holders;
– investor complaints received and the redressal of the same.
The trustee should ensure that net worth of CIMC is not deployed in a manner which is detrimental to interest
of unit holders and also that the property of each scheme is clearly identifiable as scheme property and held
separately from property of the CIMC. Clearances or no objection certificate should be obtained, in respect of
transactions relating to property of the scheme from such authority as is competent to grant such clearance or
no objection certificate. The trustee should abide by the Code of Conduct as specified in the Third Schedule.
The trustee is required to furnish to SEBI on a quarterly basis every year, a report on the activities of the
scheme and a certificate stating that the trustee has satisfied himself that affairs of the Collective Investment
Management Company and of the various schemes are conducted in accordance with these regulations and
investment objective of each scheme.
The trustee should cause:
(a) the profit and loss accounts and balance sheet of the schemes to be audited at the end of each financial
year by an auditor empanelled with the SEBI.
(b) each scheme to be appraised at the end of each financial year by an appraising agency.
(c) scheme to be rated by a credit rating agency.
A meeting of the trustees to discuss the affairs of the scheme should be held at least twice in every three
months. The trustee should report to SEBI any breach of these regulations that has, or is likely to have, made
materially adverse effect on the interests of unit holders, as soon as they become aware of the breach. The
trustee should ensure that the fees and expenses of the scheme are within the limits as specified and the
accounts of the schemes are drawn up in accordance with the accounting norms as specified and should
comply with accounts of the scheme and the format of the balance sheet and the profit and loss account as
specified in these regulation.
TERMINATION OF TRUSTEESHIP
The trusteeship of a trustee should come to an end –
304 EP-SL&CM
(a) If the trustee ceases to be trustee under SEBI (Debentures Trustees) Regulations, 1993; or
(b) if the trustee is in the course of being wound up; or
(c) if unit holders holding at least three-fourths of the nominal value of the unit capital of the scheme pass
a resolution for removing the trustee and SEBI approves such resolution; or
(d) if in the interest of the unit holders, SEBI, for reasons to be recorded in writing decides to remove the
trustee for any violation of the Act or these regulations committed by them or the trustee should be
afforded reasonable opportunity of being heard before action is taken under this clause;
(e) if the trustee serves on the Collective Investment Management Company, a notice of not less than three
months expressing intention of not to continue as trustee.
In such cases, another trustee should be appointed by the CIMC on the termination of the trusteeship. The
appointment of the new trustee should be completed within three months from the date of termination of the
previous trusteeship. If CIMC in unable to appoint trustee in requisite time period of three months, then the
SEBI can appoint any person as a trustee from its empanelled list. The new trustee appointed should stand
substituted as trustee in all the documents, to which the trustee so removed was a party. A trust deed in the
prescribed form as specified in these regulation shall be executed by the CIMC in favour of the trustee so
appointed and from the date of such appointment trustees shall be subject to all the rights and duties as
specified in these regulations.
The trustees so removed shall from such date be discharged from complying with the obligations under the trust
deed but shall remain liable for any action taken by them before such removal. The person appointed by SEBI
should apply to the Court for an order directing the CIMC to wind up the scheme.
TERMINATION OF THE AGREEMENT WITH THE COLLECTIVE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

COMPANY
The agreement entered into by the trustee with the Collective Investment Management Company may be
terminated –
(a) if the CIMC is in the course of being wound up as per the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 or;
(b) if unit holders holding at least three-fourth of the nominal value of the unit capital of the scheme pass
a resolution for terminating the agreement with the CIMC and the prior approval of SEBI has been
obtained, or
(c) if in the interest of the unit holders, SEBI or the trustee after obtaining prior approval of SEBI, and after
giving an opportunity of being heard to the Collective Investment Management Company, decide to
terminate the agreement with the CIMC.
Another CIMC registered with SEBI, should be appointed upon the termination of agreement by the trustee
within three months from the date of such termination. The CIMC so removed continues to act as such at the
discretion of trustee or the trustee itself may act as CIMC till such time as new CIMC is appointed.
The CIMC appointed should stand substituted as a party in all the documents to which the CIMC so removed
was a party. The CIMC so removed should continue to be liable for all acts of omission and commissions
notwithstanding such termination. If, none of the CIMC, registered under the regulations, consent to be appointed
as CIMC within a further period of three months, then the trustee may wind up the scheme. An agreement for
managing scheme property should be executed in favour of the new CIMC subject to all the rights and duties
as specified in the regulations.
PROCEDURE FOR LAUNCHING OF SCHEMES

No scheme should be launched by the CIMC unless such scheme is approved by the Trustee and rated by a
registered credit rating agency and appraised by an appraising agency.
DISCLOSURES IN THE OFFER DOCUMENT

The CIMC shall before launching any scheme file a copy of the offer document of the scheme with the SEBI and pay
filing fees as specified. The offer document should contain such information as specified. The offer document should
also contain true and fair view of the scheme and adequate disclosures to enable the investors to make informed
decision. SEBI may in the interest of investors require the CIMC to carry out such modifications in the offer document
as it deems fit. In case no modifications are suggested by SEBI in the offer document within 21 days from the date of
filing, the Collective Investment Management Company may issue the offer document to the public.
ALLOTMENT OF UNITS AND REFUNDS OF MONEY

The Collective Investment Management Company should specify in the offer document the minimum and the
maximum subscription amount it seeks to raise under the scheme; and in case of oversubscription, the process
of allotment of the amount oversubscribed. The CIMC should refund the application money to the applicants,
if the scheme fails to receive the minimum subscription amount. Any amount refundable should be refunded
within a period of six weeks from the date of closure of subscription list, by Registered A.D. and by cheque or
demand draft. In the event of failure to refund the amounts within the period specified, the CIMC has to pay
interest to the applicants at a rate of fifteen percent per annum on the expiry of six weeks from the date of
closure of the subscription list. A scheme shall not be open for more than 90 days.
UNIT CERTIFICATES
The Collective Investment Management Company should issue to the applicant whose application has been
accepted, unit certificates as soon as possible but not later than six weeks from the date of closure of the
subscription list. However, if the units are issued through a depository, a receipt in lieu of unit certificate will
be issued as per provisions of SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 1996 and bye-laws of the
depository.
TRANSFER OF UNITS
A unit certificate issued under the scheme should be freely transferable. The CIMC on production of instrument
of transfer together with relevant unit certificates, register the transfer and return the unit certificate to the
transferee within thirty days from the date of such production. However, if the units are held in a depository
such units shall be transferable in accordance with the provisions of the SEBI (Depositories and Participants)
Regulations, 1996 and bye-laws of the depository.
The subscription amount received should be kept in a separate bank account in the name of the scheme and
utilised for –
(1) (a) adjustment against allotment of units only after the trustee has received a statement from the
registrars to the issue and share transfer agent regarding minimum subscription amount, as stated in
the offer document, having been received from the public, or
(b) for refund of money in case minimum subscription amount, as stated in the offer document, has not
been received or in case of over-subscription.
(2) The minimum subscription amount as specified in the offer document couldn’t be less than the minimum
amount, as specified by the appraising agency, needed for completion of the project for which the
scheme is being launched.
306 EP-SL&CM
(3) The moneys credited to the account of the scheme should be utilised for the purposes of the scheme
and as specified in the offer document.
(4) Any unutilised amount lying in the account of the scheme should be invested in the manner as disclosed
in the offer document.
INVESTMENTS AND SEGREGATION OF FUNDS

The Collective Investment Management Company should:
(a) not invest the funds of the scheme for purposes other than the objective of the scheme as disclosed in
the offer document.
(b) segregate the assets of different schemes.
(c) not invest corpus of a scheme in other schemes.
(d) not transfer funds from one scheme to another scheme.
However, it has been provided that inter scheme transfer of scheme property may be permitted at the time of
termination of the scheme with prior approval of the trustee and the SEBI.
LISTING OF SCHEMES
The units of every scheme shall be listed immediately after the date of allotment of units and not later than
six weeks from the date of closure of the scheme on each of the stock exchanges as mentioned in the offer
document.
WINDING UP OF SCHEME
A scheme should be wound up on the expiry of duration specified in the scheme or on the accomplishment of
the objective of the scheme as specified in the offer document. A scheme may be wound up :
(a) on the happening of any event which, in the opinion of the trustee, requires the scheme to be wound up
and the prior approval of the SEBI is obtained; or
(b) if unit holders of a scheme holding at least three-fourth of the nominal value of the unit capital of the
scheme, pass a resolution that the scheme be wound up and the approval of SEBI is obtained thereto;
or
(c) if in the opinion of SEBI, the continuance of the scheme is prejudicial to the interests of the unit-holders;
or
(d) if in the opinion of the CIMC, the purpose of the scheme cannot be accomplished and it obtains the
approval of the trustees and that of the unit holders of the scheme holding at least three-fourth of the
nominal value of the unit capital of the scheme with a resolution that the scheme be wound up and the
approval of SEBI is obtained thereto.
Where a Scheme is to be wound up, the trustee shall give notice disclosing the circumstances leading the
winding up of the Scheme in a daily newspaper having nationwide circulation and in the newspaper published
in the language of the region where the CIMC is registered.
The trustee should dispose of the assets of the scheme concerned in the best interest of the unit holders of that
scheme. The proceeds of sale realised, should be first utilised towards the discharge of such liabilities as are
due and payable under the scheme and after making appropriate provision for meeting the expenses connected
with such winding up, the balance shall be paid to the unit holders in proportion to their unit holding.
After the completion of the winding up, the trustee should forward to SEBI and the unit holders –
(a) a report on the steps taken for realisation of assets of the scheme, expenses for winding up and net
assets available for distribution to the unit holders, and
(b) a certificate from the auditors of the scheme to the effect that all the assets of the scheme are realised
and the details of the distribution of the proceeds.
The unclaimed money, if any at the time of winding up, should be kept separately in a bank account by the trustee
for a period of three years for the purpose of meeting investors’ claims and thereafter, should be transferred to
investor protection fund, as may be specified by the SEBI. On and from the date of the publication of notice,
the trustee or the CIMC as the case may be, shall cease to carry on any business activities in respect of the
Scheme so wound up.
DIRECTIONS BY THE SEBI

308 EP-SL&CM
PENAL PROVISIONS
As per Section 15D of the SEBI Act, 1992 –
If any person, who is –
(a) required under this Act or any rules or regulations made thereunder to obtain a certificate of registration
from the SEBI for sponsoring or carrying on any collective investment scheme, including mutual funds,
sponsors or carries on any collective investment scheme, including mutual funds, without obtaining
such certificate of registration, he shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than one lakh
rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees for each day during which he sponsors or carries
on any such collective investment scheme including mutual funds subject to a maximum of one crore
rupees;
(b) registered with the SEBI as a collective investment scheme, including mutual funds, for sponsoring
or carrying on any investment scheme, fails to comply with the terms and conditions of certificate of
registration, he shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may
extend to one lakh rupees for each day during which such failure continues subject to a maximum of
one crore rupees;
(c) registered with the SEBI as a collective investment scheme, including mutual funds, fails to make an
application for listing of its schemes as provided for in the regulations governing such listing, he
shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to
one lakh rupees for each day during which such failure continues subject to a maximum of one
crore rupees;
(d) registered as a collective investment scheme, including mutual funds, fails to despatch unit certificates
of any scheme in the manner provided in the regulation governing such despatch, he shall be liable to a
penalty which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees for each
day during which such failure continues subject to a maximum of one crore rupees;
(e) registered as a collective investment scheme, including mutual funds, fails to refund the application
monies paid by the investors within the period specified in the regulations, he shall be liable to a penalty
which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to one lakh rupees for each day
during which such failure continues subject to a maximum of one crore rupees;
(f) registered as a collective investment scheme, including mutual funds, fails to invest money collected
by such collective investment schemes in the manner or within the period specified in the regulations,
he shall be liable to a penalty which shall not be less than one lakh rupees but which may extend to
one lakh rupees for each day during which such failure continues subject to a maximum of one crore
rupees.

The Company Secretary shall ensure that the money mobilization carried out by the company will not trigger
the parameters of CIS Regulations.
LESSON ROUND UP
– A collective investment scheme is a trust based scheme that comprises a pool of assets that is
managed by a collective investment scheme manager and is governed by the Collective Investment
Schemes Regulations given by the SEBI.
– A scheme should be constituted in the form of a trust and the instrument of trust should be in the
form of a deed duly registered under the provisions of the Indian Registration Act, 1908 executed
by the Collective Investment Management Company in favour of the trustees named in such an
instrument.
– Collective Investment Management Company is regulated by the SEBI (Collective Investment
Schemes) Regulations, 1999.
– The SEBI (Collective Investment Schemes) Regulations, 1999 defines Collective Investment
Management Company to mean a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 and
registered with SEBI under these regulations, whose object is to organize, operate and manage a
collective investment scheme.
GLOSSARY
Fundamental Attributes It means the investment objective and terms of a scheme.
Pooling Pooling is the basic concept behind collective investments. The money of
thousands of individual investors, who share a common investment objective, is
pooled together to form a CIS portfolio.
Ponzi Scheme A ponzi scheme is an investment from where clients are promised a large profit
in short term at little or no risk at all.
Scheme It means Collective Investment Scheme.
Unit Holders Investors in unit trust/mutual funds.
SELF TEST QUESTIONS

1. What are the restrictions imposed on business activities for Collective Investment Management
Company?
2. Explain the schemes or arrangements which are not included in collective investment scheme?
3. What are the obligations of Collective Investment Management Company under the SEBI (Collective
Investment Scheme) Regulations, 1999?
4. State the provisions relating to allotments of units and refund of money under the SEBI (Collective
Investment Scheme) Regulations, 1999.
5. What should be the contents of the trust deed which is required to be executed under the SEBI
(Collective Investment Scheme) Regulations, 1999.
310 EP-SL&CM
Lesson 14 n SEBI (Ombudsman) Regulations, 2003 311
Lesson 14
SEBI (Ombudsman) Regulations, 2003
LESSON OUTLINE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
– Introduction
Investor grievance redressal mechanism and
– Investor Grievances protection of retail investor go hand in hand with
– SCORES (SEBI Complaints Redress one another. There is need of transparent, time
System) bound, easier and simpler grievance redressal
mechanism for the retail investor.
– When can a case be referred for Arbitration?
In order to have resolution of complaints and to
– Time line for lodging complaint on SCORES
have clarity in the minds of investors, the SEBI has
– When can SEBI take action for non- clear cut defined mechanism specifying there in
resolution of investor complaints? the nature of complaint and whom to lodge so the
– Ombudsman investors are not harassed and at the same time to
facilitate a quick resolution of the complaint.
– Evidence Act not to apply in the Proceedings
before Ombudsman Keeping this in view, a Company Secretaryship
student should be aware of various grievance
– SEBI (Informal Guidance) Scheme, 2003
redressal mechanism available to an investor as
– LESSON ROUND UP prescribed by the SEBI. So that while entering
the professional arena after completing the CS
– GLOSSARY
course they would be able to advise their Board of
– SELF-TEST QUESTIONS Directors or clients about the same.
This lesson helps the students to know about
SCORES, SEBI Ombudsman Regulations and
Informal Guidance Scheme, etc.
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INTRODUCTION
The securities market operations promote the economic growth of the country. The more efficient is the
securities market, the greater is the promotion effect on economic growth. It is, therefore, necessary to ensure
that securities market operations are more efficient, transparent and safe. In this context, the investors need
protection from the various malpractices and unfair practices made by the corporate and intermediaries. As the
individual investors’ community and the investment avenues are on the rise, it is interesting to know how the
investors shall be protected through various legislations. Securities market in general are to be regulated to
improve the market operations in fair dealings and easy to access the market by corporate and investors.
The desired level of economic growth of a country is dependent upon availability of protection to its investors’.
Globally, there is increased evidence to suggest that investor protection has assumed an important role in the
economic development of a country. Integrity of the financial markets and economic well being of the country
depend on corporate accountability and investors’ confidence. The global concern to make capital markets
safer and transparent can be achieved by strengthening financial system and managing the crisis efficiently.
The revival of investors’ protection in the corporate securities market is necessary to make market more efficient
by means of converting savings to investment. If the investors are not protected properly by way of providing fair
rate of return and safeguarding their capital, the corporate will not be able to mobilize funds from the market at
reasonable rate in times to come. In view of the foregoing with a view to gain the confidence of investors in the
securities market it is necessary to provide adequate rate of return on investors’ capital by corporates through
their operational efficiency. This will enable us to bring more investors to the capital market. This can be done by
a series of systematic measures which would build their confidence in the systems and processes and protect
the interest of investors.
INVESTOR GRIEVANCES
There will be occasions when an investor has a complaint against, a listed company or an intermediary
registered with the SEBI. In the event of such complaint, the investor should first approach the concerned
company/ intermediary against whom there is a complaint. Sometimes the response received may not
be satisfactory. Therefore, investors should know as to which authority they should approach, to get their
complaints redressed.
SCORES (SEBI COMPLAINTS REDRESS SYSTEM)

SCORES is an online platform designed to help investors to lodge their complaints, pertaining to securities
market, online with SEBI against listed companies and SEBI registered intermediaries. All complaints received
by SEBI against listed companies and SEBI registered intermediaries are dealt through SCORES.
Complaints arising out of issues that are covered under SEBI Act, Securities Contract Regulation Act,
Depositories Act and rules and regulation made there under and relevant provisions of Companies Act, 2013
come under the come under the purview of the SEBI.
The salient features of SCORES are:
1. SCORES is web enabled and provides online access 24 x 7;
2. Complaints and reminders thereon can be lodged online at the above website at anytime from anywhere;
3. An email is generated instantaneously acknowledging the receipt of complaint and allotting a unique
complaint registration number to the complainant for future reference and tracking;
4. The complaint forwarded online to the entity concerned for its redressal;
5. The entity concerned uploads an Action Taken Report (ATR) on the complaint;
6. SEBI peruses the ATR and closes the complaint if it is satisfied that the complaint has been redressed
adequately;
7. The concerned investor can view the status of the complaint online from the above website by logging
in the unique complaint registration number;
8. The entity concerned and the concerned investor can seek and provide clarification on his complaint
online to each other;
9. Every complaint has an audit trail; and
10. All the complaints are saved in a central database which generates relevant MIS reports to enable SEBI
to take appropriate policy decisions and/or remedial actions, if any.
With a view to make the complaint redressal mechanism through SCORES more efficient, all stock brokers
and depository participants are directed to address/redress the complaint within a period of 15 days from the
receipt of the complaint. In case additional information is required from the complaint, the same shall be sought
within 7 days from the receipt of the complaint. In such cases, the period of 15 days shall run from the receipt
of additional information.
314 EP-SL&CM
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
COMPLAINTS THAT COME UNDER THE PURVIEW OF SEBI

Complaints arising out of issues that are covered under SEBI Act, Securities Contract Regulation Act,
Depositories Act and rules and regulation made there under and relevant provisions of Companies Act, 2013.
MATTERS NOT CONSIDERED AS COMPLAINTS IN SCORES

a) Complaint not pertaining to investment in securities market.
b) Anonymous Complaints (except whistleblower complaints).
c) Incomplete or un-specific complaints.
d) Allegations without supporting documents.
e) Suggestions or seeking guidance/explanation.
f) Not satisfied with trading price of the shares of the companies.
g) Non-listing of shares of private offer.
h) Disputes arising out of private agreement with companies/intermediaries.
i) Matter involving fake/forged documents.
j) Complaints on matters not in SEBI purview.
k) Complaints about any unregistered/ un-regulated activity.
COMPLAINTS AGAINST WHICH TYPE OF COMPANIES CANNOT BE DEALT ON SCORES

Complaints against the following companies cannot be dealt through SCORES even though the complaint may
be against a listed entity/ SEBI registered intermediary:-
a) Complaints against the companies which are unlisted/delisted, placed on the Dissemination Board of
Stock Exchange.
b) Complaints against a sick company or a company where a moratorium order is passed in winding up /
insolvency proceedings.
c) Complaints against the companies where the name of company is struck off from Registrar of
Companies (RoC) or a Vanishing Company as per list published by Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
d. Suspended companies, companies under liquidation, BIFR etc.
d) Complaints that are sub-judice i.e. relating to cases which are under consideration by court of law,
quasi-judicial proceedings etc.
Complaints against companies, falling under the purview of other regulatory bodies viz. The Reserve Bank
of India (RBI), The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), the Pension Funds
Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), Competition Commission of India (CCI), etc., or under the
purview of other ministries viz., MCA, etc.
WHEN CAN A CASE BE REFERRED FOR ARBITRATION?

If the grievance is not resolved by the Stock Exchange/Depository due to disputes, an investor can file arbitration
subject to the Bye-laws, Rules and Regulations of the exchange / Depository. All claims, differences or disputes
between the investors and stock brokers/depository participants can be filed for arbitration. To obtain information
about when and how to file an arbitration claim, please visit:
• Bombay Stock Exchange
http://www.bseindia.com/invdesk/Arbitrage.asp
• National Stock Exchange
http://www.nseindia.com/content/assist/asst_investser.htm
• Central Depository Services Limited
http://www.cdslindia.com/downloads/Operating%20Instruction/Chapters-as-of-June-2011.pdf
• National Securities Depository Limited
https://nsdl.co.in
Simplified arbitration can be a less costly alternative to legal recourse before the courts of law. If the investor
has an account with the broker or a depository participant (DP), he/she can choose arbitration to settle disputes.
The investor generally cannot pursue an issue through arbitration if it is barred by limitation prescribed. When
deciding whether to arbitrate, the investor has to bear in mind that if the broker or DP goes out of business or
declares bankruptcy, he/she might not be able to recover money even if the arbitrator or court rules in his/her
favor.
However, with certain restriction to the nature of transactions, Stock Exchanges may settle on case to case
basis the claim of an investor up to a limit prescribed in the “Investor protection fund” guidelines of the respective
Stock Exchange. The claimant is required to carefully review the rules governing simplified arbitration before
filing a claim and should also weigh the costs of arbitrating against the likelihood of being able to collect any
316 EP-SL&CM
award in favor. An investor, who has a claim / counter claim upto Rs.10 lakh and files arbitration reference for
the same within six months, need not make any deposit for filing arbitration.
Time line for lodging complaint on SCORES

From 1st August 2018, an investor may lodge a complaint on SCORES within three years from the date of
cause of complaint, where;
• Investor has approached the listed company or registered intermediary for redressal of the complaint
and,
• The concerned listed company or registered intermediary rejected the complaint or,
• The complainant does not receive any communication from the listed company or intermediary
concerned or,
• The complainant is not satisfied with the reply given to him or redressal action taken by the listed
company or an intermediary.
In case investor fails to lodge a complaint within the stipulated time, he may directly take up the complaint with
the entity concerned or may approach appropriate court of law.
When can SEBI take action for non-resolution of investor complaints?

For listed companies: SEBI has empowered stock exchanges to levy fine for non-redressal of investor
complaints in terms of the relevant provisions of SEBI (Listing and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015
to be read with SEBI circular SEBI/HO/CFD/CMD/CIR/P/2018/77 dated 03 May, 2018.
If the complaint is not redressed/ fine is not paid, the stock exchanges can direct the depositories to freeze the
entire shareholding of the promoter and promoter group in such entity as well as all other securities held in the
demat account of the promoter and promoter group. If non-compliance continues, the stock exchanges may
refer such cases to SEBI for enforcement actions, if any.
Notwithstanding the above, while the entity is directly responsible for redressal of investor complaints, SEBI
can initiate action against recalcitrant entities including registered intermediaries and listed companies on the
grounds of their failure to redress investor complaints.
OMBUDSMAN
Ombudsman in its literal sense is an independent person appointed to hear and act upon citizen’s complaint
about government services. This concept was invented in Sweden and the idea has been widely adopted. For
example, various banks, insurance companies have appointed Ombudsman to attend to the complaints of their
customers.
The SEBI has issued the SEBI (Ombudsman) Regulations, 2003. Regulation 2(l) of these Regulations defines
Ombudsman as under:
“Ombudsman” means any person appointed under regulation 3 of these regulations and unless the context
otherwise requires, includes stipendiary Ombudsman.
Regulation 2(n) of the Regulations defines stipendiary Ombudsman as a person appointed under regulation
9 for the purpose of acting as Ombudsman in respect of a specific matter or matters in a specific territorial
jurisdiction and for which he may be paid such expenses, honorarium, sitting fees as may be determined by the
SEBI from time to time.
The regulations further deal with establishment of office of Ombudsman, powers and functions of Ombudsman,
procedure for redressal of Grievances and implementation of the award.

The term “complaint” under these Regulation means a representation in writing containing a grievance as
specified in regulation 13 of these regulations; and “complainant” means any investor who lodges complaint
with the Ombudsman and includes an investors association recognised by the SEBI.
An “investor” means a person who invests or buys or sells or deals in securities.
“Listed company” has been defined in the Regulations to mean a company whose securities are listed on
a recognised stock exchange and includes a public company which intends to get its securities listed on a
recognised stock exchange.
Territorial Jurisdiction
Every Ombudsman or Stipendiary Ombudsman exercises jurisdiction in relation to an area as may be specified
by the SEBI by an order.
Powers and Functions of Ombudsman
To receive complaints specified in regulation 13 against

any intermediary or a listed company or both;
To consider such complaints and facilitate resolution

thereof by amicable settlement;
To approve a friendly or amicable settlement of the dispute

between the parties;
To adjudicate such complaints in the event of failure of

settlement thereof by friendly or amicable settlement.
The Ombudsman is required to draw up an annual budget for his office in

consultation with the SEBI and shall incur expenditure within and in
accordance with the provisions of the approved budget and submit an annual
report to the SEBI within three months of the close of each financial year
containing general review of activities of his office. The ombudsman is also
under obligation to furnish from time to time such information to the SEBI as
may be required by the SEBI.
Procedure for Redressal of Grievance

A person may lodge a complaint on any one or more of the following grounds either to SEBI or to the Ombudsman
concerned:
(i) Non-receipt of refund orders, allotment letters in respect of a public issue of securities of companies or
units of mutual funds or collective investments schemes.
(ii) Non-receipt of share certificates, unit certificates, debenture certificates, bonus shares;
318 EP-SL&CM
(iii) Non-receipt of dividend by shareholders or unit-holders;

(iv) Non-receipt of interest on debentures, redemption amount of debentures or interest on delayed payment
of interest on debentures;
(v) Non-receipt of interest on delayed refund of application monies;
(vi) Non-receipt of annual reports or statements pertaining to the portfolios;
(vii) Non-receipt of redemption amount from a mutual fund or returns from collective investment scheme;
(viii) Non-transfer of securities by an issuer company, mutual fund, Collective Investment Management
Company or depository within the stipulated time;
(ix) Non-receipt of letter of offer or consideration in takeover or buy-back offer or delisting;
(x) Non-receipt of statement of holding corporate benefits or any grievances in respect of corporate
benefits, etc;
(xi) Any grievance in respect of public, rights or bonus issue of a listed company;
(xii) Any of the matters covered under Section 24 of the Companies Act, 2013;
(xiii) Any grievance in respect of issue or dealing in securities against an intermediary or a listed company
Procedure for filing a complaint

Any person who has a grievance against a listed company or an intermediary relating to any of the matters
specified above may himself or through his authorised representative or any investors association recognised
by the SEBI:
If the SEBI has not The complaint is

Make a complaint notified any required to be in
Ombudsman for a The Ombudsman
against a listed writing duly signed
may dismiss a
company or an particular locality or by the complainant
complaint on any
intermediary to the territorial jurisdiction, or his authorised
of the grounds
Ombudsman within the complainant may representative (not
specified under
whose jurisdiction the request the being a legal
the Regulations
registered or Ombudsman located at practitioner) in the
or when such
corporate office of the Head Office of the Form specified in the
complaint is
such listed company SEBI for forwarding his Schedule to the
frivolous in his
or intermediary is complaint to the regulations and
opinion.
located. Ombudsman of supported by
competent jurisdiction. documents, if any.
No complaint to the Ombudsman shall lie –

(a) unless the complainant had, before making a complaint to the SEBI or the Ombudsman concerned,
made a written representation to the listed company or the intermediary named in the complaint and the
listed company or the intermediary, as the case may be, had rejected the complaint or the complainant
had not received any reply within a period of one month after the listed company or intermediary
concerned received his representation or the complainant is not satisfied with the reply given to him by
the listed company or an intermediary;
(b) unless the complaint is made within six months from the date of the receipt of communication of rejection
of his complaint by the complainant or within seven months after the receipt of complaint by the listed
company or intermediary under clause (a) above;
(c) if the complaint is in respect of the same subject matter which was settled through the Office of the
SEBI or Ombudsman concerned in any previous proceedings, whether or not received from the same
complainant or along with any one or more or other complainants or any one or more of the parties
concerned with the subject matter;
(d) if the complaint pertains to the same subject matter for which any proceedings before the SEBI or
any court, tribunal or arbitrator or any other forum is pending or a decree or award or a final order has
already been passed by any such competent authority, court, tribunal, arbitrator or forum;
(e) if the complaint is in respect of or pertaining to a matter for which action has been taken by the SEBI
under Section 11(4) of the Act or Chapter VIA or Section 12(3) of the Act or any other regulations made
thereunder.
Power to call for information

– An Ombudsman may require the listed company or the intermediary named in the complaint or any
other person, institution or authority to provide any information or furnish certified copy of any document
relating to the subject matter of the complaint which is or is alleged to be in its or his possession.
– In the event of the failure of a listed company or the intermediary to comply with the requisition
made without any sufficient cause, the Ombudsman may, if he deems fit, draw the inference that
the information, if provided or copies if furnished, would be unfavourable to the listed company or
intermediary.
– The Ombudsman is required to maintain confidentiality of any information or document coming to his
knowledge or possession in the course of discharging his duties and shall not disclose such information
or document to any person except and as otherwise required by law or with the consent of the person
furnishing such information or document.
– The Ombudsman has been empowered to disclose information or document furnished by a party in
a complaint to the other party or parties, to the extent considered by him to be reasonably required to
comply with the principles of natural justice and fair play in the proceedings.
– However, these provisions shall not apply in relation to the disclosures made or information furnished
by the Ombudsman SEBI or to the publication of Ombudsman’s award in any journal or newspaper or
filing thereof before any Court, Forum or Authority.
Settlement by Mutual Agreement

– As soon as it may be practicable so to do, the Ombudsman shall cause a notice of the receipt of any
complaint along with a copy of the complaint sent to the registered or corporate office of the listed
company or office of the intermediary named in the complaint and endeavour to promote a settlement
of the complaint by agreement or mediation between the complainant and the listed company or
intermediary named in the complaint.
– If any amicable settlement or friendly agreement is arrived at between the parties, the Ombudsman
may pass an award in terms of such settlement or agreement within one month from the date thereof
and direct the parties to perform their obligations in accordance with the terms recorded in the award.
– For the purpose of promoting a settlement of the complaint, the Ombudsman may follow such procedure
and take such actions as he may consider appropriate.
320 EP-SL&CM
Award and Adjudication
• In case the matter is not resolved by mutually acceptable agreement within a period of one month of
the receipt of the complaint or such extended period as may be permitted by the Ombudsman.
• He may, based upon the material placed before him and after giving opportunity of being heard to
the parties, give his award in writing or pass any other directions or orders as he may consider
appropriate.
• Such award shall be made within a period of three months from the date of the filing of the complaint.
• The Ombudsman should send his award to the parties to the adjudication to perform their obligations
under the award.
• Within fifteen days from the receipt of the award a party, with notice to the other party, may request the
Ombudsman to correct any computation errors, any clerical or typographical errors or any other errors
of a similar nature occurring in the award.
• If the Ombudsman considers the request made above to be justified, he shall make the correction
within fifteen days from the receipt of the request which shall form part of the award.
Finality of Award
• An award given by the Ombudsman shall be final and binding on the parties and persons claiming
under them respectively.
• Any party aggrieved by the award on adjudication may file a petition before SEBI within one month
from the receipt of the award or corrected award setting out the grounds for review of the award.
Review of Award
• The SEBI may review the award if there is substantial mis-carriage of justice, or there is an error
apparent on the face of the award.
• Where a petition for review of the award, such petition shall not be entertained by the SEBI unless the
party filing the petition has deposited with SEBI seventy-five percent of the amount mentioned in the
award.
• Further, the SEBI may for reasons to be recorded in writing, waive or reduce the amount to be
deposited.
• The SEBI may review the award and pass such order as it may deem appropriate, within a period of
forty five days of the filing of the petition for review.
• The party so directed shall implement the award within 30 days of receipt of the order of SEBI on review
or within such period as may be specified by the SEBI in the order disposing off the review petition.
• The award passed by the Ombudsman shall remain suspended till the expiry of period of one month for
filing review petition or till the review petition is disposed off by the SEBI, as the case may be.
EVIDENCE ACT NOT TO APPLY IN THE PROCEEDINGS BEFORE OMBUDSMAN

In proceedings before the Ombudsman strict rules of evidence under the Evidence Act shall not apply and the
Ombudsman may determine his own procedure consistent with the principles of natural justice.
Ombudsman shall decide whether to hold oral hearings for the presentation of evidence or for oral argument or
whether the proceeding shall be conducted on the basis of documents and other materials.
However, it shall not be necessary for an investor to be present at the oral hearing of proceedings under
these regulations and the Ombudsman may proceed on the basis of the documentary evidence submitted
before him.
No legal practitioner shall be permitted to represent the defendants or respondents at the proceedings before
the Ombudsman except where a legal practitioner has been permitted to represent the complainants by the
Ombudsman.
Cost and Interest

The Ombudsman or the SEBI, as the case may be, have been empowered to award reasonable compensation
along with interest including future interest till date of satisfaction of the award at a rate which may not exceed
one percent per mensem.
The Ombudsman in the case of an award, or the SEBI in the case of order passed in petition for review of the
award, as the case may be, may determine the cost of the proceedings in the award and include the same in the
award or, in the order as the case may be. The Ombudsman or the SEBI may impose cost on the complainant
for filing complaint or any petition for review, which is frivolous.
Implementation of the Award

The award will be implemented by the party so directed within one month of receipt of the award from the
Ombudsman or an order of the SEBI passed in review petition or within such period as specified in the award
or order of SEBI. If any person fails to implement the award or order of the SEBI passed in the review petition,
without reasonable cause –
(1) he shall be deemed to have failed to redress investors’ grievances and shall be liable to a penalty under
Section 15C of the SEBI Act;
(2) he shall also be liable for –
(a) an action under Section 11(4) of the SEBI Act ; or
(b) suspension or delisting of securities; or
(c) being debarred from accessing the securities market; or
(d) being debarred from dealing in securities; or dealing in securities; or
(e) an action for suspension or cancellation of certificate of registration; or
(f) such other action permissible which may be deemed appropriate in the facts and circumstances
of the case.
Display of the Particulars of the Ombudsman

Every listed company or intermediary is required to display the name and address of the Ombudsman as
specified by the SEBI to whom the complaints are to be made by any aggrieved person in its office premises in
such manner and at such place, so that it is put to notice of the shareholders or investors or unit holders visiting
the office premises of the listed company or intermediary. The listed company or intermediary is required to give
full disclosure about the grievance redressal mechanism through Ombudsman in its offer document or client
322 EP-SL&CM
agreement. Any failure to disclose the grievance redressal mechanism through Ombudsman or any failure to
display the particulars would attract the penal provisions contained in Section 15A of SEBI Act.
SEBI (INFORMAL GUIDANCE) SCHEME, 2003

In the interests of better regulation of and orderly development of the Securities market, SEBI has issued SEBI
(Informal Guidance) Scheme 2003 w.e.f. 24.6.2003. The following persons may make a request for informal
Guidance under the scheme:
(a) any intermediary registered with the SEBI.
(b) any listed company.
(c) any company which intends to get any of its securities listed and which has filed either a listing application
with any stock exchange or a draft offer document with the SEBI or the Central Listing authority.
(d) any mutual fund trustee company or asset management company.
(e) any acquirer or prospective acquirer under the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares & Takeovers)
Regulations, 1997. (Now the SEBI Takeover Regulation, 2011)
The Guidance Scheme, further deals with various aspects such as the nature of request, fees to be accompanied
alongwith request letter, disposal of requests, the SEBI’s discretion not to respond certain types of requests and
confidentiality of requests etc.
The informal guidance may be sought for and given in two forms:
No-action letters
Interpretive letters
– No-action letters: The SEBI indicates that the Department would or would not recommend any action
under any Act, Rules, Regulations, Guidelines, Circulars or other legal provisions administered by SEBI
to the Board if the proposed transaction described in a request made under para 6 is consummated.
– Interpretive letters: The SEBI provides an interpretation of a specific provision of any Act, Rules,
Regulations, Guidelines, Circulars or other legal provision being administered by the SEBI in the
context of a proposed transaction in securities or a specific factual situation.
The request seeking informal guidance should state that it is being made under this scheme and also state
whether it is a request for a no-action letter or an interpretive letter and should be accompanied with prescribed
fees and addressed to the concerned Department of the SEBI.
It should also describe the request, disclose and analyse all material facts and circumstances involved and
mention all applicable legal provisions. The SEBI may dispose off the request as early as possible and in any
case not later than 60 days after the receipt of the request.
The Department may give a hearing or conduct an interview if it feels necessary to do so. The request or shall
be entitled only to the reply. The internal records or views of the SEBI shall be confidential.
The SEBI may not respond to the following types of requests:
(a) those which are general and those which do not completely and sufficiently describe the factual
situation;
(b) those which involve hypothetical situations;
(c) those requests in which the requestor has no direct or proximate interest;
(d) where the applicable legal provisions are not cited;
(e) where a no-action or interpretive letter has already been issued by that or any other Department on a
substantially similar question involving substantially similar facts, as that to which the request relates;
(f) those cases in which investigation, enquiry or other enforcement action has already been initiated;
(g) those cases where connected issues are pending before any Tribunal or Court and on issues which are
subjudice; and,
(h) those cases where policy concerns require that the Department does not respond.
Where a request is rejected for non-compliance, the fee, if any, paid by the requestor shall be refunded to him
after deducting therefrom a sum of Rs. 5,000/- towards processing charges. However, SEBI is not be under
any obligation to respond to a request for guidance made under this scheme, and shall not be liable to disclose
the reasons for declining to reply the request.
Confidentiality of Request
– Any person submitting a letter or written communication under this scheme may request that it receive
confidential treatment for a specified period of time not exceeding 90 days from the date of the
Department’s response.
– The request shall include a statement of the basis for confidential treatment.
– If the Department determines to grant the request, the letter or written communication will not be
available to the public until the expiration of the specified period.
– If it appears to the Department that the request for confidential treatment should be denied, the requestor
will be so advised and such person may withdraw the letter or written communication within 30 days of
receipt of the advise, in which case the fee, if any, paid by him would be refunded to him.
– In case a request has been withdrawn under clause (c), no response will be given and the letter or
written communication will remain with the SEBI but will not be made available to the public.
– If the letter or written communication is not withdrawn, it shall be available to the public together with
any written staff response.
– A no-action letter or an interpretive letter issued by a Department constitutes the view of the Department
but will not be binding on the SEBI, though the SEBI may generally act in accordance with such a letter.
– The letter issued by a Department under this scheme should not be construed as a conclusive decision
or determination of any question of law or fact by the SEBI.
– Such a letter cannot be construed as an order of the SEBI under Section 15T of the Act and shall not
be appealable.
– Where a no action letter is issued by a Department affirmatively, it means that the Department will not
recommend enforcement action to the SEBI, subject to other provisions of this scheme.
324 EP-SL&CM
– The guidance offered through the letters issued by Departments is conditional upon the requestor
acting strictly in accordance with the facts and representations made in the letter.
– The SEBI shall not be liable for any loss or damage that the requestor or any other person may suffer
on account of the request not being replied or being belatedly replied or the SEBI taking a different view
from that taken in a letter already issued under this scheme.
– Where the Department finds that a letter issued by it under this scheme has been obtained by the
requestor by fraud or misrepresentation of facts, notwithstanding any legal action that the Department
may take, it may declare such letter to be non est and thereupon the case of the requestor will be dealt
with as if such letter had never been issued.
– Where the SEBI issues a letter under this scheme, it may post the letter, together with the incoming
request, on the SEBI website in accordance with the Guidance Scheme.
LESSON ROUND UP
– In the developing countries, the growing number of investors, technically advanced financial markets,
liberalised economy etc. necessitates imparting of financial education for better operation of markets
and economy and in the interest of investor.
– SEBI has also launched a comprehensive securities market awareness campaign for educating
investors through workshops, audio-visual clippings, distribution of educative investor materials/
booklets, dedicated investor website etc.
– SCORES is a web based centralized grievance redress system of SEBI which enables investors to
lodge and follow up their complaints and track the status of redressal of such complaints online from
the above website from anywhere.
– SEBI has issued SEBI (Ombudsman) Regulations, 2003 which deals with establishment of office
of Ombudsman, powers and functions of Ombudsman, procedure for redressal of Grievances and
implementation of the award.
– SEBI (Informal Guidance) Scheme, 2003 deals with various aspects such as the nature of request fees
to be accompanied along with letter disposal of requests, SEBI discretion not request and certain types
of request and confidentiality of requests, etc.
GLOSSARY
Arbitration Arbitration is a procedure in which a dispute submitted, by agreement of the parties to
one or more arbitrators who make a binding decision on the dispute.
Award It means a finding in the form of direction or an order of an Ombudsman given in
Complainant It means any investor who lodges complaint with the Ombudsman and includes an
investors association recognised by the Board.
Grievance Redress Grievance Redress mechanism is part and parcel of the machinery of any
administration. The grievance redress mechanism of an organisation is the
gauge to measure its efficiency and effectiveness as it provides important feedback
on the working of the administration
Petition A formal written request, typically one signed by many people, appealing to authority
in respect of a particular cause.
SELF TEST QUESTIONS

1. What is SCORES? Briefly discuss the salient features of SCORES.
2. Who are eligible to make a request under the SEBI (Informal Guidance) Scheme, 2003?
3. Who is an Ombudsman? What is the powers and functions of an Ombudsman?
4. Discuss the various grounds under which a person can lodge a complaint either to the SEBI or to the
Ombudsman.
5. Explain the types of requests which is not considered by SEBI under the SCORES.
326 EP-SL&CM
Lesson 15 n Structure of Capital Market 327
Lesson 15
Structure of Capital Market
Part I Primary Market
LESSON OUTLINE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
A. Capital Market Investment Institutions
Financial Sector plays an indispensable role in
– Introduction
the overall development of a country’s economy.
– National Level Institutions The impact of financial sector on the economic
– State Level Institutions performance of country is of great importance.
– Qualified Institutional Buyers Financial sector mobilizes the savings and
channelize these savings across sectors. This
– Foreign Portfolio Investor
boost the economy at global platform as well. One
– Private Equity of the most important constituent of this sector is
– Angel Fund the financial institutions. A financial institution is an
– High Net Worth Individuals establishment which conducts financial transactions
such as investments, loans and deposits. Almost
– Venture Capital
everyone deals with financial institutions on a
– Pension Fund regular basis. Everything from depositing money
– Alternative Investment Funds to taking out loans and exchanging currencies
B. Capital Market Instruments must be done through financial institutions. These
institutions provide a variety of financial products
– Equity shares
and services to fulfil the varied needs of the
– Shares with Differential Voting Rights commercial sector. Besides, they also provide
– Preference Shares assistance to new enterprises, small and medium
– Debentures enterprises as well as to the industries established
in backward areas. Financial institutions can be
– Bonds
classified in various categories e.g. Insurance
– Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds Companies, Pension Fund, Mutual Fund, Capital
– Foreign Currency Exchangeable Bonds Market Intermediaries etc.
– Indian Depository Receipts Keeping in view the role played by the institutions
– Derivatives in the development of Capital Market, this lesson is
– Warrant designed to give an overview of different categories
of Investment Institutions like Venture Capital,
C. Aspects of Primary Market
Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Qualified Institutional
– Book Building Buyer, Pension Funds, Foreign Portfolio Investor
– Anchor Investors etc. which are active participant in the Financial
Market.
– Application Supported By Block Amount
– Green Shoe Option
328 EP-SL&CM
A. CAPITAL MARKET INVESTMENT INSTITUTIONS
INTRODUCTION
In any economy, financial Institutions play an important role because all the financial dealings and matters
are handled and monitored by such Institutions. The major components of financial Institutions are banks,
insurance companies, investment companies, consumer finance companies, and other specialized financial
institutes. These institutions provide a variety of financial products and services to fulfil the varied needs of the
commercial sector. Besides, they provide assistance to new enterprises, small and medium scale enterprises
as well as industries established in backward areas. Thus, they have helped in reducing regional disparities by
inducing widespread industrial development.
The Government of India, in order to provide adequate supply of credit to various sectors of the economy,
has evolved a well-developed structure of financial institutions in the country. These financial institutions can
be broadly categorised into All India institutions and State level institutions, depending upon the geographical
coverage of their operations. At the national level, they provide long and medium term loans at reasonable rates
of interest and at state level they facilitate project financing..
They subscribe to the debenture of the companies, underwrite public issue of shares, guarantee loans and
deferred payments, etc. Though, the State level institutions are mainly concerned with the development of
medium and small scale enterprises, but they provide the same type of financial assistance as the national
level institutions.
NATIONAL LEVEL INSTITUTIONS

A wide variety of financial institutions have been set up at the national level. These institutions cater to the
diverse financial requirements of the entrepreneurs. They include development banks like IDBI, SIDBI, FIs like
IFCI, IIBI; TFCI and Insurance Companies like LIC, GIC, UTI; etc.
1. All-India Development Banks (AIDBs):- Includes those development banks which provide institutional
credit not only to large and medium scale enterprises but also help in promotion and development of small scale
industrial units.
Following are the banks which caters to the need for the growth of different sectors on India :
– Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI):- It was established in July 1964 as an apex financial
institution for industrial development in the country. It caters to the diversified needs of medium and
large scale industries in the form of financial assistance, both directly and indirectly and also promote
institutions engaged in industrial development. Direct assistance is provided by way of project loans,
underwriting of and direct subscription to industrial securities, soft loans, technical refund loans, etc.
Indirect assistance is provided in the form of refinance facilities to industrial concerns.
– Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI):- It was the first development finance institution set up
under the IFCI Act 1948, in order to pioneer long-term institutional credit to medium and large scale
enterprises. It aims to provide financial assistance to industry by way of rupee and foreign currency
loans, underwrites/subscribes the issue of stocks, shares, bonds and debentures of industrial
concerns, etc. It has also diversified its activities in the field of merchant banking, syndication
of loans, formulation of rehabilitation programmes, assignments relating to amalgamations and
mergers, etc.
– Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI):- It was set up by the Government of India in
April 1990, as a wholly owned subsidiary of IDBI. It is the principal financial institution for promotion,
financing and development of small scale industries in the economy. It aims to empower the Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector with a view to contributing to the process of economic
growth, employment generation and balanced regional development.
– Industrial Investment Bank of India Ltd (IIBI):- It was set up in 1985 under the Industrial reconstruction
Bank of India Act, 1984, as the principal credit and reconstruction agency for sick industrial units. It was
converted into IIBI on March 17, 1997, as a full-fledged development financial institution. It assists
industry mainly in medium and large sector through wide ranging products and services. Besides
project finance, IIBI also provides short duration non-project asset-backed financing in the form of
underwriting/direct subscription, deferred payment guarantees and working capital/ other short-term
loans to companies to meet their fund requirements.
2. Specialised Financial Institutions (SFIs):- These are the institutions which have been set up to serve the
increasing financial needs of trade and commerce in the area of venture capital, credit rating and leasing, etc.
Following institutions are considered as SFIs in our country:
– IFCI Venture Capital Funds Ltd (IVCF):- IVCF formerly known as Risk Capital & Technology Finance
Corporation Ltd (RCTC), is a subsidiary of IFCI Ltd. It was promoted with the objective of broadening
entrepreneurial base in the country by facilitating funding to ventures involving innovative product/
process/technology. Initially, it started providing financial assistance by way of soft loans to promoters
under its ‘Risk Capital Scheme’. Since 1988, it also started providing finance under ‘Technology
Finance and Development Scheme’ to projects for commercialisation of indigenous technology for new
processes, products, market or services. Over the years, it has acquired great deal of experience in
investing in technology-oriented projects.
– ICICI Venture Funds Ltd:- Formerly known as Technology Development & Information Company of
India Limited (TDICI), it was founded in 1988 as a joint venture with the Unit Trust of India. Subsequently,
it became a fully owned subsidiary of ICICI. It is a technology venture finance company, set up to
sanction project finance for new technology ventures. The industrial units assisted by it are in the
fields of computer, chemicals/polymers, drugs, diagnostics and vaccines, biotechnology, environmental
engineering, etc.
– Tourism Finance Corporation of India Ltd. (TFCI):- It is a specialised financial institution set up
by the Government of India for promotion and growth of tourist industry in the country. Apart from
conventional tourism projects, it provides financial assistance for non-conventional tourism projects
like amusement parks, ropeways, car rental services, ferries for inland water transport, etc. It has also
expanded the scope of its activities by including financing of real estate projects, infrastructure projects
and manufacturing projects.
3. Investment Institutions:- These are the most popular form of financial intermediaries, which particularly
catering to the needs of small savers and investors. They deploy their assets largely in marketable securities.
Following are the Investment Institutions established by the Government :
– Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC):- It was established in 1956 as a wholly-owned corporation of
the Government of India. It was formed by the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956, with the objective of
spreading life insurance much more widely and in particular to the rural area. It also extends assistance
for development of infrastructure facilities like housing, rural electrification, water supply, sewerage, etc.
In addition, it extends resource support to other financial institutions through subscription to their shares
and bonds, etc.
– Unit Trust of India (UTI):- It was set up as a body corporate under the UTI Act, 1963, with a view to
encourage savings and investment. It mobilises savings of small investors through sale of units and
channelises them into corporate investments mainly by way of secondary capital market operations.
For more than two decades it remained the sole vehicle for investment in the capital market by the
Indian citizens. Thus, its primary objective is to stimulate and pool the savings of the middle and low
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income groups and enable them to share the benefits of the rapidly growing industrialisation in the
country. In December 2002, the UTI Act, 1963 was repealed with the passage of Unit Trust of India
(Transfer of Undertaking and Repeal) Act, 2002, paving the way for the bifurcation of UTI into 2 entities,
UTI-I and UTI-II with effect from 1st February 2003.
– General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC):- It was formed by the enactment of the General
Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Act, 1972(GIBNA), for the purpose of superintending, controlling
and carrying on the business of general insurance or non-life insurance such as accident, fire, etc.
Initially, GIC had four subsidiary branches, namely, National Insurance Company Ltd, The New India
Assurance Company Ltd, The Oriental Insurance Company Ltd and United India Insurance Company
Ltd . But these branches were delinked from GIC in 2000 to form an association known as ‘GIPSA’
(General Insurance Public Sector Association).
STATE LEVEL INSTITUTIONS

Several financial institutions have been set up at the State level which supplement the financial assistance
provided by the all India institutions. They act as a catalyst for promotion of investment and industrial development
in the respective States. They broadly consist of ‘State financial corporations’ and ‘State industrial development
corporations’.
– State Financial Corporations (SFCs):- These are the State-level financial institutions which play a
crucial role in the development of small and medium enterprises in the concerned States. They provide
financial assistance in the form of term loans, direct subscription to equity/debentures, guarantees,
discounting of bills of exchange and seed/ special capital, etc. SFCs have been set up with the objective
of catalysing higher investment, generating greater employment and widening the ownership base
of industries. They have also started providing assistance to newer types of business activities like
floriculture, tissue culture, poultry farming, commercial complexes and services related to engineering,
marketing, etc. There are around 18 State Financial Corporations (SFCs) in the country.
– State Industrial Development Corporations (SIDCs):- These corporations have been established
under the erstwhile Companies Act, 1956, as wholly-owned undertakings of State Governments. They
have been set up with the objectives of promoting industrial development in the respective States and
providing financial assistance to small entrepreneurs. They are also involved in setting up of medium
and large industrial projects in the joint sector/assisted sector in collaboration with private entrepreneurs
or wholly-owned subsidiaries. They undertake a variety of promotional activities such as preparation of
feasibility reports; conducting industrial potential surveys; entrepreneurship training and development
programmes; as well as developing industrial areas and industrial estates.
QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYERS

QIBs are investment institutions who buy the shares of a company on a large scale. Qualified Institutional
Buyers are those Institutional investors who are generally perceived to possess expertise and the financial
proficiency to evaluate and to invest in the Capital Markets.
If the investor is not capable, either by his/her individual financial limit or not permitted, to invest individually till
he invests a specified statutorily fixed amount, then he usually participates indirectly through certain institutions,
through which he can invest limited sums according to the viability of both, himself and institution.
The institution is usually a collective group of people in which a large number of investors repose faith and the
institution collects a whopping investible sum from various investors to invest in the market. When investing
through the institution, investors usually have limited control on their investments in comparison to the individual
investment as they hand over the amount for investment to the institution and they, in turn, keep experts to have
a vigil on the market. Accordingly, experts recommend the investments to be made and thus the institutions in
the spree invest in that market.

There are various types of institutions defined in the rules and regulations, but to qualify as a ‘Qualified
Institutional Buyer’ (QIB), certain regulations formulated by the SEBI needs to be kept in mind. As the name
itself suggests, it is in the form of an institution and under the institutionalized mechanism, they invest in the
company.
According to Regulation 2(1)(ss) of Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2018, Qualified Institutional Buyer comprises of —
(i) a mutual fund, venture capital fund, Alternative Investment Fund and foreign venture capital investor
registered with SEBI;
(ii) a foreign portfolio investor other than Category III foreign portfolio investor, registered with SEBI;
(iii) a public financial institution as defined in section 4A of the Companies Act, 1956 [now Section 2(72) of
the Companies Act, 2013] ;
(iv) a scheduled commercial bank;
(v) a multilateral and bilateral development financial institution;
(vi) a state industrial development corporation;
(vii) an insurance company registered with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority;
(viii) a provident fund with minimum corpus of twenty five crore rupees;
(ix) a pension fund with minimum corpus of twenty five crore rupees;
(x) National Investment Fund set up by the Government of India;

(xi) insurance funds set up and managed by army, navy or air force of the Union of India;
(xii) insurance funds set up and managed by the Department of Posts, India;
(xiii) systemically important non-banking financial companies.
FOREIGN PORTFOLIO INVESTOR

Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) means a person who satisfies the eligibility criteria prescribed under SEBI
(Foreign Portfolio Investors) Regulations, 2014 and has been registered under Chapter II of these regulations,
which shall be deemed to be an intermediary in terms of the provisions of the SEBI Act, 1992. All existing
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and Qualified Foreign Investors (QFIs) are to be merged into one category
called FPI..
Categories of FPI
Category I FPIs include:
(i) Government and Government related investors such as central banks, sovereign wealth funds,
international or multilateral organizations or agencies including entities controlled or at least 75%
directly or indirectly owned by such Government and Government related investor(s);
(ii) Pension funds and university funds;
(iii) Appropriately regulated entities such as insurance or reinsurance entities, banks, asset management
companies, investment managers, investment advisors, portfolio managers, broker dealers and swap
dealers;
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(iv) Entities from the Financial Action Task Force member countries which are –
I. appropriately regulated funds;
II. unregulated funds whose investment manager is appropriately regulated and registered as a
Category I foreign portfolio investor. However the investment manager undertakes the responsibility
of all the acts of commission or omission of such unregulated fund;
III. university related endowments of such universities that have been in existence for more than five
years;
(v) An entity (A) whose investment manager is from the Financial Action Task Force member country and
such an investment manager is registered as a Category I foreign portfolio investor; or (B) which is
at least seventy-five per cent owned, directly or indirectly by another entity, eligible under sub-clause
(ii), (iii) and (iv) of clause (a) of this regulation and such an eligible entity is from a Financial Action
Task Force member country. However such an investment manager or eligible entity undertakes the
responsibility of all the acts of commission or omission of the applicants seeking registration under this
sub-clause.
Category II FPIs include all the investors not eligible under Category I foreign portfolio investors such as –
(i) appropriately regulated funds not eligible as Category-I foreign portfolio investor;
(ii) endowments and foundations;
(iii) charitable organisations;
(iv) corporate bodies;
(v) family offices;
(vi) Individuals;
(vii) appropriately regulated entities investing on behalf of their client, as per conditions specified by the
Board from time to time;
(viii) Unregulated funds in the form of limited partnership and trusts;
Explanation: An applicant incorporated or established in an International Financial Services Centre shall be
deemed to be appropriately regulated.
ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT FUNDS

Alternative investment funds (AIFs) are defined in Regulation 2(1)(b) of the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds)
Regulations, 2012. It refers to any privately pooled investment fund, (whether from Indian or foreign sources),
in the form of a trust or a company or a body corporate or a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) which are not
presently covered by any Regulation of SEBI governing fund management (like, Regulations governing Mutual
Fund or Collective Investment Scheme) nor coming under the direct regulation of any other sectoral regulators
in India-IRDA, PFRDA, RBI. Hence, in India, AIFs are private funds which are otherwise not coming under the
jurisdiction of any regulatory agency in India.
According to SEBI (AIF) Regulations, 2012, “Alternative Investment Fund” means any fund established or
incorporated in India in the form of a trust or a company or a limited liability partnership or a body corporate
which,-
(i) is a privately pooled investment vehicle which collects funds from investors, whether Indian or foreign,
for investing it in accordance with a defined investment policy for the benefit of its investors; and
(ii) is not covered under the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996, SEBI (Collective Investment
Schemes) Regulations, 1999 or any other regulations of SEBI to regulate fund management activities.
However, the following shall not be considered as Alternative Investment Fund for the purpose of these
regulations, –
(i) Family trusts set up for the benefit of ‘relatives’ as defined under Companies Act, 2013.
(ii) ESOP Trusts set up under the SEBI (Shares Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 or as
permitted under Companies Act, 2013.
(iii) Employee welfare trusts or gratuity trusts set up for the benefit of employees.
(iv) Holding companies within the meaning of Section 2(46) of the Companies Act, 2013.
(v) Other special purpose vehicles not established by fund managers, including securitization trusts,
regulated under a specific regulatory framework.
(vi) Funds managed by securitisation company or reconstruction company which is registered with the
Reserve Bank of India under Section 3 of the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and
Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002.
(vii) Any such pool of funds which is directly regulated by any other regulator in India.
Thus, the definition of AIFs includes venture Capital Fund, hedge funds, private equity funds, commodity funds,
Debt Funds, infrastructure funds, etc., while, it excludes Mutual funds or collective investment Schemes, family
trusts, Employee Benefit Schemes, employee welfare trusts or gratuity trusts, ‘holding companies’ within the
meaning of Section 2(46) of the Companies Act, 2013, securitization trusts regulated under a specific regulatory
framework, and funds managed by securitization company or reconstruction company which is registered with
the RBI under Section 3 of the Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of
Security Interest Act, 2002.
Categories of AIF
Category I Category II Category III
Includes VCF, SME

Funds, Social Venture Includes Private
Equity Funds or Debt Include
Funds (SVF), Infra Hedge Funds
Funds etc. Funds
One AIF can float several schemes. Investors in these funds are large institutions, high net worth individuals
and corporates. In India AIF is regulated by the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012.
PRIVATE EQUITY
Private equity is a type of equity (finance) and one of the asset classes who takes securities and debt in
operating companies that are not publicly traded on a stock exchange. Private equity is essentially a way to
invest in some assets that isn’t publicly traded, or to invest in a publicly traded asset with the intention of taking
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it private. Unlike stocks, mutual funds, and bonds, private equity funds usually invest in more illiquid assets,
i.e. companies. By purchasing companies, the firms gain access to those assets and revenue sources of the
company, which can lead to very high returns on investments. Another feature of private equity transactions is
their extensive use of debt in the form of high-yield bonds. By using debt to finance acquisitions, private equity
firms can substantially increase their financial returns.
Private equity consists of investors and funds that make investments directly into private companies or conduct
buyouts of public companies. Capital for private equity is raised from retail and institutional investors, and can
be used to fund new technologies, expand working capital within an owned company, make acquisitions, or
to strengthen a balance sheet. The major of private equity consists of institutional investors and accredited
investors who can commit large sums of money for long periods of time.
Private equity investments often demand long holding periods to allow for a turn around of a distressed company
or a liquidity event such as IPO or sale to a public company. Generally, the private equity fund raise money from
investors like Angel investors, Institutions with diversified investment portfolio like – pension funds, insurance
companies, banks, funds of funds etc.
Types of Private Equity

Private equity investments can be divided into the following categories:
– Leveraged Buyout (LBO): This refers to a strategy of making equity investments as part of a transaction
in which a company, business unit or business assets is acquired from the current shareholders
typically with the use of financial leverage. The companies involved in these type of transactions that
are typically more mature and generate operating cash flows.
– Venture Capital: It is a broad sub-category of private equity that refers to equity investments made,
typically in less mature companies, for the launch, early development, or expansion of a business.
– Growth Capital: This refers to equity investments, mostly minority investments, in the companies
that are looking for capital to expand or restructure operations, enter new markets or finance a major
acquisition without a change of control of the business.
ANGEL FUND
Angel fund refers to money pool created by high networth individuals or companies (generally known as
Angel Investor), for investing in start up business. Angel fund is defined in SEBI (Alternate Investment Funds)
(amendment) Regulations, 2013 as a sub-category of Venture Capital Fund under category-I AIF that raises
funds from angel investors and invest in accordance with rules specified by SEBI.
An angel investor or angel (also known as a business angel, informal investor, angel funder, private investor,
or seed investor) is an affluent individual who provides capital for a business start-up, usually in exchange for
convertible debt or ownership equity. A small but increasing number of angel investors invest online through
equity crowd funding or organize themselves into angel groups or angel networks to share research and pool
their investment capital, as well as to provide advice to their portfolio companies.
Angel investments are typically the earliest equity investments made in start-up companies. They commonly
band together in investor networks. Often these networks are based on regional, industry in investor or
academic affiliation. Angel Investors are often former entrepreneurs themselves, and typically enjoy working
with companies at the earliest stages of business formation.
The effective Angels help entrepreneurs to shape business models, create business plans and connect to
resources - but without stepping into a controlling or operating role. Often Angels are entrepreneurs who have
successfully built companies, or have spent a part of their career in coaching young companies.
HIGH NET WORTH INDIVIDUALS

HNIs or high net worth individuals is a class of individuals who are distinguished from other retail segment based
on their net wealth, assets and investible surplus. While there is no standard put forth for the classification, the
definition of HNIs varies with the geographical area as well as financial markets and institutions.
Though there is no specific definition, generally in the Indian context, individuals with over Rs. 2 crore investible
surplus may be considered to be HNIs while those with investible wealth in the range of Rs. 25 lac - Rs. 2 crore
may be deemed as Emerging HNIs.
If you are applying for a IPO of equity shares in an Indian company for amount in excess of Rs. 2 lakhs, you
fall under the HNI category. On the other hand, if you apply for amount under Rs. 2 lakhs, you are considered
as a retail investor. There may be so many ways in which HNIs are categorized and defined, there is no single
bracket that could put them under.
VENTURE CAPITAL
Venture Capital is one of the innovative financing resource for a company in which the promoter has to give
up some level of ownership and control of business in exchange for capital for a limited period, say, 3-5 years.
Venture Capital is generally equity investments made by Venture Capital funds, at an early stage in privately
held companies, having potential to provide a high rate of return on their investments. It is a resource for
supporting innovation, knowledge based ideas and technology and human capital intensive enterprises.
“Venture Capital Fund” means an Alternative Investment Fund which invests primarily in unlisted securities of
start-ups, emerging or early-stage venture capital undertakings mainly involved in new products, new services,
technology or intellectual property right based activities or a new business model and shall include an angel
fund.
Essentially, a venture capital company is a group of investors who pool investments focused within certain
parameters. The participants in venture capital firms can be institutional investors like pension funds, insurance
companies, foundations, corporations or individuals but these are high risk investments which may give high
returns or high loss.
Areas of Investment
Different venture groups prefer different types of investments. Some specialize in seed capital and early
expansion while others focus on exit financing. Biotechnology, medical services, communications, electronic
components and software companies seem to be the most likely attraction of many venture firms and receiving
the most financing. Venture capital firms finance both early and later stage investments to maintain a balance
between risk and profitability.
In India, software sector has been attracting a lot of venture finance. Besides media, health and pharmaceuticals,
agri-business and retailing are the other areas that are favoured by a lot of venture companies.
PENSION FUND
Pension Fund means a fund established by an employer to facilitate and organize the investment of employees’
retirement funds which is contributed by the employer and employees. The pension fund is a common asset
pool meant to generate stable growth over the long term, and provide pensions for employees when they
reach the end of their working years and commence retirement. Pension funds are commonly run by some
sort of financial intermediary for the company and its employees like N.P.S. scheme is managed by UTIAMC
(Retirement Solutions), although some larger corporations operate their pension funds in-house. Pension funds
control relatively large amounts of capital and represent the largest institutional investors in many nations.
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Pension funds play a huge role in development of the economy and it play active role in the Indian equity market.
This pension fund ensures a change in their investment attitudes and in the regulatory climate, encouraging
them to increase their investment levels in equities and would have a massive impact on capital market and on
the economy as a whole.
Pensions broadly divided into two sector:
A-Formal sector Pensions
Formal sector pensions in India can be divided into three categories; viz pensions under an Act or Statute,
Government pensions and voluntary pensions
B-Informal sector Pensions
This scheme will cover unorganized workers who are working or engaged as home based workers, street
vendors, cobblers, rag pickers, rickshaw pullers, agriculture workers, construction workers, among others.
Legislations
There are three defining Acts for pensions in India.
1. Pensions under the EPF & MP Act 1952: These include the Employees Provident Fund, Employees
Pension Scheme, and Employees Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme,
2. Pensions under the Coal mines PF & MP Act 1948: These include Coal mines provident fund, Coal
mines pension scheme & Coal mines linked insurance scheme.
3. Gratuity under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972: There are other provident funds in India like
Assam Tea Plantations PF, J&K PF, and Seamens PF etc.
Government Pension
Government pensions in India are referred under the Directive Principles of State Policy and are therefore not
covered under a Statute. The Government amended the regulations to put in place the new pension system.
The old scheme continues for the existing employees (i.e. those who joined service prior to January 1, 2004).
Pensions for government employees would include employees of the central as well as the state governments.
(A) Central Government Pensions like Civil servants pensions, Defences, Railways, Posts.
(B) State Government Pensions, Bank pensions like Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Public Sector Banks,
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and other banks pensions.
Superannuation schemes are also sold in the market. These are typically the retirement plans sold by Mutual
funds and Insurance companies (Life Insurance & Postal Life Insurance).
B. CAPITAL MARKET INSTRUMENTS
EQUITY SHARES
Equity shares, commonly referred to as ordinary share also represents the form of fractional ownership in which
a shareholder, as a fractional owner, undertakes the maximum entrepreneurial risk associated with a business
venture. The holder of such shares is the member of the company and has voting rights.
According to explanation (i) to Section 43 of Companies Act, 2013 ‘‘equity share capital’’, with reference to any
company limited by shares, means all share capital which is not preference share capital. Section 43 further
provides for equity share capital (i) with voting rights, or (ii) with differential rights as to dividend, voting or
otherwise in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed.
Equity capital and further issues of equity capital by a company are generally based on the condition that they
will rank pari passu along with the earlier issued share capital in all respects. However, as regards dividend
declared by the company such additional capital shall be entitled to dividend ratably for the period commencing
from the date of issue to the last day of the accounting year, unless otherwise specified in the articles or in the
terms of the issue.
Important characteristics of equity shares are given below:
Equity shares, have voting rights at all general meetings of the company. These votes have the affect of the
controlling the management of the company.
Equity shares have the right to share the profits of the company in the form of dividend (cash) and bonus
shares. However, even equity shareholders cannot demand declaration of dividend by the company which is
left to the discretion of the Board of Directors.
When the company is wound up, payment towards the equity share capital will be made to the respective
shareholders only after payment of the claims of all the creditors and the preference share capital.
Equity share holders enjoy different rights as members under the Companies Act, 2013 such as:
(a) The right to vote on every resolution placed before the company – (Section 47)
(b) The rights to subscribe to shares at the time of further issue of capital by the company (Pre-emptive
Right) – (Section 62)
(c) Right to appoint proxy to attend and vote at the meeting on his behalf – (Section 105)
(d) Right to receive copy of annual accounts of the company – (Section 136)
(e) Right to receive notice of the meeting of members – (Section 101)
(f) Right to inspection of various statutory registers maintained by the company – (Section 94)
(g) Right to requisition extraordinary general meeting of the company – (Section 100)IAL
SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 also specifies that the listed entity
shall seek to protect and facilitate the exercise of the following rights of shareholders:
(a) right to participate in, and to be sufficiently informed of, decisions concerning fundamental corporate
changes.
(b) opportunity to participate effectively and vote in general shareholder meetings
(c) Being informed of the rules, including voting procedures that govern general shareholder meetings.
(d) opportunity to ask questions to the board of directors, to place items on the agenda of general meetings,
and to propose resolutions, subject to reasonable limitations.
(e) Effective shareholder participation in key corporate governance decisions, such as the nomination and
election of members of board of directors.
(f) exercise of ownership rights by all shareholders, including institutional investors.
(g) adequate mechanism to address the grievances of the shareholders.
(h) protection of minority shareholders from abusive actions by, or in the interest of, controlling shareholders
acting either directly or indirectly, and effective means of redress.
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SHARES WITH DIFFERENTIAL VOTING RIGHTS

Section 43(a)(ii) of the Companies Act, 2013, authorized equity share capital with differential rights as to
dividend, voting or otherwise in accordance with rule 4 of Companies (Share Capital and Debentures) Rules,
2014 which prescribes the following conditions for issue of DVRs :
(a) the articles of association of the company authorizes the issue of shares with differential rights;
(b) the issue of shares is authorized by ordinary resolution passed at a general meeting of the shareholders.
Where the equity shares of a company are listed on a recognized stock exchange, the issue of such
shares shall be approved by the shareholders through postal ballot at a general meeting;
(c) the voting power in respect of shares with differential rights of the company shall not exceed seventy
four per cent of total voting power including voting power in respect of equity shares with differential
rights issued at any point of time;
(d) the shares with differential rights shall not exceed twenty-six percent of the total post-issue paid up
equity share capital including equity shares with differential rights issued at any point of time;
(e) the company having consistent track record of distributable profit for the last three years;
(f) the company has not defaulted in filing financial statements and annual returns for three financial years
immediately preceding the financial year in which it is decided to issue such shares;
(g) the company has no subsisting default in the payment of a declared dividend to its shareholders or
repayment of its matured deposits or redemption of its preference shares or debentures that have
become due for redemption or payment of interest on such deposits or debentures or payment of
dividend;
(h) the company has not defaulted in payment of the dividend on preference shares or repayment of any
term loan from a public financial institution or state level financial institution or scheduled bank that has
become repayable or interest payable thereon or dues with respect to statutory payments relating to its
employees to any authority or default in crediting the amount in Investor Education and Protection Fund
to the Central Government. However, a company may issue equity shares with differential rights upon
expiry of five years from the end of the financial year in which such default was made good;
(i) the company has not been penalized by Court or Tribunal during the last three years of any offence
under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, Securities
Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 or any other special
Act under which such companies being regulated by sectoral regulators;
(j) The explanatory statement to be annexed to the notice of the general meeting in pursuance of section
102 or of a postal ballot in pursuance of section 110 of the Companies Act, 2013 shall contain the
disclosures as mentioned in the rules;
(k) The company shall not convert its existing share capital with voting rights into equity share capital
carrying differential voting rights and vice-versa;
(l) The Board of Directors shall disclose in the Board’s Report for the financial year in which the issue of
equity shares with differential rights was completed, the details as mentioned in the rules;
(m) The holders of the equity shares with differential rights shall enjoy all other rights such as bonus shares,
rights shares etc., which the holders of equity shares are entitled to, subject to the differential rights with
which such shares have been issued;
(n) The register of members maintained under section 88 of the Companies Act, 2013, shall contain all the
relevant particulars of the shares so issued along with details of the shareholders.
PREFERENCE SHARES
According to explanation (ii) to Section 43 of Companies Act, 2013 ‘‘preference share capital’’, with reference
to any company limited by shares, means that part of the issued share capital of the company which carries or
would carry a preferential right with respect to –
(a) payment of dividend, either as a fixed amount or an amount calculated at a fixed rate, which may either
be free of or subject to income-tax; and
(b) repayment, in the case of a winding up or repayment of capital, of the amount of the share capital
paid-up or deemed to have been paid-up, whether or not, there is a preferential right to the payment
of any fixed premium or premium on any fixed scale, specified in the memorandum or articles of the
company;
(iii) capital shall be deemed to be preference capital, notwithstanding that it is entitled to either or both of
the following rights, namely:–
(a) that in respect of dividends, in addition to the preferential rights to the amounts specified in sub-clause
(a) of clause (ii), it has a right to participate, whether fully or to a limited extent, with capital not entitled
to the preferential right aforesaid;
(b) that in respect of capital, in addition to the preferential right to the repayment, on a winding up, of the
amounts specified in sub-clause (b) of clause (ii), it has a right to participate, whether fully or to a limited
extent, with capital not entitled to that preferential right in any surplus which may remain after the entire
capital has been repaid.
In simple terms, the preference shares are those shares which have rights of preference over equity shares in
the case of distribution of dividend and distribution of surplus in the case of winding up. They generally carry a
fixed rate of dividend and redeemable after specific period of time. According to Section 55 of the Companies
Act, 2013, a Company cannot issues preference shares which are irredeemable.
The following kinds of preference shares are issued by the companies:
• Cumulative preference shares
• Non-cumulative preference shares
• Convertible preference shares
• Non-Convertible Redeemable preference shares
• Participating preference share
• Non-participating preference shares
Issuer desirous of making an offer of non-convertible redeemable preference shares to the public is required
to list on one or more recognized stock exchanges. Issuer may list its non-convertible redeemable preference
shares issued on private placement basis on a recognized stock exchange.
DEBENTURES
Section 2(30) of the Companies Act, 2013 defines debentures. “Debenture” includes debenture stock, bonds
or any other instrument of a company evidencing a debt, whether constituting a charge on the assets of the
company or not;
However
(a) the instruments referred to in Chapter III-D of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934; and
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(b) such other instrument, as may be prescribed by the Central Government in consultation with the
Reserve Bank of India, issued by a company,
shall not be treated as debenture.
Debenture is a document evidencing a debt or acknowledging it and any document which fulfils either of these
conditions is a debenture.
The important features of a debenture are:
1. It is issued by a company as a certificate of indebtedness.
2. It usually indicates the date of redemption and also provides for the repayment of principal and payment
of interest at specified date or dates.
3. It usually creates a charge on the undertaking or the assets of the company. In such a case the lenders
of money to the company enjoy better protection as secured creditors, i.e. if the company does not pay
interest or repay principal amount, the lenders may either directly or through the debenture trustees
bring action against the company to realise their dues by sale of the assets/undertaking earmarked as
security for the debt.
4. Debentures holders do not have any voting rights.
5. Compulsory payment of interest. The interest on debenture is payable irrespective of whether there are
profits made or not.
6. While issuance of debentures, the company shall ensure that the parameters for designation of deposits
under Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014 are not triggered.
Categories of Debentures
Based on convertibility, debentures can be classified under three categories:
1. Fully Convertible Debentures (FCDs)
2. Non Convertible Debentures (NCDs)
3. Partly Convertible Debentures (PCDs)
Fully Convertible Debentures

These are converted into equity shares of the company with or without premium as per the terms of the issue,
on the expiry of specified period or periods. If the conversion is to take place at or after eighteen months from
the date of allotment but before 36 months, the conversion is optional on the part of the debenture holders in
terms of SEBI (ICDR) Regulations. Interest will be payable on these debentures upto the date of conversion as
per transfer issue.
Non Convertible Debentures (NCDs)

These debentures do not carry the option of conversion into equity shares and are therefore redeemed on
the expiry of the specified period or periods. The issuer is required to list its Public issue of NCDs on stock
exchange as per SEBI (ISSUE AND LISTING OF DEBT SECURITIES) REGULATIONS, 2008. NCDs can be
also issued on private placement basis.
Partly Convertible Debentures (PCDs)

These may consist of two kinds namely -convertible and non-convertible. The convertible portion is to be
converted into equity shares at the expiry of specified period. However, the non-convertible portion is redeemed
at the expiry of the stipulated period. If the conversion takes place at or after 18 months, the conversion is
optional at the discretion of the debenture holder.
Optionally Fully Convertible Debenture (OFCD)

The Optionally Fully Convertible Debenture is a kind of debenture which can be converted into shares at
the expiry of a certain period at a predetermined price, if the debt holder (investor) wishes to do so. The
“securities” as defined u/s 2(81)) of Companies Act, 2013 means securities as defined in clause (h) of
section 2 of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, and includes hybrids. Hence after analysing
the above definitions of “OFCD”, “hybrid” and “securities” it could be rightly concluded that an OFCD
being a hybrid security falls under the definition of “securities” as defined u/s 2 (h) of Securities Contract
(Regulation) Act, 1956 and u/s 2(81) of Companies Act, 2013 as it inherits the characteristics of debentures
initially and also that of the shares at a later stage if the option to convert the securities into shares being
exercised by the security holder.
BONDS
Bonds are the debt security where an issuer is bound to pay a specific rate of interest agreed as per the terms
of payment and repay principal amount at a later time. The bond holders are generally like a creditor where a
company is obliged to pay the amount. The amount is paid on the maturity of the bond period. Generally these
bonds duration would be for 5 to 10 years.
Characteristics of a Bond
1. Bond has a fixed face value, which is the amount to be returned to the investor upon maturity.
2. It has a fixed maturity date, which can range from a few days to 20-30 years or even more.
3. All bonds repay the principal amount after the maturity date.
4. Provides regular payment of interest, semi-annually or annually.
5. Interest is calculated as a certain percentage of the face value known as a ‘coupon payment’.
6. Bonds are generally considered as less risky investment as compared to equity.
7. It helps to diversify and grow investor’s money.
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Types of Bond
• These are the bonds issued either directly by

Government of India or by the Public Sector Units
(PSU’s) in India. These bonds are secured as they
Government Bonds
are backed up with security from Government. These
are generally offered with low rate of interest
compared to other types of bonds.
• These are the bonds issued by the private corporate

companies. Indian corporates issue secured or non
Corporate Bonds secured bonds. However care to be taken to consider
the credit rating given by Credit Rating Agencies
before investing in these bonds.
Banks and other financial • These bonds are issued by banks or any financial
institutions bonds institution. The financial market is well regulated and
the majority of the bond markets are from this
segment.
• In India, the tax saving bonds are issued by the

Government of India for providing benefit to investors in the
Tax saving bonds form of tax savings. Along with getting normal interest, the
bond holder would also get tax benefit. In India, all these
bonds are listed in National Stock Exchange and Bombay
Stock Exchange in India, hence they can be easily
liquidated and sold in the open market.
FOREIGN CURRENCY CONVERTIBLE BONDS (FCCBS)

‘Foreign Currency Convertible Bond’ (FCCB) means a bond issued by an Indian company expressed in foreign
currency, and the principal and interest in respect of which is payable in foreign currency.
The FCCBs are unsecured instruments which carry a fixed rate of interest and an option for conversion into
a fixed number of equity shares of the issuer company. Interest and redemption price (if conversion option is
not exercised) is payable in dollars. FCCBs shall be denominated in any freely convertible Foreign Currency.
However, it must be kept in mind that FCCB, issue proceeds need to conform to ECB end use requirements.
Foreign investors also prefer FCCBs because of the Dollar denominated servicing, the conversion option and,
the arbitrage opportunities presented by conversion of the FCCBs into equity shares at a discount on prevailing
Indian market price. In addition, 25% of the FCCB proceeds can be used for general corporate restructuring.
Example
Suppose a company ‘A’ issues bonds with following terms –
Issue Price of the Bond Rs. 1000
Coupon rate 2%
Maturity 2 years
Convertible into equity shares @ Rs.800 per share
Now suppose an investor subscribes to 4 of these bonds. Thus the total investment is Rs.4000. On this
investment, he is entitled to get an interest @ 2% for 2 years. On the maturity date, i.e. after 2 years, the investor
will have an option – to either claim full redemption of the amount from the company or get the bonds converted
into fully paid equity shares @ Rs. 800 per share. Thus if he goes for the conversion he will be entitled to 5
(4000/800) equity shares. The choice he makes will depend on the market price of the share on the date of
conversion.
If the shares of the company ‘A’ is trading at lower than Rs.800, let’s say Rs.500, the investor will be better off
by claiming full redemption of his bonds and buying the shares from the market. In this case, he will get 8 (4000/
500) equity shares as against 5 which he was getting on conversion. Similarly if the market price of the share
is higher than Rs. 800, the investor will benefit by getting its shares converted. Thus, on the day of maturity, an
investor will seek full redemption if the conversion price is higher than the current market price, and will go for
conversion if the conversion price is less than the current market price.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGEABLE BONDS (FCEBS)

The FCEB is used to raise funds from the international markets against the security and exchangeability of
shares of another company. Foreign Currency Exchangeable Bond (FCEB) means –
(i) A bond expressed in foreign currency.
(ii) The principal and the interest in respect of which is payable in foreign currency.
(iii) Issued by an issuing company, being an Indian company.
(iv) Subscribed by a person resident outside India.
(v) Exchangeable into equity shares of another company, being offered company which is an Indian
company.
(vi) Either wholly or partly or on the basis of any equity related warrants attached to debt instruments.
It may be noted that issuing company to be the part of promoter group of offered company and the offered
company is to be listed and is to be eligible to receive foreign investment. Under this option, an issuer
company may issue FCEBs in foreign currency, and these FCEBs are convertible into shares of another
company (offered company) that forms part of the same promoter group as the issuer company. E.g.,
company ABC Ltd. issues FCEBs, then the FCEBs will be convertible into shares of company XYZ Ltd.
that are held by company ABC Ltd. and where companies ABC Ltd. and XYZ Ltd. form part of the same
promoter group. Unlike FCCBs that convert into shares of issuer itself, FCEBs are exchangeable into
shares of Offered Company (OC). Also, relatively, FCEB has an inherent advantage that it does not result
in dilution of shareholding at the OC level.
INDIAN DEPOSITORY RECEIPTS

According to Section 2(48) of the Companies Act, 2013 “Indian Depository Receipt” means any instrument
in the form of a depository receipt created by a domestic depository in India and authorised by a company
incorporated outside India making an issue of such depository receipts.
Section 390 of the Companies Act, 2013 and rule 13 of Companies (Registration of Foreign Companies) Rules,
2014 lays down the procedure for issue of Indian Depository Receipts.
Apart from this a company has to comply with Chapter VII and VIII of SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018 to issue
IDRs or a rights issue of IDRs.
An IDR is an instrument denominated in Indian Rupee in the form of a depository receipt created by a domestic
depository (Custodian of securities registered with SEBI) against the underlying equity of issuing company to
enable foreign companies to raise funds from Indian Securities Markets.
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In an IDR, foreign companies would issue shares, to a domestic (Indian) depository, which would in turn
issue depository receipts to investors in India. The actual shares underlying the IDRs would be held by an
Overseas Custodian, which shall authorize the Indian depository to issue the IDRs. To that extent, IDRs are
derivative instruments because they derive their value from the underlying shares. Standard Chartered PLC
is only company to offer IDR in the Indian market. The foreign company issuing IDRs need to comply with the
requirements of rules prescribed under Companies Act, SEBI Regulations and RBI notifications/circulars.
DERIVATIVES
A derivative is a financial instrument that derives its value from an underlying asset. This underlying asset can
be stocks, bonds, currency, commodities, metals and even intangible, assets like stock indices. Derivatives
can be of different types like futures, options, swaps, caps, floor, collars etc. The most popular derivative
instruments are futures and options.
The term Derivative has been defined in Securities Contracts (Regulations) Act, as:-
Derivative includes: -
A) a security derived from a debt instrument, share, loan, whether secured or unsecured, risk instrument
or contract for differences or any other form of security;
B) a contract which derives its value from the prices, or index of prices, of underlying securities;
C) commodity derivatives; and
D) such other instruments as may be declared by the Central Government to be derivatives.
FUTURE
Future refers to a future contract which means an exchange traded forward contract to buy or sell a predetermined
quantity of an asset on a predetermined future date at a predetermined price. Contracts are standardized and
there’s centralized trading ensuring liquidity.
There are two positions that one can take in a future contract:
• Long Position-This is when a futures contract is purchased and the buyer agrees to receive delivery of
the underlying asset. (Stock/Indices/Commodities)
• Short Position-This is when a futures contract is sold and the seller agrees to make delivery of the
underlying asset. (stock/Indices/Commodities)
OPTIONS
Options Contract give its holder the right, but not the obligation, to take or make delivery on or before a specified
date at a stated price. But this option is given to only one party in the transaction while the other party has an
obligation to take or make delivery. Since the other party has an obligation and a risk associated with making
the good the obligation, he receives a payment for that. This payment is called as option premium.
Option contracts are classified into two types on the basis of which party has the option:
• Call option - A call option is with the buyer and gives the holder a right to take delivery.
• Put option - The put option is with the seller and gives the right to take delivery.
Option Contracts are classified into two types on the basis of time at which the option can be exercised:–
• European Option – European style options are those contacts where the option can be exercised only
on the expiration date. Options traded on Indian stock exchanges are of European Style.
• American Option – American style options are those contacts where the option can be exercised on or
before the expiration date.
Example
Case 1
Rajesh purchases 1 lot of Infosys Technologies MAY 3000 Put and pays a premium of Rs. 250. This contract
allows Rajesh to sell 100 shares of Infosys at Rs. 3000 per share at any time between the current date and the
end of May. In order to avail this privilege, all Rajesh has to do is pay a premium of Rs. 25,000 (Rs. 250 a share
for 100 shares).
The buyer of a put has purchased a right to sell. The owner of a put option has the right to sell.
Case 2
If an investor is of the opinion that a particular stock say “Ray Technologies” is currently overpriced in the month
of February and hence expect that there will be price corrections in the future. However he doesn’t want to take
a chance, just in case the prices rise. So the best option for the investor would be to take a Put option on the
stock.
Lets assume the quotes for the stock are as under:
Spot Rs. 1040
May Put at 1050 Rs.10
May Put at 1070 Rs. 30
So the inevstor purchases 1000 “Ray Technologies” Put at strike price of Rs.1070 and Put price of Rs. 30/-.
The investor pay Rs. 30,000 as Put premium.
The position of investor in two different scenarios have been discussed below:
1. May Spot price of Ray Technologies = `1020
2. May Spot price of Ray Technologies = `1080
In the first situation you have the right to sell 1000 “Ray Technologies” shares at Rs.1,070/-the price of which
is Rs. 1020/-. By exercising the option the investor earn Rs. (1070-1020) =Rs.50 per Put, which amounts to
Rs. 50,000/. The net income in this case is Rs. (50000-30000) =Rs. 20,000.
In the second price situation, the price is more in the spot market, so the investor will not sell at a lower price by
exercising the Put. He will have to allow the Put option to expire unexercised. In the process the investor only
lose the premium paid which is Rs. 30,000.
While buyer of an options has limited risk (Premium Amount), seller of an option has very high rick (Market Price-
Strike Price or Strike Price - Market Price), as the case may be, depending on whether it is an call or put option.
As of now, all futures and options are Cash settled.
WARRANT
Warrant means an option issued by a company whereby the buyer is granted the right to purchase a number of
shares (usually one) of its equity share capital at a given exercise price during a given period.
The holder of a warrant has the right but not the obligation to convert them into equity shares. Thus in the true
sense, a warrant signifies optional conversion. In case the investor benefits by conversion of warrant, then he
will convert the warrants, else he may simply let the warrant lapse. The companies listed on the Exchange can
issue warrants in accordance with SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018.
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For example if the conversion price of the warrant is Rs. 70/-and the current market price is Rs.110/-, then the
investor will convert the warrant and enjoy the capital gain of Rs.40/-. In case the conversion is at Rs.70/- and
the current market price is Rs.40/-, then the investor will simply let the warrant lapse without conversion.
C. ASPECTS OF PRIMARY MARKET
BOOK BUILDING
Book building is a systematic process of generating, capturing and recording investor’s demand for shares
during IPO or other securities during their issuance process in order to support efficient price discovery. This
process is also known as price discovery method.
The SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018 defines book building as follows:
Book building means a process undertaken to elicit demand and to assess the price for determination of the
quantum or value of specified securities or Indian Depository Receipts, as the case may be, in accordance with
the SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018.
The book building process in India is very transparent. All investors including small investors can see demand for
the shares of the company at various price points on the website of the Exchange before applying. According to this
method, share prices are determines on the basis of real demand for the shares at various price levels in the market.
Offer to Public through Book Building Process
•not less than 35 % to retail individual

investors;
In case of an issue made through
the book building process as per •not less than 15 % to non-institutional
regulation 6(1), then the allocation investors;
in the net offer to public category •not more than 50% to qualified
shall be as follows: institutional buyers, 5 % of which shall
be allocated to mutual fund
•not more than 10% to retail individual

investors;
In case of an issue made through
•not more than 15% to non-institutional
the book building process under
investors;
regulation 6(2), the allocation in
the net offer to public category •not less than 75% to qualified institutional
shall be as follows: buyers, 5% of which shall be allocated to
mutual fund
•Minimum 50% to retail individual investors;

and
In an issue made other than •Remaining to:
through the book building process, •(i) individual applicants other than RII and
allocation in the net offer to public •(ii) other investors including corporate
category shall be made as follows: bodies or institutions, irrespective of the
number of specified securities applied for;
Note: -
1. In case of an issue made through Book Building process under regulation 6(1) and 6(2), addition of
5% allocation available to mutual funds shall be eligible for allocation under the balance available for
qualified institutional buyers.
2. The issuer may allocate up to 60% of the portion available for allocation to qualified institutional buyers
to an anchor investor.
3. For above purpose, if the retail individual investor category is entitled to more than 50% on proportionate
basis, the retail individual investors shall be allocated that higher percentage.
Book building Process

– Appoints Lead Book Runners/Co Book Runners, Lead Merchant Banker (LMB) to act as Lead Book
Runner. If more than one LBM/LBR, inter-se, allocation of responsibilities to be decided.
– Filing of draft offer document with SEBI for obtaining observation and, Exchanges for in-principle
approval for listing
– Filing of Red herring prospectus with SEBI, Stock Exchange and Registrar of Companies (ROC)
– The company shall entered into agreement with stock exchange for online offer of securities and make
application for In-principle approval.
– Lead Book Runners (LBR) appoints Syndicate members (SM), to underwrite the issue.
– LBR/SM to finalise bidding/collection centres who are either:
(a) SEBI Registered stock broker
(b) Self-certified Syndicate Bank (for ASBA facility)
– Pre issue advertisement shall be made.
– Bidding and allocation for anchor investors one day before opening of issue.
– Issue opens and Investor submits forms at bidding centres.
– Electronic Bidding Process and determination of price.
– Registration of final prospectus with ROC.
– Allocation/Manner of Allotment.
– In case of Book Built Issue, the issuer in consultation with merchant banker, fixes the Price band.
– In case of Fixed Price Issue, the issuer in consultation with merchant banker, fixes the price of the
shares to be offered (Face Value + Share Premium) and makes on offer. If the investors subscribes
minimum 90% of the offer, the issue will be succeeds.
Example
Let’s take an example.
Number of shares issued by the company = 100.
Price band = Rs. 30 – Rs. 40.
Now let’s check what individuals have bid for.
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Bid Number of shares Price per share Cumulative

(Rs.) demand
1 20 40 20
2 10 8 30
3 20 37 50
4 30 36 80
5 20 35 100
6 20 33 120
7 20 30 140
The shares will be sold at the Bid 5 price of 20 shares for Rs.35.
Because Bidders 1 to 5 are willing to pay at least Rs. 35 per share. The total bids from Bidders 1 to 5 ensure all
100 shares will be sold (20 + 10 + 20 + 30 + 20). The cut-off price is therefore Bid 5’s price = Rs. 35.
Bidders 1 to 5 get allotments at that price. Bidders 6 and 7 don’t get an allotment because their bids are below
the cut-off price. On allotment, the extra amount paid will be refunded to the investor. Since the cut-off price is
Rs. 35, the 10 shares will cost Rs. 350 (10 x Rs. 35). The balance Rs. 50 will be refunded to the investor.
ANCHOR INVESTORS
Anchor investor means a Qualified Institutional Buyer (QIB) who makes an application for a value of 10 crore
rupees in a public issue on the main board made through the book building process in accordance with these
regulations or makes an application for a value of atleast two crore rupees for an issue made in accordance with
Chapter IX of the SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018.
Allocation to anchor investors shall be on a discretionary basis and subject to the following:
(I) In case of public issue on the main board, though the book building process :
(i) Maximum of 2 such investors shall be permitted for allocation upto Rs.10 crore.
(ii) Minimum of 2 and maximum of 15 such investors shall be permitted for allocation above Rs.10 crore
and upto Rs. 250 crore, subject to minimum allotment of Rs.5 crore per such investor.
(iii) In case of allocation above Rs.250 crore; a minimum of 5 such investors and a maximum of 15 such
investors for allocation upto Rs.250 crore and an additional 10 such investors for every additional
Rs.250 crore or part thereof, shall be permitted, subject to a minimum allotment of Rs.5 crore per such
investor.
(II) In case of public issue on the SME exchange, through the book building process:
(i) maximum of 2 such investors shall be permitted for allocation up to two crore rupees
(ii) minimum of 2 and maximum of 15 such investors shall be permitted for allocation above two crore
rupees and up to twenty five crore rupees, subject to minimum allotment of one crore rupees per such
investor;
(iii) in case of allocation above 25 crore rupees; a minimum of 5 such investors and a maximum of 15 such
investors for allocation up to 25 crore rupees and an additional 10 such investors for every additional
25 crore rupees or part thereof, shall be permitted, subject to a minimum allotment of 1 crore rupees
per such investor.
– The bidding for anchor investors shall open one day before the issue opening date
– Allocation to Anchor Investors shall be completed on the day of bidding by Anchor Investors.
– Shares allotted to the Anchor Investor shall be locked-in for 30 days from the date of allotment in
the public issue.
Upto 60% of the portion available for allocation to QIB shall be available to anchor investor(s) for allocation/
allotment (“anchor investor portion”) and one-third of the anchor investor portion shall be reserved for domestic
mutual funds.
APPLICATION SUPPORTED BY BLOCK AMOUNT (ASBA)

ASBA means “Application Supported by Blocked Amount”. ASBA is an application by an investor containing
an authorization to Self-Certified Syndicate Bank (SCSB) to block the application money in the bank
account, for subscribing to an issue. If an investor is applying through ASBA, his application money shall
be debited from the bank account only if his/her application is selected for allotment after the basis of
allotment is finalized.
Self-Certified Syndicate Bank

Self-Certified Syndicate Bank (SCSB) is a bank which offers the facility of applying through the ASBA process.
A bank desirous of offering ASBA facility shall submit a certificate to SEBI as per the prescribed format for
inclusion of its name in SEBI’s list of SCSBs.
A SCSB shall identify its Designated Branches (DBs) at which an ASBA investor shall submit ASBA and shall
also identify the Controlling Branch (CB) which shall act as a coordinating branch for the Registrar of the issue,
Stock Exchanges and Merchant Bankers. The SCSB, its DBs and CB shall continue to act as such, for all issues
to which ASBA process is applicable. The SCSB may identify new DBs for the purpose of ASBA process and
intimate details of the same to SEBI, after which SEBI will add the DB to the list of SCSBs maintained by it. The
SCSB shall communicate the following details to Stock Exchanges for making it available on their respective
websites; these details shall also be made available by the SCSB on its website:
(i) Name and address of all the SCSB.
(ii) Addresses of DBs and CB and other details such as telephone number, fax number and email ids.
(iii) Name and contacts details of a nodal officer at a senior level from the CB.
ASBA Process
An ASBA investor submits an ASBA physically or electronically through the internet banking facility, to the
SCSB with whom the bank account to be blocked is maintained, then the SCSB blocks the application
money in the bank account specified in the ASBA, on the basis of an authorization to this effect given by
the account holder in the ASBA. The application money remains blocked in the bank account till finalisation
of the basis of allotment in the issue or till withdrawal/failure of the issue or till withdrawal/rejection of the
application, as the case may be.
The application data shall thereafter be uploaded by the SCSB in the electronic bidding system through a web
enabled interface provided by the Stock Exchanges. Once the basis of allotment of finalized, the Registrar
to the Issue sends an appropriate request to the SCSB for unblocking the relevant bank accounts and for
transferring the requisite amount to the issuer’s account. In case of withdrawal/failure of the issue, the amount
shall be unblocked by the SCSB on receipt of information from the pre-issue merchant bankers.
A retail investor has the option of making application through ASBA or through cheque. However, non-retail
investors i.e. Qualified Institutional Buyers and Non-Institutional Investors, have to mandatorily make use of
ASBA facility for making application in public/ rights issue.
350 EP-SL&CM
USE OF UNIFIED PAYMENTS INTERFACE (UPI) WITH ASBA IN PUBLIC ISSUE PROCESS
UPI
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is an instant payment system developed by the National Payments
Corporation of India (NPCI), an RBI regulated entity. UPI is built over the IMPS (Immediate Payment
Service) infrastructure and allows you to instantly transfer money between any two parties’ bank accounts.
UPI as a payment mechanism is available for all public issues for which Red Herring Prospectus is filed
after January 01, 2019.
How is public issue application using UPI different from public issue application using ASBA submitted
with intermediaries?
Public issue application using UPI is a step towards digitizing the offline processes involved in the application
process by moving the same online. This requires you to have to create a UPI ID and PIN using any of the UPI
enabled mobile application. The UPI ID can be used for blocking of funds and making payment in the public
issue process. One can accept the request to block the funds for the amount they have bid by entering their
UPI PIN in the mobile application.
The money shall be blocked and shall be automatically remitted to the Escrow Bank, in case of allotment. UPI in
public issue process shall essentially bring in comfort, ease of use and reduce the listing time for public issues.
“UPI as a payment option” can be used in the public issue process”?
1. UPI as part of bidding :
• Investor will fill in the bid details in the application form as per the existing process along with his UPI
ID.
• As per the existing process, investor may submit the application with any of the intermediary (Syndicate
Member / Registered Stock Brokers / Registrar and Transfer Agents / Depository Participants), who,
on receipt of application will upload the bid details along with UPI id in the stock exchange bidding
platform.
• The stock exchange will electronically share the bid details, along with investors UPI id, with the Escrow/
Sponsor Bank appointed by the issuer company.
2. UPI as part of blocking:
• The Escrow / Sponsor Bank will initiate a mandate request on the investor i.e. request the investor to
authorize blocking of funds equivalent to applicant amount and subsequent debit of funds in case of
allotment.
• The request raised by the Escrow/Sponsor Bank, would be electronically received by the investor as
SMS/intimation on his / her bank provided mobile no. linked to UPI ID.
• Upon validation of block request by the investor, the said information would be electronically received by
the investors’ bank, where the funds, equivalent to application amount, would get blocked in investors
account. Intimation regarding confirmation of such block of funds in investors account would also be
received by the investor.
3. UPI as part of payment for shares post allocation process:
• The registrar to the issue, based on information of bidding and blocking received from stock exchange,
would undertake reconciliation and prepare the basis of allotment.
• Upon approval of such basis the instructions would be sent to sponsor bank to initiate process for credit
of funds in the public issue escrow account and unblocking excess money.
• Based on authorisation given by investor using UPI PIN at the time of blocking, the funds, equivalent
to the allotment, would be debited from investors account and remaining funds, if any, would be
unblocked.
Whether use of UPI, as a payment mechanism in public issues, is mandatory?
The applicability of UPI as a payment mechanism has been prescribed in a Phased manner as under:
• Phase I: From January 01, 2019, the UPI mechanism for retail individual investors through
intermediaries will be made effective along with the existing process and existing timeline of T+6
days. The same will continue, for a period of 3 months or floating of 5 main board public issues,
whichever is later.
• Phase II: Thereafter, for applications by retail individual investors through intermediaries, the existing
process of physical movement of forms from intermediaries to Self-Certified Syndicate Banks (SCSBs)
for blocking of funds will be discontinued and only the UPI mechanism with existing timeline of T+6 days
will continue, for a period of 3 months or floating of 5 main board public issues, whichever is later.
• Phase III: Subsequently, final reduced timeline will be made effective using the UPI mechanism.
Up to what limit one can apply for a public issue in UPI?
The limit for IPO application is 2 Lakhs per transaction on UPI.
Are all category of investors eligible to apply in public issues using UPI for payment?
No. Only retail individual investors are allowed to use UPI for payment in public issues. Qualified Institutional
Buyers and High Net-worth Individuals shall continue to apply as per the existing process.
GREEN SHOE OPTION

Green Shoe Option means an option of allocating shares in excess of the shares included in the public issue
and operating a post-listing price stabilizing mechanism in accordance with the provisions of Regulations 57 &
153 of the SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018.
A company desirous of availing this option, should in the resolution of the general meeting authorising the public
issue, seek authorisation also for the possibility of allotment of further shares to the ‘Stabilising Agent’ (SA) at
the end of the stabilisation period.
GSO in the system of IPO using book-building method was recognised by SEBI in India through its new
guidelines on 14th August 2003 (vide SEBI/ CFD/DIL/DIP/ Circular No. 11). ICICI bank was the first to use
Green Shoe Option in its public issue through book building mechanism in India.
ILLUSTRATION
Consider a company planning an IPO of say, 100,000 shares, at a book-built price of Rs. 100/-, resulting in an
IPO size of Rs. 100,00,000. As per the ICDR Regulations, the over-allotment component under the Green Shoe
mechanism could be up to 15% of the IPO, i.e. up to 15,000 shares, i.e. Green Shoe shares. Prior to the IPO, the
stabilising agent would borrow such number of shares to the extent of the proposed Green Shoe shares from the pre-
issue shareholders. These shares are then allotted to investors along with the IPO shares. The total shares issued
in the IPO therefore stands at 115,000 shares. IPO proceeds received from the investors for the IPO shares, i.e.
352 EP-SL&CM
Rs.100,00,000–100,000 shares at the rate of Rs.100 each, are remitted to the Issuer Company, while the proceeds
from the Green Shoe Shares (Rs.15,00,000/-, being 15,000 shares x Rs.100/-) are parked in a special escrow
bank account, i.e. Green Shoe Escrow Account. During the price stabilisation period, if the share price drops below
Rs.100, the stabilising agent would utilise the funds lying in the Green Shoe Escrow Account to buy these back
shares from the open market. This gives rise to the following three situations:
– Situation #1 - where the stabilising agent manages to buyback all of the Green Shoe Shares, i.e.,15,000
shares;
– Situation #2 - where the stabilising agent manages to buyback none of the Green Shoe Shares;
– Situation #3 - where the stabilising agent manages to buy-back some of the Green Shoe Shares, say
10,000 shares.
Let us examine each of these situations separately:
Situation #1 – Where all Green Shoe Shares are bought back: In this situation, funds in the Green Shoe
Escrow Account (Rs.15,00,000, in this case) would be deployed by the stabilising agent towards buying up
shares from the open market. Given that the prices prevalent in the market would be less than the issue price of
Rs. 100, the stabilising agent would have sufficient funds lying at his disposal to complete this operation. Having
bought back all of the 15,000 shares, these shares would be temporarily held in a special depository account
with the depository participant (Green Shoe Demat Account), and would then be returned back to the lender
shareholders, within a maximum period of two days after the stabilisation period.
Situation #2 – Where none of the Green Shoe Shares are bought back: This situation would arise in the (very
unlikely) event that the share prices have fallen below the Issue Price, but the stabilising agent is unable to find
any sellers in the open market, or in an event where the share prices continue to trade above the listing price,
and therefore there is no need for the stabilising agent to indulge in price stabilisation activities.
In either of the above-said situations, the stabilising agent is under a contractual obligation to return the 15,000
shares that had initially been borrowed from the lending shareholder(s). Towards meeting this obligation, the
issuer company would allot 15,000 shares to the stabilising agent into the Green Shoe Demat Account (the
consideration being the funds lying the Green Shoe Escrow Account), and these shares would then be returned
by the stabilising agent to the lending shareholder(s), thereby squaring off his responsibilities.
Situation #3 – Where some of the Green Shoe Shares are bought back, say 10,000 shares: This situation
could arise in an event where the share prices witness a drop in the initial stages of the price stabilisation period,
but recover towards the latter stages.
In this situation, the stabilising agent has a responsibility to return 15,000 shares to the lending shareholder(s),
whereas the stabilising activities have yielded only 10,000 shares.
Similar to the instance mentioned in Situation #2 above, the issuer company would allot the differential 5,000
shares into the Green Shoe Demat Account to cover up the shortfall, and the Stabilising Agent would discharge
his obligation to the lending shareholder(s) by returning the 15,000 shares that had been borrowed from them.
Both in Situation #2 and #3, the issuer company would need to apply to the exchanges for obtaining listing/
trading permissions for the incremental shares allotted by them, pursuant to the Green Shoe mechanism.
Any surplus lying in the Green Shoe Escrow Account would then be transferred to the Investor Protection and
Education Fund established by SEBI, as required under ICDR Regulations and the account shall be closed
thereafter.
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PART II. SECONDARY MARKET
LESSON OUTLINE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
– Stock Exchange
Index of Stock exchange is taken as a barometer
– Trading Mechanism of the economy of a country. It is the most
– Types of Securities dynamic and organised component of capital
– Margins market. Especially, in developing countries like
– Book Closure and Record Date India, the stock exchanges play a cardinal role in
promoting the level of capital formation through
– Bulk deal
effective mobilisation of savings and ensuring
– Basis of Sensex
investment safety. It is equally important to have
– Nifty the understanding of the governance of Stock
– Market Surveillance Exchanges, and the services they provide to
– Risk Management in Secondary Market investors.
– Impact of various policies on Stock This part will enable the students to understand the
Markets
Operation of stock exchanges, Stock Exchange
– LESSON ROUND UP Trading Mechanism, how NIFTY and SENSEX are
– GLOSSARY calculated etc.
STOCK EXCHANGE
Stock exchange is a market place for buying and selling of securities and ensuring liquidity to them in the
interest of the investors. The stock exchanges are virtually the nerve centre of the capital market and reflect the
health of the country’s economy as a whole.
The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, has defined Stock Exchange :
(a) any body of individuals, whether incorporated or not, constituted before corporatisation and
demutualisation under Sections 4A and 4B, or
(b) a body corporate incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 whether under a scheme of corporatisation
and demutualisation or otherwise,
for the purpose of assisting, regulating or controlling the business of buying, selling or dealing in securities.
Stock exchange as an organized security market provides marketability and price continuity for shares and
helps in a fair evaluation of securities in terms of their intrinsic worth. Thus it helps orderly flow and distribution
of savings between different types of investments. This institution performs an important part in the economic
life of a country, acting as a free market for securities where prices are determined by the forces of supply and
demand. Apart from the above basic function it also assists in mobilizing funds for the Government and the
Industry and to supply a channel for the investment of savings in the performance of its functions.
The Stock Exchanges in India as elsewhere have a vital role to play in the development of the country in general
and industrial growth of companies in the private sector in particular and helps the Government to raise internal
resources for the implementation of various development programmes in the public sector. As a segment of
the capital market it performs an important function in mobilizing and channelizing resources which remain
otherwise scattered. Thus the Stock Exchanges tap the new resources and stimulate a broad based investment
in the capital structure of industries.
Indian stock market marks to be one of the oldest stock market in Asia. It dates back to the close of 18th century
when the East India Company used to transact loan securities. In the 1830s, trading on corporate stocks and
shares in Bank and Cotton presses took place in Bombay. Though the trading was broad but the brokers were
hardly half dozen during 1840 and 1850. An informal group of 22 stockbrokers began trading under a banyan
tree opposite the Town Hall of Bombay from the mid1850s, each investing a (then) princely amount of Rupee
1. This banyan tree still stands in the Horniman Circle Park, Mumbai. In 1860, the exchange flourished with 60
brokers.
In fact the ‘Share Mania’ in India began with the American Civil War broke and the cotton supply from the US to
Europe stopped. Further the brokers increased to 250. The informal group of stockbrokers organized themselves
as the Native Share and Stockbrokers Association which, in 1875, was formally organized as the Bombay Stock
Exchange (BSE). In 1956, the Government of India recognized the Bombay Stock Exchange as the first stock
exchange in the country under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act. National Stock Exchange of India Ltd.
(NSE) was given recognition as a stock exchange under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 in April
1993, NSE is India’s 1st demutualized stock exchange and was demutualized from the date of its inception.
NSE commenced operations in the Wholesale Debt Market (WDM) segment in June 1994 and commenced
electronic trading in Capital Market 1st time in India in November 1994.NSE is also instrumental in bringing the
dematerialization of trading in India.
Since the initiation of the financial liberalisation programme in 1992, there have been substantial regulatory,
structural, institutional and operational changes in the securities market of the country. These reforms were
carried out with the objective of improving market efficiency, enhancing transparency, preventing unfair trade
practices and bringing the Indian securities market up to international standards.
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TRADING MECHANISM
In the Indian securities market various products are trading like equity shares, warrants, debenture, etc. The
trading in the securities of the company takes place in dematerialised form in India. Dematerialization is the
process by which physical certificates of an investor are converted to an equivalent number of securities
in electronic form and credited to the investor’s account with his Depository Participant (DP).Trading in the
securities of the company takes place on the screen based platforms provided by the Exchanges. Currently for
equity shares the settlement cycle is (T+2 days) ( T means trading day/ Transaction day). Any shares which are
traded on the Exchange are required to be settled by the clearing corporation of the exchange on 2 working day.
In electronic trading order received are matched electronically on a strict price/time priority and hence cuts
down on time, cost and risk of error, as well as on fraud resulting in improved operational efficiency. It enables
market participants, irrespective of their geographical locations, to trade with one another simultaneously. It
provides full anonymity by accepting orders, big or small, from brokers without revealing their identity, thus
providing equal access to everybody. It also provides a perfect audit trail, which helps to resolve disputes by
logging in the trade execution process in entirety.
Regulation 40 of the SEBI(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 stipulates that
except in case of transmission or transposition of securities, requests for effecting transfer of securities shall not
be processed unless the securities are held in the dematerialized form with a depository.
In accordance with the Rule 9A of The Companies (Prospectus and Allotment of Securities) Rules, 2014, every
unlisted public company shall Issue the securities only in dematerialised form and Facilitate dematerialisation
of all its existing securities in accordance with provisions of the Depositories Act, 1996 and regulations made
there under.
Every unlisted public company making any offer for issue of any securities or buyback of securities or issue
of bonus shares or rights offer shall ensure that before making such offer, entire holding of securities of its
promoters, directors, key managerial personnel has been demateriarised in accordance with provisions of the
Depositories Act 1996 and regulations made there under.
Every holder of securities of an unlisted public company, who intends to transfer such securities on or after
2nd October, 2018, shall get such securities dematerialised before the transfer or who subscribes to any
securities of an unlisted public company (whether by way of private placement or bonus shares or rights offer)
on or after 2nd October, 2018 shall ensure that all his existing securities are herd in dematerialized form before
such subscription.
TYPES OF SECURITIES
Types of Listed Securities The securities of companies, which have signed the listing agreement
Securities with a stock exchange, are traded as “Listed Securities” in that exchange.
Permitted Securities To facilitate the market participants to trade in securities of such
companies, which are actively traded at other stock exchanges in
India but are not listed on an exchange, trading in such securities is
facilitated as “permitted securities” provided they meet the relevant
norms specified by the stock exchange.
MARGINS
An advance payment of a portion of the value of a stock transaction. The amount of credit a broker or lender
extends to a customer for stock purchase.
“Initial margin” in this context means the minimum amount, calculated as a percentage of the transaction value,
to be placed by the client, with the broker, before the actual purchase. The broker may advance the balance
amount to meet full settlement obligations.
“Maintenance margin” means the minimum amount, calculated as a percentage of market value of the securities,
calculated with respect to last trading day’s closing price, to be maintained by client with the broker.
When the balance deposit in the client’s margin account falls below the required maintenance margin, the
broker shall promptly make margin calls. However, no further exposure can be granted to the client on the basis
of any increase in the market value of the securities.
The broker may liquidate the securities if the client fails to meet the margin calls made by the broker or fails to
deposit the cheques on the day following the day on which the margin call has been made or the cheque has
been dishonoured.
The broker may also liquidate the securities in case the client’s deposit in the margin account (after adjustment
for mark to market losses) falls to 30% or less of the latest market value of the securities, in the interregnum
between making of the margin call and receipt of payment from the client.
The broker must disclose to the stock exchange details on gross exposure including the name of the client,
unique identification number, name of the scrip and if the broker has borrowed funds for the purpose of providing
margin trading facilities, name of the lender and amount borrowed, on or before 12 Noon on the following day.
Stock exchanges disclose scrip wise gross outstanding in margin accounts with all brokers to the market. Such
disclosures regarding margin trading done on any day shall be made available after the trading hours on the
following day through the website.
BOOK CLOSURE AND RECORD DATE

Book closure is the periodic closure of the Register of Members and Transfer Books of the company, to take a
record of the shareholders to determine their entitlement to dividends or to bonus or right shares or any other
rights pertaining to shares.
Record date is the date on which the records of a company are closed for the purpose of determining the stock
holders to whom dividends, proxies rights etc. are to be sent.
In accordance with Section 91 of the Companies Act, 2013 a company may close the register of members for
a maximum of 45 days in a year and for not more than 30 days at any one time subject to giving of previous
notice by advertisement at least once in a vernacular newspaper in the principal vernacular language of the
district and having a wide circulation in the place where the registered office of the company is situated, and at
least once in English language in an English newspaper circulating in that district and having wide circulation
in the place where the registered office of the company is situated. Book closure/record date is necessary for
the purpose of paying dividend, rights issue, bonus issue, etc. For the companies whose securities are listed on
the Exchange are required to comply with the SEBI (LODR) Regulation 2015. As per SEBI (LODR) Regulation
2015 the companies are required to give 7 working days advance notice of book closure or record date to stock
exchange where the securities of the companies are listed.
BLOCK DEAL
The SEBI vide letter MRD/DoP/SE/Cir - 19/05 dated September 02, 2005 and CIR/MRD/DP/118/2017 dated
October 26, 2017 guidelines outlining a facility of allowing Stock Exchanges to provide separate trading window
to facilitate execution of large trades. The Exchanges have introduced new block window mechanism for the
block trades from January 01, 2018.
• Session Timings:
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a) Morning Block Deal Window: This window shall operate between 08:45 AM to 09:00 AM.
b) Afternoon Block Deal Window: This window shall operate between 02:05 PM to 2:20 PM.
• In the block deal the minimum order size for execution of trades in the Block deal window shall be Rs.10
Crore.
• The orders placed shall be within ±1% of the applicable reference price in the respective windows as
stated above.
• The stock exchanges disseminates the information on block deals such as the name of the scrip, name
of the client, quantity of shares bought/sold, traded price, etc to the general public on the same day,
after the market hours
BULK DEAL
Bulk deal is a trade, where total quantity bought or sold is more than 0.5% of the number of equity shares of a
listed company.
Bulk deal can be transacted by the normal trading window provided by brokers throughout the trading hours in
a day. Bulk deals are market driven and take place throughout the trading day.
The stock broker, who facilitates the trade, is required to reveal to the stock exchange about the bulk deals on
a daily basis.
Bulk orders are visible to everyone. If the bulk deal happens through a single trade, it should be notified to
the exchange immediately upon the execution of the order. If it happens through multiple trades, it should be
notified to the exchange within one hour from the closure of the trading.
BASIS OF SENSEX
Sensitive Index or Sensex is the stock market index indicator for the BSE. It is also sometimes referred to as BSE
S&P Sensex. It was first published in 1986 and is based on the market weighed stock index of 30 companies
based on the financial performance. The large, established companies that represent various industrial sectors
are a part of this.
The calculation of Sensex is done by a Free-Float method that came into existence from September 1, 2003.
The level of Sensex is a direct indication of the performance of 30 stocks in the market. The free-float method
takes into account the proportion of the shares that can be readily traded in the market. This does not include
the ones held by various shareholders and promoters or other locked-in shares not available in the market.
Steps to calculate Sensex:
• The market capitalization is taken into account. This is done by multiplying all the shares issued by the
company with the price of its stock.
• BSE determines a Free-float factor that is a multiple of the market capitalization of the company. This
helps in determining the free-float market capitalization based on the details submitted by the company.
• Ratio and Proportion are used based on the base index of 100. This helps to determine the Sensex.
NIFTY
National Stock Exchange Fifty or Nifty is the market indicator of NSE. It is a collection of 50 stocks. It is also
referred to as Nifty 50 .it is owned and managed by India Index Services and Products Ltd. (IISL).
Nifty is calculated through the free-float market capitalization weighted method. It multiples the Equity capital
(expressed in terms of number of shares outstanding) with a price, to derive the market capitalization. To
determine the Free-float market capitalization, equity capital (as stated earlier) is multiplied by a price which is
further multiplied with IWF (investible weight factors) which is the factor for determining the number of shares
available for trading freely in the market. The Index is determined on a daily basis by taking into consideration
the current market value (free float market capitalization) divided by base market capital and then multiplied by
the Base Index Value of 1000.
MARKET SURVEILLANCE
Market surveillance plays a vital role in ensuring market integrity which is the core objective of regulators.
Market integrity is achieved through combination of surveillance, inspection, investigation and enforcement of
relevant laws and rules.
Globally market surveillance is either conducted by the Regulators or Exchanges or both. In India, the primary
responsibility of market surveillance has been entrusted to Stock exchanges and is being closely monitored by SEBI.
Millions of Orders are transmitted electronically every minute and therefore surveillance mechanisms to detect
any irregularities must also be equally developed. Exchanges adopt automated surveillance tools that analyse
trading patterns and are installed with a comprehensive alerts management system.
Market Surveillance is broadly categorised in 2 parts viz, Preventive Surveillance and Post trade Surveillance
A. Preventive Surveillance –
• Stringent On boarding norms for Trading Members - Stringent net worth, back ground, viability etc.
checks while on boarding Trading Members.
• Index circuit filters - It brings coordinated trading halt in all equity and equity derivative markets at 3
stages of the index movement, either way viz., at 10%, 15% and 20% based on previous day closing
index value.
• Trade Execution Range - Orders are matched and trades take place only if the trade price is within the
reference price and execution range.
• Order Value Limitation - Maximum Order Value limit allowed per order.
• Cancel on logout - All outstanding orders are cancelled, if the enabled user logs out.
• Kill switch - All outstanding orders of that trading member are cancelled if trading member executes
kill switch.
• Risk reduction mode - Limits beyond which orders level risk management shall be initiated instead of
trade level.
• Compulsory close out - Incoming order, if it results in member crossing the margins available with the
exchange, such order will be partially or fully cancelled, as the case may be, and further disallow the
trading member to create fresh positions.
• Capital adequacy check - Refers to monitoring of trading member’s performance and track record,
stringent margin requirements, position limits based on capital, online monitoring of member positions
and automatic disablement from trading when limits are breached
• Fixed Price Band / Dynamic Price band - Limits applied within which securities shall move; so that
volatility is curbed orderliness is bought about. For non-derivative securities price band is 5%, 10%
& 20%. For Derivative products an operating range of 10% is set and subsequently flexed based on
market conditions.
• Trade for Trade Settlement - The settlement of scrip’s available in this segment is done on a trade for
trade basis and no netting off is allowed.
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• Periodic call auction - Shifting the security form continuous to call auction method
• Rumour Verification - Any unannounced news about listed companies is tracked on online basis and
letter seeking clarification is sent to the companies and the reply received is disseminated
B. Post trade surveillance -
• End of day alert – Alerts generated using statistical tools. The tool highlights stocks which have
behaved abnormally form its past behaviour
• Pattern recognition model – Models designed using high end tools and trading patterns which itself
identifies suspects involving in unfair trading practice.
• Transaction alerts for member - As part of surveillance obligation of members the alerts are
downloaded to members under 14 different heads.
Preventive approach adapted by Stock Exchange / SEBI has been fruitful. However, they are fully aware that
the suite of measure in force have to be upgraded, expanded and added to be able to successful in this
preventive approach.
SEBI has introduced various market surveillance measure like price band, circuit filter, trade for trade segment.
RISK MANAGEMENT IN SECONDARY MARKET

The performance of secondary market has a vital bearing on the performance of primary market. A number
of measures were taken to modernise the stock exchanges in the country. These measures focused on
infrastructure development, transparency, efficiency and enhanced investor protection. Risk management was
further strengthened during the year by implementing a comprehensive system of margins, exposure limits and
improving the efficiency of clearing and settlement systems through the introduction of settlement guarantee
funds. With a view to enhancing market safety, SEBI fixed intra-day trading and gross exposure limits for brokers.
SEBI continued to maintain a constant interface with the stock exchanges on various issues concerning investor
protection, automated market infrastructure and overall improvement in quality of intermediation. SEBI also
directed its efforts towards encouraging the stock exchanges to become effective as self-regulatory institutions.
Automated screen based trading which was introduced in the country through the setting up of the OTCEI and
NSE and subsequently introduced by the BSE had brought about a qualitative improvement in the market and
its transparency. Transaction costs and time were also significantly reduced. During the year several of the
smaller exchanges also introduced on-line screen based trading. The key risk management measures initiated
by SEBI include:-
• Categorization of securities into groups 1, 2 and 3 for imposition of margins based on their liquidity and
volatility.
• VaR (value at risk) based margining system.
• Specification of mark to Market margins.
• Specification of Intra-day trading limits and Gross Exposure Limits.
• Real time monitoring of the Intra-day trading limits and Gross Exposure Limits by the Stock Exchanges.
• Specification of time limits of payment of margins.
• Collection of margins on upfront basis.
• Index based market wide circuit breakers.
• Automatic de-activation of trading terminals in case of breach of exposure limits.

• VaR based margining system has been put in place based on the categorization of stocks based on the
liquidity of stocks depending on its impact cost and volatility. It addresses 99% of the risks in the market.
• Additional margins have also been specified to address the balance 1% cases.
• Collection of margins from institutional clients on T+1 basis.
IMPACT OF VARIOUS POLICIES ON STOCK MARKETS
1. FED Policy
The Federal Reserve System is the central bank of the United States. It performs five general functions to
promote the effective operation of the U.S. economy and, more generally, the public interest. The Federal
Reserve:
• conducts the nation’s monetary policy to promote maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate
long-term interest rates in the U.S. economy;
• promotes the stability of the financial system and seeks to minimize and contain systemic risks through
active monitoring and engagement in the U.S. and abroad;
• promotes the safety and soundness of individual financial institutions and monitors their impact on the
financial system as a whole;
• fosters payment and settlement system safety and efficiency through services to the banking industry
and the U.S. government that facilitate U.S.-dollar transactions and payments; and
• promotes consumer protection and community development through consumer-focused supervision
and examination, research and analysis of emerging consumer issues and trends, community economic
development activities, and the administration of consumer laws and regulations.
How change in US Fed rate can impact India?

The Fed Funds Rate is the interest rate at which the top US banks borrow overnight money from common
reserves. All American banks are required to park a portion of their deposits with the Federal Reserve in cash,
as a statutory requirement.
Actually, fed fund rate gives the direction in which US interest rates should be heading at any given point of
time. If the Fed is increasing the interest rates, lending rates for companies and retail borrowers will go up and
vice versa. In India, hike in repo rate may not impact the countries outside India. On the other hand, US interest
rates matter a lot to global capital flows. Some of the world’s richest institutions and investors have their base in
USA. They constantly compare Fed rates with interest rates across the world to make their allocation decisions.
In the globalised world, markets are connected. An increase in Fed rates will be negative in general for the US
stock market and if it leads to another round of sell-offs, it will also have ripple effects on the Indian market.
Any changes in the Fed Fund Rates impact the domestic borrowing market to a large extent. For instance, if
the Fed rates go up, it will make the RBI hesitant in cutting rates at that time. The reason is that if RBI cut rates
it will lead to heavy pullout of foreign investors from the Indian bond market.
Rupee Vs Dollar:
If the Fed rates are hiked, the value of the dollar would go up, thus weakening Indian rupee in comparison. This
might hurt India’s forex reserves and imports. However, the weaker rupee is good for India’s exports but low
global demand and stiff competition would not leave much room for Indian exporters to capitalise the situation.
DBS said that India’s financing requirements will keep the rupee vulnerable to rising US rates this year.
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Bond market pressure:

Due to the higher Fed rates, US’ 10-year bond yields are expected to go up, which will also put pressure on
India’s 10-year government bond yields.
RBI repo rate:
With higher Fed rates weakening the Rupee, India’s imports bill is likely to go up putting pressure on the RBI
to either increase repo rates or at least refrain from cutting rates in the upcoming monetary policy meetings.
2. Credit Policy of RBI

The Reserve Bank of India has a credit policy which aims at pursuing higher growth with price stability. Higher
economic growth means to produce more quantity of goods and services in different sectors of an economy;
The term monetary policy is also known as RBI’s credit policy or money management policy. It is basically
the central bank’s view on what should be the supply of money in the economy and also in what direction the
interest rates should move in the banking system. It refers to the use of credit policy instruments which are at
the disposal of central bank to regulate the availability, cost and use of money and credit to promote economic
growth, price stability, optimum levels of output and employment, balance of payments equilibrium, stable
currency or any other goal of government’s economic policy.
The credit policy aims at increasing finance for the agriculture and industrial activities. When credit policy is
implemented, the role of other commercial banks is very important. Commercial banks flow of credit to different
sectors of the economy depends on the actual cost of credit and arability of funds in the economy.
The objectives of a monetary policy are similar to the five year plans of our country. In a nutshell it is basically a
plan to ensure growth and stability of the monetary system. The significance of the monetary policy is to attain
the following objectives.
1. Rapid Economic Growth: It is an important objective as it can play a decisive role in the economic
growth of country. It influences the interest rates and thus has an impact on the investment. If the
RBI adopts an easy credit policy, it would be doing so by reducing interest rates which in turn would
improve the investment outlook in the country. This would in turn enhance the economic growth.
However faster economic growth is possible if the monetary policy succeeds in maintaining income
and price stability
2. Exchange Rate Stability: Another important objective is maintaining the exchange rate of the home
currency with respect to foreign currencies. If there is volatility in the exchange rate, then the international
community loses confidence in the economy. So it is necessary for the monetary policy to maintain the
stability in exchange rate. The RBI by altering the foreign exchange reserves tries to influence the
demand for foreign exchange and tries to maintain the exchange rate stability.
3. Price Stability: The monetary policy is also supposed to keep the inflation of the country in check. Any
economy can suffer both inflation and deflation both of which are harmful to the economy. So the RBI
has to maintain a fair balance in ensuring that during recession it should adopt an ‘easy money policy’
whereas during inflationary trend it should adopt a ‘dear money policy’
4. Balance of Payments (BOP) Equilibrium: Another key objective is to maintain the BOP equilibrium
which most of the developing economies don’t tend to have. The BOP has two aspects which are ‘BOP
surplus’ and ‘BOP deficit’. The former reflects an excess money supply in the domestic economy, while
the later stands for stringency of money. If the monetary policy succeeds in maintaining monetary
equilibrium, then the BOP equilibrium can be achieved.
5. Neutrality of Money: RBI’s policy should regulate the supply of money. It is possible that the change
in money supply causes disequilibrium and the monetary policy should neutralize it. However this
objective of a monetary policy is always criticized on the ground that if money supply is kept constant
then it would be difficult to attain price stability.
Bank Rate: is the rate at which RBI discount bills for commercial banks. This banking system involves commercial
and Co-operative Banks, Industrial Development Bank of India, IFC, EXIM Bank and other approved financial
institutions. Funds are provided through lending directly or rediscounting or buying money market instruments
like Commercial Bills or Treasury Bills. Increase in Bank Rate increases the cost of borrowing by commercial
banks which results in the reduction of credit volume to the banks and hence declines the money supply.
Increase in Bank Rate means tightening of RBI’s Monetary Policy.
Various Quantitative instrument of Credit Policy
Repo Rate: The rate at which the Commercial Banks borrow money from RBI. Reduction in Repo Rate
helps the Commercial Banks to get money at a cheaper rate and an Increase in Repo Rate discourages the
Commercial Banks to get money as the rate increases and becomes expensive. The increase in the Repo Rate
will increase the cost of borrowing and lending of the banks which will discourage the public to borrow money
and encourages them to deposit.
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) : Cash reserve ratio is the amount which the commercial banks have to maintain
as cash deposit with the Reserve Bank of India. RBI may increase the CRR if it thinks that there is large amount
of money supply in the economy. Conversely, it will decrease the CRR if it is of the opinion that inflation is in
control and the industry needs a monetary boost up. The reduction in CRR will provide more money in the
hands of commercial banks which it will pass it on to the industry. More money in the hands of industry will boost
up production, consumption and employment.
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) : Statutory Liquidity Ratio is the amount which commercial banks have
to keep it with itself. So, SLR is the amount of money which banks have to keep in its custody at all times.
SLR is also a very powerful tool to control liquidity in the economy. To encourage industries to boost up their
production, SLR may be decreased to put more money in the hands of commercial banks. An increase in SLR
is used as an inflation control measure to control price rise.
Reverse Repo Rate (RRR): is the rate at which the RBI borrows money from the Commercial Banks. An
increase in the reverse repo rate will decrease the money supply and vice-versa, other things remaining
constant. An increase in Reverse Repo Rate means that Commercial Banks will get more incentives to park
their funds with the RBI, therefore decreasing the supply of money in Market. An increase in the Repo Rate and
the Reverse Repo rate indicates strengthening of RBI’s Monetary Policy.
3. Inflation Index
An index is just a collection of data that serves as a baseline for future reference. We use the index model in
all areas of life, from the stock market, to inflation. We index wage levels, corporate profits as a percentage of
GDP, and almost anything else that can be measured. We do this to compare where we are now to where we
have been in the past.
An inflation index is an economic tool used to measure the rate of inflation in an economy. There are several
different ways to measure inflation, leading to more than one inflation index with different economists and
investors preferring one method to another, sometimes strongly.
Inflation Indices
In India, Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Wholesale Price Index (WPI) are two major indices for measuring
inflation. In United States, CPI and PPI (Producer Price Index) are two major indices.
The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) was main index for measurement of inflation in India till April 2014 when RBI
adopted new Consumer Price Index (CPI) (combined) as the key measure of inflation.
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a. Wholesale Price Index

Wholesale Price Index (WPI) is computed by the Office of the Economic Adviser in Ministry of commerce &
Industry, Government of India. It was earlier released on weekly basis for Primary Articles and Fuel Group.
However, since 2012, this practice has been discontinued. Currently, WPI is released monthly.
Salient notes on WPI are as follows:
Base Year
Current WPI Base year is 2004-05=100. It’s worth note that the base year for CPI is 2012 currently. This is one
reason for increasing difference between CPI and WPI in recent times.
Items
There are total 676 items in WPI and inflation is computed taking 5482 Price quotations. These items are
divided into three broad categories viz. (1) Primary Articles (2) Fuel & power and (3) Manufactured Products.
WPI does not take into consideration the retail prices or prices of the services.
b. Consumer Price Index
Consumer Price Indices (CPI) released at national level are:
• CPI for Industrial Workers (IW)
• CPI for Agricultural Labourers (AL)/ Rural Labourers (RL)
• CPI (Rural/Urban/Combined).
While the first two are compiled and released by the Labour Bureau in the Ministry of Labour and Employment,
the third by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. In
India, RBI uses CPI (combined) released by CSO for inflation purpose. Important notes on this index are as
follows
Base Year
Base year for CPI (Rural, Urban, Combined) is 2012=100.
Number of items
The number of items in CPI basket include 448 in rural and 460 in urban. Thus, it makes it clear that CPI basket
is broader than WPI basket. The items in CPI are divided into 6 main groups.
Key differences between WPI & CPI
• Primary use of WPI is to have inflationary trend in the economy as a whole. However, CPI is used for
adjusting income and expenditure streams for changes in the cost of living.
• WPI is based on wholesale prices for primary articles, administered prices for fuel items and ex-factory
prices for manufactured products. On the other hand, CPI is based on retail prices, which include all
distribution costs and taxes.
• Prices for WPI are collected on voluntary basis while price data for CPI are collected by investigators
by visiting markets.
• CPI covers only consumer goods and consumer services while WPI covers all goods including
intermediate goods transacted in the economy.
• WPI weights primarily based on national accounts and enterprise survey data and CPI weights are
derived from consumer expenditure survey data.
Impact of Policies on Indian Stock Market

Since monetary policies are influenced by inflation and inflationary expectations in the economy it is therefore,
critical that inflation index should be able to predict future inflation with reasonable accuracy. Generally, when
a country is operating in a low interest rate regime, borrowers can borrow money at a lower interest rate. This
aids in increased purchased power of the consumers. The demand for the goods increase and subsequently
sensing a higher demand, the prices will also raise. This condition drives the inflation rates higher. When the
inflation rates have raised more than the optimal levels, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) steps in to increase
interest rate to control inflation rate. When inflationary pressure starts building in the economy, RBI hikes the
repo rate and/or cash reserve ratio (CRR) to manage the money supply causing higher inflation.
Maintaining an optimal inflation rate is the primary task of Monetary Policy decision makers of any nation. An
optimal inflation rate ensures a healthy economy. More often than not, the policy makers tend to spur growth
in a stalled economy by slashing the interest rates, thereby increasing the money available in the markets.
However, in order to implement such rate cuts the inflation rate should be at an optimal level. So, it becomes
a the prime responsibility of Reserve Bank to monitor Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and Consumer Price Index
(CPI) to ensure that economy is balance.
A rise in the inflation rate impacts market sentiments. A higher inflation rate drives the interest rates higher and
hence borrowing becomes costly for the banks, corporates and financial institutions. Therefore, the valuations
of capital-intensive companies and sectors may come under pressure as their margins decrease due to the
higher interest burden.
However, the markets are governed by many factors and the direction cannot be determined by reading just
one factor. Global sentiments and global funds inflows are other crucial factors that impact the direction of stock
markets significantly.
LESSON ROUND UP
– A wide variety of financial institutions have been set up at the national level. They include development
banks like IDBI, SIDBI, IFCI, IIBI; specialised financial institutions like IVCF, ICICI Venture Funds Ltd,
TFCI and investment institutions like LIC, GIC, UTI; etc.
– All FPIs are required to be mandatorily registered into three broad categories i.e. Category I, Category
II, Category III under SEBI (Foreign Portfolio Investors) Regulations, 2014
– Venture Capital is generally equity investments made by Venture Capital funds, at an early stage in
privately held companies, having potential to provide a high rate of return on their investments.
– Debenture is a document evidencing a debt or acknowledging it and any document which fulfils either
of these conditions is a debenture.
– The FCCBs are unsecured instruments which carry a fixed rate of interest and an option for conversion
into a fixed number of equity shares of the issuer company.
– Issue of IDRs is regulated by section 390 of the Companies Act, 2013, Rule 13 of the Companies
(Registration of Foreign Companies) Rules, 2014 and Chapter X & XA of SEBI (ICDR) Regulations,
2009.
– Book Building means a process undertaken by which a demand for the securities proposed to be
issued by a body corporate is build up and a ‘Fair Price’ and ‘Quantum’ of securities to be issued is
finally determined.
– ASBA is an application for subscribing to an issue, containing an authorization to block the application
money in a bank account.
366 EP-SL&CM
– Stock exchange is a market place for buying and selling of securities and ensuring liquidity to them in
the interest of the investors.
– Securities traded in the stock exchanges can be classified as Listed cleared Securities and Permitted
Securities.
– The trading in the securities of the company takes place in dematerialised form in India.
– There are various factors and monetary policies which has a significant impact on the working of stock
markets in India like RBI Monetary Policy, Consumer Price Index (CPI) , Wholesale Price Index (WPI)
and US FED Policy
GLOSSARY
Circuit Breaker A system to curb excessive speculation in the stock market, applied by the Stock
Exchange authorities, when the index spurts or plunges by more than a specified per
cent. Trading is then suspended for some time to let the market cool down.
Clearing Settlement or clearance of accounts, for a fixed period in a Stock Exchange
Closing Price The rate at which the last transaction in a security is struck before the close of the trading
hours.
Credit Risk The risk that a counterparty will not settle an obligation for full value, either when due or
at any time thereafter. Credit risk includes pre-settlement risk (replacement cost risk)
and settlement risk (Principal risk).
Demutualization Process of transition from “mutually-owned” association to a company “owned by
shareholders”. In other words, transformation of the legal structure from a mutual
form to a business corporation form and privatisation of the corporations so constituted,
is referred to as demutualization.
Fill or Kill An order that requires the immediate purchase or sale of a specified amount of stock,
(FoK) Order though not necessarily at one price. If the order cannot be filled immediately, it is
automatically cancelled (killed)
Interest Rate The risk that movements in the interest rates may lead to a change in expected return.
Risk
Liquidity Under the scheme, repo auctions (for absorption of liquidity) and reverse repo auctions
Adjustment (for injection of liquidity) will be conducted on a daily basis (except Saturdays). It will be
Facility (LAF) same-day transactions, with interest rates decided on a cut-off basis and derived from
auctions on a uniform price basis.
Mark to Collected in cash for all Futures contracts and adjusted against the available Liquid
market margin Net worth for option positions. In the case of Futures Contracts MTM may be considered
(MTM) as Mark to Market Settlement.
Market Maker A member firm who give two way quotation for particular security (ies) and who is under
an obligation to buy and sell them subject to certain conditions such as overall exposure,
spread etc.
Netting: A system whereby outstanding financial contracts can be settled at a net figure, i.e.
receivables are offset against payables to reduce the credit exposure to a counterparty
and to minimize settlement risk.
Screen based Form of trading that uses modern telecommunication and computer technology to
trading combine information transmission with trading in financial markets.
Trading member A member of the derivatives exchange or derivatives segment of a stock exchange who
settles the trade in the clearing corporation or clearing house through a clearing member.
SELF TEST QUESTIONS

1. Briefly explain about different types of national level financial institutions.
2. What do you understand by private equity? Discuss about different categories of private equity.
3. What are the conditions for issue of Shares with differential voting rights under Companies Act, 2013?
4. What do you understand by Book Building? Explain briefly the book building process.
5. Briefly explain about the impact of various monetary policies on Indian stock market.
368 EP-SL&CM
Lesson 16
Securities Market Intermediaries
LESSON OUTLINE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
– Introduction
Intermediaries are service providers and are an
– Internal Audit of Intermediaries by Company integral part of any financial system. SEBI regulates
Secretary in Practice
various intermediaries in the primary and secondary
– Role of Company Secretary markets through its various Regulations for these
respective intermediaries. SEBI has defined the
– LESSON ROUND UP
role of each of the intermediary, the eligibility
– GLOSSARY criteria for granting registration, their functions
– SELF TEST QUESTIONS and responsibilities and the code of conduct to
which they are bound. These Regulations also
empower SEBI to inspect the functioning of these
intermediaries and to collect fees from them and to
impose penalties on erring entities.
This lesson will enable the students to know about
the role and responsibilities of intermediaries
and regulatory framework of the intermediaries
operating in the Primary and the Secondary
markets. Further, the student will be get to know
about the internal audit of various intermediaries
where a Company Secretary in practice SEBI is
authorised by the SEBI to conduct the audit of
such intermediaries.
370 EP-SL&CM
INTRODUCTION
The capital market intermediaries are vital link between investor, issuer and regulator. The objective of these
intermediaries is to smoothen the process of investment and to establish a link between the investors and the
users of funds.
Corporations and Governments do not market their securities directly to the investors. Instead, they hire the
services of the market intermediaries to represent them to the investors. Investors, particularly small investors,
find it difficult to make direct investment. A small investor desiring to invest may be able to diversify across issuers
to reduce risk. He may not be equipped to assess and monitor the credit risk of issuers. Market intermediaries
help investors to select investments by providing investment consultancy, market analysis and credit rating of
investment instruments.
In order to operate in secondary market, the investors have to transact through share brokers. Registrars and
Share Transfer Agents, Custodians and Depositories Participants are capital market intermediaries that provide
important infrastructure services for both primary and secondary markets.
According to SEBI (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008, “intermediary” means a person mentioned in clauses (b)
and (ba) of sub-section (2) of section 11 and sub-section (1) and (1A) of section 12 of the Act and includes an
asset management company in relation to the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996, a clearing member of
a clearing corporation or clearing house and a trading member of a derivative segment or currency derivatives
segment of a stock exchange but does not include foreign institutional investor, foreign venture capital
investor, mutual fund, collective investment scheme and venture capital fund.
SEBI has issued regulations in respect of each intermediary to ensure proper services to be rendered by them
to the investors and the capital market.
These Regulations also empower SEBI to inspect the functioning of these intermediaries and to collect fees
from them and to impose penalties on erring entities. As per Section 11 of SEBI Act, it is the duty of SEBI to
register and regulate the working of stock brokers, share transfer agents, bankers to an issue, trustees of trust
deeds, registrars to an issue, merchant bankers, underwriters, portfolio managers, investment advisers and
such other intermediaries who may be associated with securities market in any manner.
The following market intermediaries are involved in the Securities Market:
l Merchant Bankers
l Registrars and Share Transfer Agents
l Underwriters
l Bankers to an issue
l Debenture Trustees
l Stock-brokers
l Portfolio managers
l Custodians
l Investment Advisers
l Research Analysts
l Credit Rating Agencies
l Depository Participant
Lesson 16 n Securities Market Intermediaries 371
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OF INTERMEDIARIES
Sl Intermediary Definition Role and SEBI Net worth

No. Name Responsibilities Regulation Requirement
1. Merchant ‘Merchant Banker’ It is necessary for an issuer to SEBI Not less
Banker means any person appoint a merchant banker for : (Merchant than five
engaged in the business (a) Managing of public issue of Bankers) crore
of issue management securities; Regulations, rupees.
either by making 1992
arrangements regarding (b) Underwriting connected
selling buying or with the aforesaid public
subscribing to securities issue management
or acting as manager/ business;
consultant/advisor or (c) Managing/Advising on
rendering corporate international offerings
advisory services in of debt/equity i.e. GDR,
relation to such issue ADR, bonds and other
management. instruments;

(d) Private placement of
securities;

(e)
Primary or satellite
dealership of government
securities;
(f) Corporate advisory
services related to
securities market including
takeovers, acquisition and
disinvestment;
(g) Stock broking;

(h) Advisory services for
projects;
(i) Syndication of rupee term
loans;
(j) International financial
advisory services
2. Registrars ‘Registrar to an Issue’ Pre-issue Activities SEBI Capital
and Share means the person (Registrars adequacy
• Sending instructions to Banks
Transfer appointed by a body to an Issue requirement
for reporting of collection
Agents corporate or any person and Share (networth) for
figures and collection of
or group of persons to Transfer category I is
applications.
carry on the following Agents) Rs. 50,00,000
activities on its or his or • Providing Practical inputs to Regulations, and category
their behalf : the Lead Manager and Printers 1993 II is Rs.
regarding the design of the Bid 25,00,000.
(i) collecting application
cum-
for investor in respect of
an issue; • Application form.
372 EP-SL&CM
(ii) keeping a proper • Facilitate and establish

record of applications information flow system
and monies received between clients , Banks and
from investors or paid Managers to the issue.
to the seller of the
• Liaison with Regulatory
securities; and
Authorities such as SEBI &
(iii) assisting body Stock Exchanges.
corporate or person or Activities during the Issue
group of persons in –
• Collection and Reporting of
(a) determining the daily Collection figures.
basis of allotment of the
securities in consultation • Collection of Data and Forms
with the stock exchange; from Banks.
• Liaising with clients and
(b) finalising the list
Intermediaries to the Issue.
of person entitled to
allotment of securities; Post Issue Activities
(c) processing and • Data capturing & validation
dispatching of allotment • Reconciliation
letters, refund orders or
certificates and other • Provide Allotment Alternatives
related documents in in consultation with Client /
respect of the issue; Merchant Banker and Stock
Exchanges
‘Share Transfer Agent’
means: • Facilitating Listing
• Uploading of data to the
(i) any person who
Depositories for crediting of
on behalf of any body
securities electronically
corporate, maintains
the records of holders • Dispatch of Refund orders
of securities issued by / Share Certificates / Credit
such body corporate and Advise
deals with all matters
• Periodic Report submission to
connected with the
Regulatory Authorities
transfer and redemption
of its securities; • Reconciliation of Refund
payments
(ii) the department or
division, by whatever • Attending to post issue Investor
name called, of a body queries
corporate performing • Web-based investor enquiry
the activities as share system for allotment / refund
transfer agents if at any details
time the total number of
GENERAL OBLIGATIONS AND
holders of its securities
RESPONSIBILITIES
issued exceed one lakh.
– Every registrar to an issue
and share transfer agent
holding a certificate shall at
all times abide by the Code
of Conduct.
- Registrar to an issue shall not

to act as such registrar for
any issue of securities in case
he or it is an associate of the
body corporate issuing the
securities.
- Every registrar to an issue and
share transfer agent being
a body corporate shall keep
and maintain proper books of
accounts and records.
- the registrar to an issue or share
transfer agent shall preserve
the books of accounts and
other records and documents
maintained for a minimum
period of three years.
- Every registrar to an issue
and share transfer agent shall
appoint a compliance officer
who shall be responsible for
monitoring the compliance of
the Act, rules and regulations,
notifications, guidelines,
instructions etc. issued by
the SEBI or the Central
Government and for redressal
of investors’ grievances.
3. Underwriters Underwriter means a It is the underwriter who agrees to SEBI (Under Not less than
person who engages take up securities which are not fully Writers) the net worth
in the business of subscribed in a public issue. The Regulations, of Rs. 20
underwriting of an issue Underwriter makes a commitment 1993 lakhs.
of securities of a body to get the issue subscribing either
corporate. Underwriting by others or by themselves.
is an arrangement
whereby certain parties
RESPONSIBILITIES
assure the issuing
company to take up – Every underwriter shall at all
shares, debentures or times abide by the Code of
other securities to a Conduct.
specified extent in case
– Every underwriter shall
the public subscription
enter into an agreement
does not amount to the
with each body corporate on
expected levels.
whose behalf he is acting as
Underwriting is underwriter.
compulsory for a
– The underwriter shall not
public issue.
derive any direct or indirect
benefit from underwriting
the issue other than the
commission or brokerage
payable under an agreement
for underwriting.
374 EP-SL&CM
– The total underwriting

obligations under all the
agreements shall not
exceed twenty times the net
worth.
– Every underwriter, in the
event of being called upon
to subscribe for securities of
a body corporate pursuant
to an agreement shall
subscribe to such securities
within 45 days of the receipt
of such intimation from such
body corporate.
– every underwriter shall keep
and maintain proper books
of account and records.
preserve the books of
account and other records
and documents for a
minimum period of five
years.
monitoring the compliance
of the Act, rules and
regulations, notifications,
guidelines, instructions,
etc., issued by the SEBI or
the Central Government and
for redressal of investors’
grievances.
– The SEBI may at any time
call for any information from
an underwriter with respect
to any matter relating to
underwriting business.
4. Bankers to an Banker to an Issue Bankers to the issue, as the SEBI --

issue means a scheduled name suggests, carries out all the (Bankers To
bank carrying on all activities of ensuring that the funds an Issue)
or any of the following are collected and transferred to Regulations,
activities: the Escrow accounts. While one 1994
or more banks may function as
(i) Acceptance of Bankers to the Issue as well as
application and collection banks, others may
application monies; do the limited work of collecting
the applications for securities
(ii) Acceptance of along with the remittance in their
allotment or call monies; numerous branches in different
(iii) Refund of application centres. The banks are expected
monies; to furnish prompt information and
records to the company and to
(iv) Payment of dividend the lead manager for monitoring
or interest warrants. and progressing the issue work.
RESPONSIBILITIES
– Every banker to an issue
shall maintain books of
account, records and the
documents.
shall furnish the information
to the SEBI when required.
shall enter into an agreement
with the body corporate for
whom it is acting as banker
to an issue.
– Every banker to an issue shall
inform the SEBI forthwith
if any disciplinary action is
taken by the Reserve Bank
against the banker to an
issue only in relation to issue
payment work.
shall abide by the code of
conduct.
shall appoint a compliance
officer who shall be
responsible for monitoring
the compliance of the Act,
rules and regulations,
instructions, etc., issued
by the SEBI or the Central
Government and for
redressal of investors’
grievances.
376 EP-SL&CM
5. Debenture Debenture Trustee’ – Call for periodical reports SEBI Not less than
Trustees means a trustee of a from the body corporate, (Debenture the net worth
trust deed for securing i.e., issuer of debentures. Trustees) of Rs. 10
any issue of debentures Regulations, crores
– Take possession of trust
of a body corporate. 1993
property in accordance with
the provisions of the trust
deed.
– Enforce security in the
interest of the debenture
holders.
– Ensure on a continuous
basis that the property
charged to the debenture
is available and adequate
at all times to discharge
the interest and principal
amount payable in respect
of the debentures and that
such property is free from
any other encumbrances
except those which are
specifically agreed with the
debenture trustee.
– Exercise due diligence to
ensure compliance by the
body corporate with the
provisions of the Companies
Act, the listing agreement of
the stock exchange or the
trust deed.

– To take appropriate
measures for protecting the
interest of the debenture
holders as soon as any
breach of the trust deed or
law comes to his notice.
– To ascertain that the
debentures have been
converted or redeemed
in accordance with the
provisions and conditions
under which they are offered
to the debenture holders.
– Inform the SEBI immediately
of any breach of trust deed
or provision of any law.
– Appoint a nominee director
on the board of the body
corporate when required.
6. Stock-brokers • Stock-broker means A stock broker plays a very SEBI (Stock As specified
a member of stock important role in the secondary Brokers) in Schedule
exchange and they are market helping both the seller and Regulations, VI of these
the intermediaries who the buyer of the securities to enter 1992 Regulations.
are allowed to trade into a transaction. The buyer and
in securities on the seller may be either a broker or a
exchange of which they client. When executing an order,
are members. They buy the stock broker may on behalf
and sell on their own of his client buy or sell securities
behalf as well as on from his own account i.e. as
behalf of their clients. principal or act as an agent. For
each transaction he has to issue
necessary contract note indicating
whether the transaction has been
entered into by him as a principal
or as an agent for another. While
buying or selling securities as a
principal, the stock broker has to
obtain the consent of his client
and the prices charged should be
fair and justified by the conditions
of the market.
RESPONSIBILITIES
– Every Stock Broker shall
keep and maintain the
proper books of account,
records and documents.
– Every stock broker shall
preserve the books of
account and other records
maintained for a minimum
period of five years.
– Every stock broker shall
grievances.
378 EP-SL&CM
7. Portfolio Portfolio manager A portfolio manager plays a SEBI Not less

managers means any person who pivotal role in deciding the best (Portfolio than the net
pursuant to contract or investment plan for an individual Managers) worth of Rs. 5
arrangement with the as per his income, age as well as Regulations, crores.
client, advises or directs ability to undertake risks. A portfolio 2020
or undertakes on behalf manager is responsible for making
of the client (whether as an individual aware of the various
a discretionary portfolio investment tools available in the
manager or otherwise) market and benefits associated
the management or with each plan. Make an individual
administration of a realize why he actually needs to
portfolio of securities or invest and which plan would be the
the funds of the clients best for him. A portfolio manager
as the case may be. is responsible for designing
customized investment solutions
“Discretionary portfolio
for the clients according to their
manager” is defined
financial needs.
as portfolio manager
who exercises or GENERAL OBLIGATIONS
may exercise, under AND RESPONSIBILITIES
a contract relating to – Every portfolio manager
portfolio management, shall abide by the Code of
exercise any degree Conduct.
of discretion as to
– The portfolio manager
the investment or the
shall, before taking up an
management of the
assignment of management
portfolio of the securities
of funds and portfolio on
or the funds of the client.
behalf of a client, enter
“Portfolio” means the total into an agreement in
holdings of securities writing with such client that
belonging to any person. clearly defines the inter se
relationship and sets out
their mutual rights, liabilities
and obligations relating to
management of portfolio.
– The discretionary portfolio
manager shall individually
and independently manage
the funds of each client in
accordance with the needs
of the client whereas the
non-discretionary portfolio
manager shall manage the
funds in accordance with
the directions of the client..
– The portfolio manager shall
not accept from the client,
funds or securities worth
less than fifty lakh rupees.
act in a fiduciary capacity
with regard to the client’s
funds.

segregate each client’s
holding in securities in
separate accounts.
keep the funds of all clients
in a separate account to
be maintained by it in a
Scheduled Commercial
Bank.
transact in securities within
the limitation placed by the
client himself with regard
to dealing in securities
under the provisions of the
Reserve Bank of India Act,
not derive any direct or
indirect benefit out of the
client’s funds or securities.
– The portfolio manager
shall not borrow funds or
securities on behalf of the
client.
not lend securities held on
behalf of the clients to a third
person except as provided
under SEBI (Portfolio
Managers) Regulations,
2020.
ensure proper and timely
handling of complaints
from his clients and
take appropriate action
immediately.
ensure that any person
or entity involved in the
distribution of its services is
carrying out the distribution
activities in compliance
with these regulations and
circulars issued thereunder
from time to time.
380 EP-SL&CM
8. Custodians A custodian is a person • Administrate and protect the SEBI Net worth of
who carries on or assets of the clients. (Custodian) minimum of
propose to carry on the Regulations, Rs. 50 crores.
• Open a separate custody
business of providing 1996
account and deposit
custodial services to the
account in the name of each
client. The custodian
client.
keeps the custody of
the securities of the • Record assets.
client. The custodian
• Conduct registration of
also provides incidental
securities.
services such as
maintaining t h e GENERAL OBLIGATIONS AND
accounts of securities RESPONSIBILITIES
of the client, collecting
– Every custodian shall abide
the benefits or rights
by the Code of Conduct.
accruing to the client in
respect of securities. – Where a custodian is
carrying on any activity
besides that of acting as
custodian then the activities
relating to his business as
custodian shall be separate
and segregated from all
other activities.
– Every custodian shall have
adequate mechanisms for
the purposes of reviewing,
monitoring, evaluating and
inspection the custodian’s
controls, systems,
procedures and safeguards.
– No custodian shall assign
or delegate its functions as
a custodian to any other
person unless such person
is a custodian.
– Every custodian shall open
a separate custody account
for each client, in the name
of the client whose securities
are in its custody and the
assets of one client shall
not be mixed with those of
another client.
– Every custodian shall enter
into an agreement with each
client on whose behalf it is
acting as custodian.
– Every custodian shall have

adequate internal controls
to prevent any manipulation
of records and documents
including audits for
securities , goods and rights
or entitlements arising from
the securities and goods
held by it on behalf of its
client.
–
Every custodian shall
maintain the records and
documents.
–
Every custodian shall
grievances.
– Where any information
is called for by the SEBI,
it shall be the duly of the
custodian to furnish such
information within such
reasonable period as the
SEBI may specify.
9. Investment “Investment Adviser” Investment advisers are those, SEBI Net worth
Advisers means any person, who who guide one about his or (Investment of not less
for consideration, is her financial dealings and Advisers) than Rs.
engaged in the business investments. Basically Investment Regulations, 25 lakhs in
of providing investment adviser give advice and provide 2013 case of body
advice to clients or other services related to the investment corporate and
persons or group of management process. The in case of
persons and includes Investment adviser shall done the individuals or
any person who holds risk profiling for clients to assess partnership
out himself as an their risks. firm net
investment adviser, by tangible
whatever name called. assets of
value not less
than one lakh
rupees.
382 EP-SL&CM

RESPONSIBILITIES
– An investment adviser shall
act in a fiduciary capacity
towards its clients and
shall disclose all conflicts of
interests as and when they
arise.
– An investment adviser
shall not receive any
consideration by way
of remuneration or
compensation or in any
other form from any person
other than the client being
advised, in respect of the
underlying products or
securities for which advice
is provided.
maintain an arms-length
relationship between its
activities as an investment
adviser and other activities.
– An investment adviser which
is also engaged in activities
other than investment
advisory services shall
ensure that its investment
advisory services are clearly
segregated from all its other
activities, in the manner as
prescribed hereunder.
– An investment adviser
shall ensure that in case
of any conflict of interest
of the investment advisory
activities with other
activities, such conflict of
interest shall be disclosed to
the client.
not divulge any confidential
information about its client,
which has come to its
knowledge, without taking
prior permission of its
clients, except where such
disclosures are required to
be made in compliance with
any law for the time being in
force.
– An investment advisor shall

not enter into transactions
on its own account which is
contrary to its advice given
to clients for a period of
fifteen days from the day of
such advice.
– An investment advisor shall
follow Know Your Client
procedure as specified by
the SEBI from time to time.
abide by Code of Conduct.
not act on its own account,
knowingly to sell securities
or investment products to
or purchase securities or
investment product from a
client.
– In case of change in control
of the investment adviser,
prior approval from the SEBI
shall be taken.
– Investment advisers
shall furnish to the SEBI
information and reports as
may be specified by the
SEBI from time to time.
– It shall be the responsibility
of the Investment
Adviser to ensure that
its representatives and
partners, as applicable,
comply with the certification
and qualification
requirements at all times.
384 EP-SL&CM
10. Research “Research analyst” They study Companies SEBI • Body

Analysts means a person who and industries, analyse raw (Research corporate
is primarily responsible data, and make forecasts or Analysts) or limited
for,- recommendations about whether Regulations, liability
to buy, hold or sell securities. 2014 partnership
i. preparation or
They analyse information to firm – not
publication of the
provide recommendations about less than
content of the research
investments in securities to Rs. 25
report; or
their clients. Investors often Lakh.
ii. providing research view analysts as experts and
• Individual or
report; or important sources of information
partnership
about the securities they review
iii. making ‘buy/sell/hold’ firm shall
and often rely on their advice.
recommendation; or have net
There are basically three broad
tangible
iv. giving price target; or types of analysts, viz. sell-side
assets of
analysts, buy-side analysts and
v. offering an opinion value not
independent analysts.
concerning public less than
offer, with respect to GENERAL OBLIGATIONS AND Rs. 1 Lakh.
securities that are listed RESPONSIBILITIES
or to be listed in a stock
–
Research analyst or
exchange, whether or
research entity shall
not any such person has
maintain an arms-length
the job title of ‘research
relationship between its
analyst’ and includes
research activity and other
any other entities
activities.
engaged in issuance
of research report or –
Research analyst or
research analysis. research entity shall abide
by Code of Conduct.
– In case of change in control
of the research analyst
or research entity, prior
approval from the SEBI
shall be taken.
–
Research analyst or
research entity shall furnish
to the SEBI information and
reports as may be specified
by the SEBI from time to
time.
– It shall be the responsibility
of the research analyst
or research entity to
ensure that its employees
or partners, as may be
applicable, comply with the
certification and qualification
requirements at all times.
–
Research analyst or
research entity shall
maintain the following
records: (i) research report
duly signed and dated; (ii)
research recommendation
provided; (iii) rationale
for arriving at research
recommendation; (iv) record
of public appearance.
– All records shall be
maintained either in physical
or electronic form and
preserved for a minimum
period of five years.
–
Research analyst or
research entity shall conduct
annual audit in respect
of compliance with these
regulations from a member
of Institute of Chartered
Accountants of India or
Institute of Company
Secretaries of India.
–
Research analyst or
research entity which is a
body corporate or limited
liability partnership firm shall
of the provisions of the
Act, these regulations and
circulars issued by the
SEBI.
386 EP-SL&CM
11. Credit Rating “Credit rating agency” Credit rating is extremely SEBI (Credit Minimum net
Agencies means a body corporate important as it not only plays a Rating worth of
which is engaged in, or role in investor protection but Agencies) Rs. 25 crores
proposes to be engaged also benefits industry as a whole Regulations,
in, the business of rating in terms of direct mobilization of 1999
of securities offered by savings from individuals. Rating
way of public or rights also provide a marketing tool to
issue. the company and its investment
bankers in placing company’s
debt obligations with a investor
base that is aware of, and
comfortable with, the level of risk.
Ratings also encourage discipline
amongst corporate borrowers to
improve their financial structure
and operating risks to obtain
a better rating for their debt
obligations and thereby lower the
cost of borrowing.
RESPONSIBILITIES
– Every credit rating agency
shall abide by the Code of
Conduct.
shall enter into a written
agreement with each client
whose securities it proposes
to rate.
shall, during the lifetime
of securities rated by it
continuously monitor the
rating of such securities.

–
Every credit rating
agency shall disseminate
information regarding newly
assigned ratings, and
changes in earlier rating
promptly through press
releases and websites, and,
in the case of securities
issued by listed companies,
such information shall also
be provided simultaneously
to the concerned regional
stock exchange and to all
the stock exchanges where
the said securities are listed.

shall disclose Rating
Definitions and Rationale.
– Where any information
is called for by the SEBI
from a credit rating agency
for the purposes of these
regulations, including
any report relating to its
activities, the credit rating
agency shall furnish such
information to the SEBI.
shall comply with such
guidelines, directives,
circulars and instructions as
may be issued by the SEBI
from time to time,
shall appoint a compliance
officer who shall be
responsible for monitoring
the compliance of the Act,
rules and regulations,
instructions etc. issued by
the SEBI or the Central
Government.
shall keep and maintain
books of accounts, records
and documents for a
minimum period of five
years.
12. Depository A DP is an agent of Depository Participant (DP) is SEBI Depository
Participant the depository through described as an Agent (law) of (Deposit- participant –
which it interfaces the depository. They are the ories and
As specified
with the investor and intermediaries between the Participants)
in Regulation
provides depository depository and the investors. Regulations,
35 to these
services. 2018
They execute pledge requests Regulations.
and off market transfers and on
market transfer request of the
investors who hold shares in
demat form.
Further transmission requests of
investors shall also be handled.
Demat/Remat requests also
handled in consultation with RTI/
STAs.
388 EP-SL&CM
Apart from the above respective SEBI regulations, Intermediaries are also governed by the following
regulations:
• SEBI {KYC (Know Your Client) Registration Agency (KRA)}, Regulations, 2011
• SEBI (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008
• Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 and SEBI master circular on PMLA
INTERNAL AUDIT OF INTERMEDIARIES BY COMPANY SECRETARY IN PRACTICE

Efficient internal control systems and processes are pre-requisite for good governance. The governance being
a dynamic concept requires constant evaluation and monitoring of the systems and processes. In the context of
Capital Markets, capital markets intermediaries are an important constituent of overall governance framework.
Being an important link between regulators, investors and issuers, they are expected to ensure that their internal
controls are so efficient that ensure effective investor service at all times and provide regulators comfort as to
the compliance of regulatory prescription. In this direction SEBI has authorised Practising Company Secretaries
to undertake internal audit of various capital market intermediaries and issue quarterly certificate with respect
to reconciliation of share capital audit.

Every market intermediaries shall appoint a company secretary as a compliance officer who shall be
responsible for monitoring the compliance of the Act, rules and regulations, notifications, guidelines,
instructions etc. issued by SEBI or the Central Government and for redressal of investors’ grievances. The
compliance officer shall immediately and independently report to SEBI for any non-compliance observed by
him.
LESSON ROUND UP
– The role of intermediaries makes the market vibrant, and to function smoothly and continuously.
Intermediaries possess professional expertise and play a promotional role in organising a perfect
match between the supply and demand for capital in the market.
– As per Section 11 of SEBI Act, it is the duty of SEBI to register and regulate the working of stock
brokers, sub-brokers, share transfer agents, bankers to an issue, trustees of trust deeds, registrars
to an issue, merchant bankers, underwriters, portfolio managers, investment advisors and such other
intermediaries who may be associated with securities market in any manner.
– Merchant Bankers are the key intermediaries between the company and issue of capital. The activities
of the Merchant Bankers in the Indian capital market are regulated by SEBI (Merchant Bankers)
Regulation, 1992.
– Underwriting is compulsory for a public issue. It is necessary for a public company which invites public
subscription for its securities to ensure that its issue is fully subscribed.
– Bankers to the issue, as the name suggests, carries out all the activities of ensuring that the funds are
collected and transferred to the Escrow accounts.
– A stock broker plays a very important role in the secondary market helping both the seller and the
buyer of the securities to enter into a transaction.
– A portfolio manager with professional experience and expertise in the field, studies the market and
adjusts the investment mix for his client on a continuing basis to ensure safety of investment and
reasonable returns therefrom.
– Every Portfolio manager is required to appoint a Practising Company Secretary or a Practising
Chartered Accountant for conducting the internal audit.
– Custodian means any person who carries on or proposes to carry on the business of providing
custodial services.
– Investment adviser means any person, who for consideration is engaged in the business of providing
investment advice to clients or other group of persons and includes any person who holds out himself
as an investment adviser, by whatever name called.
GLOSSARY
Financial It includes analysis of client’s current financial situation, identification of their financial
Planning goals, and developing and recommending financial strategies to realize such goals.
Institutional Organisations those invest including insurance companies, depository institutions,
Investors pension funds, investment companies and endowment funds.
KYC Know your Client (KYC) means the procedure prescribed by SEBI for identifying and
verifying the Proof of Address, Proof of Identity and compliance with rules, regulations,
guidelines and circulars issued by SEBI or any other authority for Prevention of Money
Laundering from time to time.
Netting A system whereby outstanding financial contracts can be settled at a net figure, i.e.
Portfolio A collection of securities owned by an individual or an institution (such as a mutual fund)
Investment that may include stocks, bonds and money market securities.
390 EP-SL&CM
Profit Profit which results from the difference between the purchase and selling prices of a
security. Trading profit is short term while investment profit is medium or long term.
SELF TEST QUESTIONS

1. Discuss the types of market intermediaries in the Securities market.
2. Explain the Role and Responsibilities of Registrar and Share Transfer Agent in Pre-Issue and Post-
Issue Activities.
3. What is meant by Research Analysts? Elucidate the capital adequacy norms laid down under SEBI
(Research Analysts) Regulations, 2014 for registration as a Research Analysts.
4. Briefly discuss about the internal audit of intermediaries required to be conducted by a Company
Secretary in Practice.
5. Write short notes on:
a) Merchant Banker
b) Debenture Trustee
c) Custodian
d) Investment Advisers
GLOSSARY 391
GLOSSARY
Accounting Standard Accounting Standards are codified or written statements of accounting rules and
guidelines for preparation and presentation of financial statements. They are
policy documents issued by an expert accounting body or by the Government or
other regulatory body.
Admission to Dealing The process of granting permission to the securities of a company to be listed in
a Stock Exchange and to provide trading facilities for the securities in the market.
Annual Return The change in percentage in the Net Asset Value (NAV) of a fund over one year
based on the assumption that distributions such as dividend payment and bonuses
have been reinvested.
Appointed date It means the date which SEBI may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint
and different appointed dates may be appointed for different recognized stock
exchanges.
Arbitration Arbitration is a procedure in which a dispute submitted, by agreement of the parties to
one or more arbitrators who make a binding decision on the dispute.
Average market It means the sum of daily market capitalization of “public shareholding” for a period of
capitalisation of one year up to the end of the quarter preceding the month in which the proposed
public shareholding issue was approved by the Board of Directors/ shareholders, as the case may be,
divided by the number of trading days.
Award It means a finding in the form of direction or an order of an Ombudsman given in
accordance with these regulations;
Basis of allotment An allotment pattern of an issue among different categories of applicant.
Beneficial owner (BO) The true owner of a security or property, which may be registered in another
name. Means a person whose name appears as such on the records of the
depository.
Bid An offer of a price to buy as in an auction. Business on the Stock Exchange is done
through bids. Bid also refers to the price one is willing to pay for a security.
Book Closure The periodic closure of the Register of Members and Transfer Books of the
company, to take a record of the shareholders to determine their entitlement to
dividends or to bonus or right shares or any other rights pertaining to shares.
Chinese Walls Artificial barriers to the flow of information set up in large firms to prevent the
movement of sensitive information between departments.
Circuit Breaker A system to curb excessive speculation in the stock market, applied by the Stock
Exchange authorities, when the index spurts or plunges by more than a specified per
cent. Trading is then suspended for some time to let the market cool down.
Clearing Settlement or clearance of accounts, for a fixed period in a Stock Exchange
Closing Price The rate at which the last transaction in a security is struck before the close of the
trading hours.
Commodity Derivative It means a contract - (i) for the delivery of such goods, as may be notified by the
Central Government in the Official Gazette, and which is not a ready delivery
contract; or (ii) for differences, which derives its value from prices or indices of
392 EP-SLCM
prices of such underlying goods or activities, services, rights, interests and events,
as may be notified by the Central Government, in consultation with SEBI, but does
not include securities as referred to in sub-clauses (A) and (B) of clause (ac) of
Section 2 under Securities Contracts (Regulations) Act, 1956.
Complainant It means any investor who lodges complaint with the Ombudsman and includes
an investors association recognised by the Board.
Compounding of Compounding of offence allows the accused to avoid a lengthy
offences process of criminal prosecution, which would save cost, time, mental agony, etc.
in return for payment of compounding charges.
Competitive Bid An offer made by a person other than the acquirer who has made the first public
announcement.
Contra Trade Contra trading involves buying and selling the same shares without paying for
them.
Control of The right to appoint directly or indirectly or by virtue of agreements or in any other
management manner majority of directors on he Board of the target company or to control
management or policy decisions affecting the target company.
Corporate Involves making radical changes in the composition of the businesses in
restructuring the company’s portfolio.
Credit Risk The risk that a counterparty will not settle an obligation for full value, either
when due or at any time thereafter. Credit risk includes pre-settlement risk
(replacement cost risk) and settlement risk (Principal risk).
Delisting Exchange The exchange from which securities of a company are proposed to be delisted.
Diluted Earning Per EPS is which accuses to the shareholder of the company. Dilution is a reduction in
Shares EPS or an increase in loss per share resulting from the assumption, that
convertible instruments are converted, that options or warrants are exercised or
the ordinary shares are issued.
Demutualization Process of transition from “mutually-owned” association to a company “owned by
shareholders”. In other words, transformation of the legal structure from a mutual
form to a business corporation form and privatisation of the corporations so constituted,
is referred to as demutualization.
Disinvestment Disinvestment means the direct or indirect sale by the Central Government or any State
Government or by a government company, as the case may be, of shares or voting
rights in, or control over, a target company, which is a public sector undertaking;
Diversification The process of investing across different asset classes (equity, debt, property,
etc.) and across different investments within each asset class (for instance,
investing across equity shares of various companies in case of equity) to reduce
risk.
Dividend Payable A current liability showing the amount due to stock holders/shareholders for
dividend declared but not paid
Earnings per It is the portion of a company’s profit allocated to each outstanding share of
share (EPS) common stock and it serves as an indicator of a company’s profitability.
Encumbrance It shall include a pledge, lien or any such transaction, by whatever name called.
GLOSSARY 393
Fill or Kill An order that requires the immediate purchase or sale of a specified amount of stock,
(Fok) Order though not necessarily at one price. If the order cannot be filled immediately, it is
automatically cancelled (killed)
Financial It includes analysis of client’s current financial situation, identification of their financial
Planning goals, and developing and recommending financial strategies to realize such
goals.
Financial year It means the period of twelve months commencing on the first day of April every
year. However, a company may at its option have a financial year commencing on
a date other than the first day of April.
Firm Allotment Allotment on a firm basis in public issues by an issuing company made to Indian
and multilateral development financial institutions, Indian mutual funds, foreign
portfolio investors including non-resident Indians and overseas corporate bodies
and permanent/regular employees of the issuer company.
Fundamental It means the investment objective and terms of a scheme.
Attributes
General Corporate It include such identified purposes for which no specific amount is allocated or any
Purpose amount so specified towards General Corporate Purpose or any such purpose by
whatever name called, in the draft offer document filed with SEBI.
Grievance Redress Grievance Redress mechanism is part and parcel of the machinery of any
administration. The grievance redress mechanism of an organisation is the
gauge to measure its efficiency and effectiveness as it provides important feedback
on the working of the administration
Injunction A court order by which an individual is required to perform, or is restrained from
performing, a particular act.
Intellectual Property It is a category of property that includes intangible creations of the human intellect,
and primarily encompasses copyrights, patents, and trademarks. It also includes
other types of rights, such as trade secrets, publicity rights, moral rights, and
rights against unfair competition.
Institutional Organisations those invest including insurance companies, depository institutions,
Investors pension funds, investment companies and endowment funds.
Interest Rate The risk that movements in the interest rates may lead to a change in expected
return.
Investing It means a body corporate whose investment in the company would result in the
company
Investment Every mutual fund scheme has an investment objective according to which the
objective fund manager has to make investments for the scheme. For example, in case of
an equity fund, the investment objective may be to invest in large cap companies
across a range of sectors in order to give investors capital appreciation.
Investing It means a body corporate whose investment in the company would result in the
Company/ company becoming an associate company of the body corporate.
Venture of a Company
ISIN International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) is a code that uniquely
identifies a specific security, which is allocated at the time of admitting the same in
394 EP-SLCM
Interim A dividend payment made during the course of a companies financial year. Interim
Dividend dividend, unlike the final dividend does not have to be agreed in a general meeting.
Grant It means issue of option to employees under the scheme.
Joint Account It means a bank or a demat account in the names of more than one person
(maximum three in case of a demat account). All the account holders must give
their signature to operate a demat account held jointly.
Odd Lot Anything less than the standard unit of trading
Offer for sale An offer of securities by existing shareholder(s) of a company to the public of
subscription, through an offer document.
Open Market Purchase or sale of government securities by the monetary authorities (RBI in India) to
increase or decrease the domestic money supply.
Option grantee It means an employee having a right but not an obligation to exercise an option in
pursuance of ESOS.
Ordinance An ordinance is an executive order issued by the President of India that holds the
same force and effect on an Act passed by the Parliament.
KYC Know Your Client (KYC) means the procedure prescribed by SEBI for identifying
and verifying the Proof of Address, Proof of Identity and compliance with rules,
regulations, guidelines and circulars issued by SEBI or any other authority for
Prevention of Money Laundering from time to time.
Liquidity Under the scheme, repo auctions (for absorption of liquidity) and reverse repo auctions
Adjustment (for injection of liquidity) will be conducted on a daily basis (except Saturdays). It will be
Facility (LAF) same-day transactions, with interest rates decided on a cut-off basis and derived from
auctions on a uniform price basis.
Listing Agreement An agreement which has to be entered into by companies when they seek listing
for their shares on a stock exchange. Companies is are called upon to keep the
stock exchange fully informed of all corporate developments having a bearing on
the market price of shares like dividend, rights, bonus shares, etc.
Mark to Collected in cash for all Futures contracts and adjusted against the available Liquid
market margin Net worth for option positions. In the case of Futures Contracts MTM may be considered
(MTM) as Mark to Market Settlement.
Market Maker A member firm who give two way quotation for particular security(ies) and who is under
an obligation to buy and sell them subject to certain conditions such as overall exposure,
spread etc.
Maturity Some investments such as close-ended funds have a maturity date, which is
the date on which the investor is paid back his principal amount as well as all
income due to him on that investment.
Netting A system whereby outstanding financial contracts can be settled at a net figure, i.e.
Petition A formal written request, typically one signed by many people, appealing to authority
in respect of a particular cause.
GLOSSARY 395
Pooling Pooling is the basic concept behind collective investments. The money of
thousands of individual investors, who share a common investment objective, is
pooled together to form a CIS portfolio.
Ponzi Scheme A ponzi scheme is an investment from where clients are promised a large profit
in short term at little or no risk at all.
Pledge Any person having a demat account can pledge securities against loan / credit
facilities extended by a pledgee, who too has a demat account with a DP.
Portfolio A collection of securities owned by an individual or an institution (such as a mutual fund)
Investment that may include stocks, bonds and money market securities.
Price Band The range within which the price of a security or the index of a currency is permitted
to move within a given period.
Profit Profit which results from the difference between the purchase and selling prices of a
security. Trading profit is short term while investment profit is medium or long
term.
Public A public announcement is an announcement made in the newspapers by the acquirer
Announcement primarily disclosing his intention to acquire shares of the target company from existing
shareholders by means of an open offer.
Public Shareholders It means the holders of equity shares, other than the following: (a) promoters;
(b) holders of depository receipts issued overseas against equity shares held
with a custodian and such custodian.
Punitive It implies involving or inflicting punishment.
RRN A system generated unique number when a remat request is set up.
Record Date A date on which the records of a company are closed for the purpose of determining
the stock-holders to whom dividends, proxies rights etc., are to be sent.
Repurchase/ When a mutual fund investor wants to exit from his mutual fund investment, he
Redemption can sell back the units to the mutual fund and receive cash. The mutual fund
‘repurchases’ his units and the investor is said to ‘redeem’ his units.
SAT Securities Appellate Tribunal is a quasi-judicial body established by Central
Government by notification to exercise the jurisdiction, powers and authority
conferred on such Tribunal by or under SEBI Act or any other law for the time
being in force.
Scheme It means Collective Investment Scheme.
Screen Form of trading that uses modern telecommunication and computer technology to
based trading combine information transmission with trading in financial markets.
Special Resolution A special resolution is a resolution of a company’s shareholders which requires at
least 75% of the votes cast by the shareholders in favour of it in order to pass.
Stakeholder Any individual or group who has an interest in a firm; in addition to shareholders
and bondholders, includes labor, consumers, suppliers, the local community and
so on.
Stock Exchange Anybody of individuals, whether incorporated or not, constituted for the purpose of
assisting, regulating controlling the business of buying, selling or dealing in securities.
396 EP-SLCM
Takeover Takeover is a corporate device whereby one company acquires control over another
company, usually by purchasing all or majority of its shares.
Trading member A member of the derivatives exchange or derivatives segment of a stock exchange who
settles the trade in the clearing corporation or clearing house through a clearing
member.
Transmission Transmission of securities denotes a process by which ownership of securities is
transferred to a legal heir or to some other person by operation of law. In case of
transmission transfer deed and stamp duty are not required
Tribunal Article 227 of the Constitution of India defines ‘tribunal’ as a person or a body
other than a Court set up by the State for deciding rights of contending
parties in accordance with rules framed for regulation having force of law.
Trustee Legal Custodian who looks after all the monies invested in a unit trust or mutual
fund.
Valuer It means a Chartered Accountant or a merchant banker appointed to determine
the value of the intellectual property rights or other value addition.
Vesting The process by which the employee is given the right to apply for shares of the company
against the option granted to him in pursuance of ESOS.
Vesting Period It means the period during which the vesting of option, SAR or a benefit granted under
any of the schemes takes place.
Unit Holders Investors in unit trust/mutual funds.

Working Days It means the working days of the SEBI.
Weighted Weighted average number of total shares means the number of shares at the beginning
average number of a period, adjusted for shares cancelled, bought back or issued during the aforesaid
of total shares period, multiplied by a time-weighing factor.
CASE LAWS 397
CASE LAWS
Lesson 6
An Overview of SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011
I. Autoport Limited (“Acquirer”) is an unlisted public company involved in dealing, distributing, repairing
and exporting automobile components, spare parts, car accessories, and the like. It is also a part of
the promoter group of Genesis Limited (“Company”), a company listed on BSE Limited and National
Stock Exchange of India Limited, carrying out the manufacturing of automobiles. The Company wishes
to restructure its group structure in order to improve its operational efficiency, and hence, the Acquirer
has agreed to enter into a scheme of arrangement where the shares held by the promoter group
companies will be transferred to it. Post-merger, the shareholding of the Acquirer in the Company will
increase from 1.10% to 22.81%. However, the overall promoter shareholding will remain unchanged
and no additional shareholding or management rights will be transferred to the Acquirer. Assume that
you are the legal advisor to the Acquirer, and accordingly answer the following:
a. Will the transfer of shares trigger an obligation to make an open offer under the SEBI (Substantial
Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 (“SAST Regulations”) on the Acquirer?
b. Even if we assume that the Acquirer does trigger the obligation to make an open offer, will
the Acquirer be permitted to avail of any general exemption (“Exemption”) under the SAST
Regulations that will in effect exempt the Acquirer from the obligation to make an open offer?
c. If the Acquirer can avail of any Exemption under (b) above, what are the conditions that the
Acquirer will be required to comply with in order to avail such an Exemption?
d. Is the Acquirer required to obtain any prior approval from SEBI in order to avail the Exemption for
the same?
e. What are the disclosure requirements under the SAST Regulations, if any, that the parties to the
scheme will have to comply with?
f. Is there any other possible manner in which the transfer of shares can be effected in favour of the
Acquirer without the Acquirer triggering the obligation to make an open offer in accordance with
SAST Regulations?
Answer
The above problem is based on the informal guidance dated November 29, 2017 bearing reference
number SEBI/HO/CFD/DCR1/OW/P/2017/29408 issued by SEBI in the matter of M/s. Kamat Hotels
(India) Limited.
a. Regulations 3, 4 and 5 of the SAST Regulations set out the events that trigger an obligation to
make an open offer on the acquirer (along with persons acting in concert). The said triggers in
brief are as follows:
• Acquisition (directly or indirectly) of such shares or voting rights in an Indian listed company
whereby the acquirer becomes entitled to exercise 25% or more of the voting rights in such
Indian listed company;
• Where an acquirer (along with persons acting in concert with him) is already entitled to
exercise 25% or more of the voting rights in an Indian listed company, and acquires (directly
or indirectly) additional shares or voting rights entitling an acquirer to exercise more than 5%
voting rights in an Indian listed company, in a financial year; and
398 EP-SLCM
• Acquisition (directly or indirectly) of control.

Since the Acquirer, in the above facts, does not attract any of the triggers set out above, the
transfer of shares will not impose any obligation on the Acquirer to make an open offer under the
SAST Regulations.
b. Even if we assume that the triggers set out above were to be met, still the Acquirer can avail an
exemption from making an open offer under Regulation 10(1)(d)(iii) of the SAST Regulations.
The provision allows an acquirer to acquire shares/ voting rights/ control in accordance with a
scheme of arrangement pursuant to an order of a court, tribunal or a competent authority, such
scheme of arrangement not directly involving the target company as the transferor or transferee
company, without the need to make an open offer despite triggering an open offer obligation under
Regulations 3, 4 and 5 of the SAST Regulations. Therefore, the transfer of shares to the Acquirer
pursuant to a merger, being a scheme sanctioned by the National Company Law Tribunal would
be exempted from the obligation to make an open offer.
c. Regulation 10(1)(d)(iii) of the SAST Regulations provides an exemption from making an open
offer to an acquirer subject to the following conditions:
• The consideration paid in terms of cash and cash equivalents is less than 25% of the
consideration paid under the scheme; and
• Post implementation of the scheme, the persons holding at least 33% of voting rights in the
combined entity are the same as the persons who held the entire voting rights before the
implementation of the scheme.
d. Since the provision under which the Acquirer can avail an exemption from making an open offer
falls under Regulation 10, it is not required to apply to SEBI for any grant of exemption, which
would be the case only if the Acquirer desires to avail an exemption under Regulation 11 of the
SAST Regulations.
e. The Acquirer and promoter group companies will be required to make a disclosure of change in
shareholding under Regulation 29(2) of the SAST Regulations. According to Regulation 29(3),
the disclosure should be made within 2 working days of such acquisition to the Company at
its registered office and to BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (stock
exchanges where the shares of the Company are listed).
f. In the absence of a scheme of arrangement, the transfer of shares would qualify as an inter-se
transfer between promoters under Regulation 10(1)(a)(ii) of the SAST Regulations, provided that
the Acquirer and promoter group companies have been named as promoters in the shareholding
pattern filed by the Company in terms of the listing agreement or under the SAST Regulations, for
at least 3 years prior to the acquisition.
II. ABC Limited (“Company”) is a SEBI registered debenture trustee providing a wide range of fiduciary
trusteeship services to banks, financial institutions, corporate and non-corporate entities. It is mainly
involved in acting as a trustee for bonds, debentures, etc. for banks, financial institutions, etc. In its
capacity as a trustee, it accepts pledge of shares of listed companies as security offered against the loans
granted by such banks and financial institutions. However, the Company can exercise the voting rights
in respect of the securities pledged with it only on the instruction of the clients or ultimate beneficiaries,
even during invocation of such securities. Such transactions are undertaken by the Company in the
ordinary course of its business activities and not for the purpose of substantial acquisition of shares
or voting rights or control of the target company. In view of the above facts, answer the following
questions:
CASE LAWS 399
a. Is the Company required to make any disclosure (“Disclosure”) under the SEBI (Substantial
Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 (“SAST Regulations”)?
b. Is there any exemption (“Exemption”) available to acquirers from making the Disclosure under
(a) above, that will in effect exempt the acquirer from the obligation to make disclosures on
acquisition of shares?
c. Will the Company qualify for the Exemption from making disclosures on acquisition under (b)
above?
d. Will the Company be required to make an open offer under the SAST Regulations in its capacity
as a debenture trustee?
Answer
The above problem is based on the informal guidance dated April 12, 2012 bearing reference number
CFD/DCR/IG/SKM/8243/12 issued by SEBI in the matter of IL&FS Trust Company Limited and informal
guidance dated April 26, 2012 bearing reference number CFD/DCR/IG/SKM/OW/9400/2012 issued by
SEBI in the matter of IDBI Trusteeship Services Limited.
a. The Company will be required to make a disclosure of acquisition of shares under Regulation
29 of the SAST Regulations, in every instance of accepting a pledge as security on behalf of
the bank or financial institution. Such disclosure is required to be made within 2 working days of
the acquisition to the target company (i.e. the listed company whose shares are pledged) at its
registered office and to the stock exchanges where the shares of the target company are listed.
b. The proviso to Regulation 29 of the SAST Regulations exempts scheduled commercial banks and
public financial institutions from making disclosures on acquisition of shares in their capacity as a
pledgee in connection with a pledge of shares for securing indebtedness in the ordinary course of
business.
c. The Company will not qualify for the exemption stated in the proviso to Regulation 29 because
there is no express provision in the SAST Regulations providing an exemption to debenture
trustees acting as a custodian/agent for pledged shares on behalf of lenders.
d. Since there is no express provision in the SAST Regulations providing an exemption from making
an open offer to debenture trustees acting as a custodian/agent for pledged shares on behalf of
lenders, the Company will have to make an open offer if it triggers the threshold limits mentioned
in Regulation 3 or on acquisition of control under Regulation 4 or on indirect acquisition of shares
or voting rights or control under Regulation 5 of the SAST Regulations.
III. Pharmatech (“Target Company”) is a public limited company, listed on BSE Limited, engaged in the
business of manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products. As per the shareholding pattern
filed by the Target Company for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 the promoters of the Target
Company are Star Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (“Star Pharma”) and Daisan Company Limited
(“Daisan”) which hold 46.84% and 20% of the equity shares of the Target Company respectively.
Pursuant to an acquisition of 20% of the total equity share capital of the Target Company in 2011, Daisan
was included as part of the promoter and promoter group of the Target Company for the first time in the
shareholding pattern filed for the quarter ended December 31, 2012. In the same shareholding pattern,
Prax Laboratories Limited (“Prax”) was also included as part of the promoter and promoter group of
the Target Company. However, pursuant to a merger of Star Pharma and Prax, Prax was replaced by
Star Pharma as part of the promoter and promoter group of the Target Company in the shareholding
pattern filed for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. Though the merger became effective from April 1,
2016, Star Pharma was included in the shareholding pattern only after receipt of requisite approvals
400 EP-SLCM
i.e. March 31, 2017. Star Pharma is now exploring a potential acquisition of 20% equity shares of the
Target Company held by Daison. In view of the above facts, answer the following questions:
a. Would the acquisition of shares by Star Pharma trigger an obligation to make an open offer
under the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 (“SAST
Regulations”)?
b. Can the acquisition of shares by Star Pharma be considered as an inter-se transfer of shares
between promoters? Why?
c. What would be considered as the period of holding of Star Pharma in respect of 46.84% shares
of the Target Company?
d. Can Star Pharma complete its acquisition of 20% equity shares of the Target Company through
a creeping acquisition of 5% in each financial year or can such an acquisition under Regulation
3(2) of the SAST Regulations be made only once considering the words ‘any financial year’ in
Regulation 3(2)?
e. If there was a possibility of postponing the acquisition, what date would you suggest as the date
for acquisition in view of the SAST Regulations?
Answer
The above problem is based on the informal guidance dated March 27, 2012 bearing reference number
CFD/DCR/TO/7197/12 issued by SEBI in the matter of Khaitan Electricals Limited and the informal
guidance dated June 1, 2016 bearing reference number CFD/DCR2/OW/2016/15709 issued by SEBI
in the matter of Zenotech Laboratories Limited.
a. As per Regulation 3(2) of the SAST Regulations, an acquisition of shares or voting rights entitling
the acquirer to exercise more than 5% of the voting rights in a financial year, where the acquirer
(along with persons acting in concert) already holds 25% or more of the voting rights in the target
company, triggers an obligation on the part of the acquirer to make a public announcement of
an open offer for acquiring such shares. Since Star Pharma already holds 46.84% shares of the
Target Company (i.e. more than 25% voting rights), a further acquisition of 20% of equity shares
of the Target Company would necessarily require it to make an open offer.
b. The acquisition of 20% shares by Star Pharma from Daison cannot qualify as an inter-se transfer of
shares between promoters because Star Pharma does not fulfil the condition for inter-se transfer
under Regulation 10(1)(a)(ii) of the SAST Regulations. This regulation requires the person to be
named as a promoter in the shareholding pattern filed by the target company in terms of the listing
agreement or under the SAST Regulations for at least 3 years prior to the proposed acquisition. In
this respect, even though Daison has been named as a promoter in the filings for the past 5 years,
Star Pharma has been named as such only since the quarter ended March 31, 2017 i.e. less than
even 1 year. Hence, such transaction, as of date, cannot qualify for an inter-se transfer between
promoters under Regulation 10(1)(a)(ii) of the SAST Regulations.
c. The period of holding of Star Pharma in respect of 46.84% of shares of the Target Company will
start only from the date on which it was first included as part of the promoter and promoter group
of the Target Company in the shareholding pattern filed by the Target Company i.e. from March
31, 2017. Hence, the period of holding, as of date, would be around 11 months.
d. Star Pharma can complete its acquisition of 20% shares of the Target Company by way of a
creeping acquisition in ‘every’ financial year i.e. it can acquire up to 5% of the shares of the Target
Company in every financial year, without attracting the obligation to make a public announcement
of open offer under Regulation 3(2) of the SAST Regulations.
CASE LAWS 401
e. In order to avail the exemption from an obligation to make an open offer in terms of an inter-
se promoter transfer under Regulation 10(1)(a)(ii) of the SAST Regulations, both Star Pharma
and Daison are required to be named as part of the promoter and promoter group of the Target
Company in its shareholding pattern for at least 3 years prior to the acquisition. Since Star
Pharma was first named as such only for the quarter ending March 31, 2017, it will complete 3
years of being named as a part of the promoter and promoter group of the Target Company in its
shareholding pattern filed on March 31, 2020. Hence, to take advantage of the exemption under
Regulation 10(1)(a)(ii), the proposed acquisition should ideally take place post March 31, 2020.
IV. CT Limited (“Target Company”) is a non-banking finance company registered under the Companies
Act, 1956 and listed on BSE Limited. The Company has 2 promoters, namely Mr. X and Mr. Y that hold
paid up equity shares representing 30.03% and 42.02% respectively, making the aggregate shareholding
of the promoters in the Target Company 72.05%. The board of directors of the Target Company, in its
meeting held on January 27, 2017 proposed to issue upto 75,00,000 warrants convertible into equity
shares of the Target Company within a period of 18 months, on a preferential basis to Mr. X. On
receiving in-principle approval from BSE Limited, the board of directors allotted the said warrants to
Mr. X on May 22, 2017. Thereafter, on the request of Mr. X, The board of directors, in its meeting held
on July 28, 2017 allotted 10,00,000 equity shares in lieu of conversion of warrants. Pursuant to the
conversion, the shareholding of Mr. X increased from 30.03% to 38.26% of the paid up share capital
of the Target Company. However, Mr. Y, in the meantime, sold 1,13,698 shares on July 21, 2017 and
70,250 shares on July 28, 2017, thereby reducing the overall promoter shareholding from 72.05% to
71.87% of the paid up share capital of the Target Company. In view of the above facts, answer the
following questions:
a. Would Mr. X be required to make an open offer under the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares
and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 (“SAST Regulations”)?
b. Would the obligation to make an open offer apply to Mr. X in view of the fact that the aggregate
promoter shareholding, post conversion, does not breach the stipulated thresholds under the
SAST Regulations?
c. What are the disclosure requirements under the SAST Regulations, if any, that Mr. X will have to
comply with?
Answer
The above problem is based on the informal guidance dated March 1, 2016 bearing reference number
SEBI/HO/CFD/DCR1/OW/P/2016/5575 issued by SEBI in the matter of M/s. Capital Trust Limited.
a. Regulations 3, 4 and 5 of the SAST Regulations set out the events that trigger an obligation to
make an open offer on the acquirer (along with persons acting in concert). The said triggers in
brief are as follows:
• Acquisition (directly or indirectly) of such shares or voting rights in an Indian listed company
whereby the acquirer becomes entitled to exercise 25% or more of the voting rights in such
Indian listed company;
• Where an acquirer (along with persons acting in concert with him) is already entitled to
exercise 25% or more of the voting rights in an Indian listed company, and acquires (directly
or indirectly) additional shares or voting rights entitling an acquirer to exercise more than 5%
voting rights in an Indian listed company, in a financial year; and
• Acquisition (directly or indirectly) of control.
Since Mr. X, in the above facts, already holds 30.03% shares in the Target Company [which
402 EP-SLCM
is above the 25% limit specified in Regulation 3(2)], and by virtue of conversion of warrants,
has acquired an additional 8.23% of the paid up share capital of the Target Company [which
is above the 5% limit specified in Regulation 3(2)], he is clearly required to make a public
announcement of an open offer under Regulation 3(2) of the SAST Regulations.
b. Regulation 3(3) of the SAST Regulations provides that the requirement to make an open offer under
Regulation 3(2) is attracted irrespective of whether there is a change in aggregate shareholding
with persons acting in concert. Hence, even though the conversion of warrants by Mr. X does not
cause the aggregate promoter shareholding to breach the stipulated thresholds under Regulation
3(2), due to the sale of shares by Mr. Y, Mr. X, in his individual capacity would be required to make
an open offer under Regulation 3(2) of the SAST Regulations.
c. Mr. X will be required to make a disclosure of change in shareholding under Regulation 29(2) of
the SAST Regulations. According to Regulation 29(3), the disclosure should be made within 2
working days of such acquisition to the Target Company at its registered office and to BSE Limited
(stock exchange where the shares of the Target Company are listed).
V. Apex Industries Limited (“Target Company”) is an Indian company engaged in the business of
manufacturing performance emulsion polymers. The equity shares of the Target Company are listed
on National Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSE Limited. Sal Investments and Trading Company
Private Limited (“Sal”) owns a 5.46% stake in the Target Company. Dhum Investments and Trading
Company Private Limited (“Dhum”) owns a 16% stake in the Target Company. Triv Investments and
Trading Company Limited (“Triv”) owns a 19.07% stake in the Target Company. Sal, Dhum and Triv
have also been classified as promoters of the Target Company in its shareholding pattern for over 3
years and their shareholders are also directly or indirectly shareholders of the Target Company. With
a view to consolidate their holdings, Sal, Dhum and Triv are proposed to be amalgamated through a
scheme of arrangement, pursuant to which Sal’s shareholding in the Target Company will increase from
5.46% to 40.53% as the shares held by Dhum and Triv will be transferred and vested in Sal and their
shareholders will become shareholders of Sal. The entire consideration for the amalgamation would
be discharged by Sal by issue of its shares. The scheme is likely to be completed and approved by
the National Company Law Tribunal sometime during the financial year 2019-2020. In order to further
consolidate their holdings into Sal, apart from the scheme of arrangement, the individual promoters,
Dhum and Triv, are proposing to transfer all/ part of the shares held by them in the Target Company to
Sal in the financial year 2019-2020. In view of the above facts, answer the following questions:
a. Would the transfer and vesting of shares of the Target Company in Sal, pursuant to the scheme
of arrangement, be exempt from open offer obligations (“First Exemption”) under the SEBI
(Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 (“SAST Regulations”)?
b. What conditions would it be required to fulfil to avail the First Exemption, under (a) above?
c. Would Sal be permitted to avail of any general exemption (“Second Exemption”) under the SAST
Regulations that will in effect exempt it from the obligation to make an open offer with respect
to the acquisition of shares from individual promoters of the Target Company? What conditions
would it be required to fulfil to avail the Exemption?
d. What are the post-acquisition requirements, if any, that Sal would have to comply with in availing
the exemptions under (a) and (b) above?
e. Whether the proposed transfer of shares from individual promoters to Sal can be undertaken in
different tranches?
f. Would Sal be permitted to separately acquire up to 5% stake in the Target Company from the
CASE LAWS 403
open market in the financial year 2019-2020 through creeping acquisition under Regulation 3(2)
of the SAST Regulations?
Answer
The above problem is based on the informal guidance dated January 20, 2016 bearing reference
number SEBI/HO/CFD/DCR1/P/2016/712/1 issued by SEBI in the matter of M/s. Apcotex Industries
Limited and informal guidance dated January 25, 2016 bearing reference number CFD/DCR1/
OW/P/2016/1716 issued by SEBI in the matter of M/s. L T Foods Limited.
a. Sal is eligible to avail an exemption under Regulation 10(1)(d)(iii) of the SAST Regulations
since the acquisition of shares of the Target company is being made pursuant to a scheme of
arrangement sanctioned by the National Company Law Tribunal.
b. Regulation 10(1)(d)(iii) of the SAST Regulations provides an exemption from making an open
offer to an acquirer subject to the following conditions:
• The consideration paid in terms of cash and cash equivalents is less than 25% of the
consideration paid under the scheme; and
• Post implementation of the scheme, the persons holding at least 33% of voting rights in the
combined entity are the same as the persons who held the entire voting rights before the
implementation of the scheme.
Since the entire consideration is being discharged by Sal by issue of its shares, there is no portion
of the consideration being paid in terms of cash and cash equivalents. Additionally, post-merger,
since Sal will issue its shares to the shareholders of Dhum and Triv, such shareholders will hold
more than 33% stake in Sal. Therefore, Sal would be in compliance with the conditions to avail an
exemption under Regulation 10(1)(d)(iii) of the SAST Regulations.
c. The acquisition of shares would qualify as an inter-se transfer between promoters under Regulation
10(1)(a)(ii) of the SAST Regulations, since all the individual promoters, Sal, Dhum and Triv have
been named as promoters in the shareholding pattern filed by the Target Company for at least 3
years prior to the acquisition. Sal is required to intimate National Stock Exchange of India Limited
and BSE Limited (stock exchanges where the shares of the Target Company are listed) regarding
the details of the proposed acquisition at least 4 working days prior to the proposed acquisition
under Regulation 10(5) of the SAST Regulations.
d. Sal will be required to file a report under Regulation 10(6) of the SAST Regulations with National
Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSE Limited (stock exchanges where the shares of the
Target Company are listed) not later than 4 working days from the acquisition. Additionally, under
Regulation 10(7), it is required to submit a report along with supporting documents to SEBI,
providing all details in respect of the acquisitions, along with a non-refundable fee of Rs. 1,50,000
within 21 working days from the date of acquisitions.
e. The proposed transfer of shares from the individual promoters to Sal can be carried out in different
tranches subject to prior intimation to National Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSE Limited
under Regulation 10(5) of the SAST Regulations followed by filing of post-acquisition reports
stipulated under Regulation 10(6) and 10(7) of the SAST Regulations.
f. Since the acquisition of shares of the Target Company by Sal are exempt from the obligation to
make an open offer under Regulation 10 of the SAST Regulations, Sal would be permitted to
additionally acquire upto 5% stake in the Target Company through the creeping acquisition route
404 EP-SLCM
VI. S Systems International Limited (“Target Company”) is an Indian public limited company listed on BSE
Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited. On December 15, 2016, one of the shareholders
of the Company, Mr. Rakesh Sinha (“Acquirer”) made a public announcement for an open offer (“Open
Offer”) for the acquisition of 33,45,242 equity shares of the Target Company, constituting 26% of the
expanded equity share capital of the Target Company (i.e. assuming full conversion of outstanding
options under ESOP/ESOS schemes of the Target Company). During the period between the date
of the public announcement and the issuance of detailed public statement, the Acquirer had acquired
9,24,142 equity shares of the Target Company, constituting 7.18% of the expanded equity share capital
of the Target Company. As per the post offer public announcement dated January 21, 2018 issued by
the Acquirer, the Acquirer had acquired 590 equity shares of the Target Company in the open offer.
The Acquirer continued to acquire shares of the Target Company, as a consequence of which, the
Acquirer’s holding in the Target Company increased to 34.82% with the promoter and promoter group
holding of 50.17% and the remaining 15.01% being held by other public shareholders. The Acquirer is
neither a promoter nor a part of the promoter group nor is a person acting in concert with the promoters
of the Target Company. In view of the above facts, answer the following questions:
a. Would the shareholding of the Acquirer in the Target Company, following all the acquisitions referred
above, be treated as part of the non-public shareholding of the Target Company as contemplated
under Regulation 7(4) of the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations,
2011 (“SAST Regulations”)?
b. Would the Acquirer be required to reduce its shareholding in the Target Company in terms of
Regulation 7(4) of the SAST Regulations?
c. If a person intended to make a competing offer upon the public announcement of the Open Offer,
what would be the basis for calculating the minimum size of such competing offer?
d. Would the competing offer under (c) above have to adhere to the minimum offer size as
contemplated under Regulation 7(1) of the SAST Regulations?
Answer
The above problem is based on the informal guidance dated July 10, 2012 bearing reference number
CFD/DCR/IG/CB/15173/12 and informal guidance dated January 8, 2014 bearing reference number
CFD/PC/AT/KJ/OW/817/2014 issued by SEBI in the matter of M/s. R Systems International Limited.
a. The term ‘public shareholding’ has been defined under Rule 2(e) of the Securities Contracts
(Regulation) Rules, 1957 (“SCRR”) as “equity shares of the company held by public and shall
exclude shares which are held by custodian against depository receipts issued overseas”. Further,
the term ‘public’ has been defined under Rule 2(d) of the SCRR as “persons other than the promoter
and promoter group and subsidiaries and associates of the company”. Since the Acquirer clearly
falls within the ambit of the term ‘public’ as defined under the SCRR, and consequently forms part
of the public shareholding of the Target Company, the shareholding of the Acquirer will not be
treated as the non-public shareholding of the Target Company.
b. Regulation 7(4) of the SAST Regulations imposes an obligation on an acquirer to bring down
its shareholding to the level specified for maximum permissible non-public shareholding within
the time permitted under the SCRR, in the event shares accepted in the open offer exceeds the
shareholding of the acquirer taken together with persons acting in concert beyond the maximum
permissible non-public shareholding. However, Regulation 7(4) will not be applicable in the present
case as post offer shareholding of the Acquirer, which forms part of the public shareholding of the
Target Company, was 34.82%, and hence the acquisitions by the Acquirer did not breach the
maximum permissible non-public shareholding of the Target Company.
CASE LAWS 405
c. Regulation 20(2) of the SAST Regulations provides that in the event of a competing offer, the
same shall be for such number of shares which, when taken together with shares held by such
competing acquirer along with persons acting in concert with him, shall be at least equal to the
holding of the original acquirer including the number of shares proposed to be acquired by such
acquirer under the offer and any underlying agreement for sale of shares of the target company
pursuant to which such open offer is made.
d. Determination of minimum offer size requirement for a competing offer would have to be in
accordance with Regulation 20(2) read with Regulation 20(10) of the SAST Regulations.
Regulation 20(10) states that except for variations made under Regulation 20, all the provisions
of the SAST Regulations are applicable to every competing offer. Since Regulation 20(2) operates
as a variation in respect of determination of minimum offer size requirement for a competing offer,
such a competing offer is not required to adhere to the minimum offer size of 26% as contemplated
VII. PML Limited (“Company”) is an Indian public limited company listed on BSE Limited. The Company
was initially promoted by Mr. John Gregory, who together with his wife, Mrs. Dina Gregory holds 21.15%
of the equity share capital of the Company as on date. The total promoter and promoter group holding,
as on date, is 64.31% of the shares of the Company. On March 23, 1995, Mr. Gregory entered into a
promotional agreement with M/s. Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation Limited (“KSIDC”),
which provides that both parties shall support each other during the currency of the agreement on all
matters coming up before the general meeting of the Company. The shareholding of Mr. Gregory, Mrs.
Gregory and KSIDC, as on date, constitutes 29.91% of the equity share capital of the Company. Mr.
Gregory and his wife have entered into a shareholders’ agreement with M/s. ALP Paribas SA under
which Mr. Gregory, Mrs. Gregory, the Company and M/s. ALP Paribas SA undertook to take such
actions as may be necessary to give effect to the provisions of, and comply with their obligations
under the shareholders’ agreement. Further, it was confirmed in the said shareholders’ agreement
that the director nominated by KSIDC shall be a promoter director. Another shareholder, Mr. Elton
George, who is also a director in the Company and holds 4.27% of its equity shares intends to enter
into a shareholders’ voting agreement (“Agreement”) with Mr. Gregory under which both Mr. Gregory
and Mr. George intend to support each other on all matters coming up before the board and general
meetings of the Company. Mr. George is not related to the promoter, Mr. Gregory, and was de-classified
as a promoter of the Target Company on May 6, 2006. In view of the above facts, answer the following
questions:
a. Would Mr. Gregory, Mrs. Gregory and KSIDC be deemed to be persons acting in concert
Regulations”)?
b. Would the execution of the Agreement attract Regulation 3(1) of the SAST Regulations which will
in effect require Mr. Gregory to make a public announcement of an open offer?
c. Would the execution of the Agreement attract any other provision of the SAST Regulations that
would require Mr. Gregory to make a public announcement of an open offer?
Answer
number CFD/PC/IG/32340/0W/2014 issued by SEBI in the matter of M/s. Geojit BNP Paribas Financial
Services Limited.
a. Regulation 2(1)(q) of the SAST Regulations include promoters and members of the promoter
group under the category of persons deemed to be persons acting in concert. Since Mr. Gregory,
406 EP-SLCM
Mrs. Gregory and KSIDC are members of the promoter group, they would be deemed to be
persons acting in concert in terms of Regulation 2(1)(q) of the SAST Regulations.
b. Since Mr. George would be voting with the existing promoters on all matters, he would be deemed
to be a person acting in concert with the promoter group, and thus he would become a part of
the promoter group. Hence, the promoter and promoter group shareholding would increase from
64.31% to 68.58% of the shares of the Target Company, which is well within the limits specified
in Regulation 3(1) of the SAST Regulations (i.e. less than 25% of shares of the target company).
Hence, the execution of the Agreement would not attract the provisions of Regulation 3(1) of the
SAST Regulations.
c. Since, by virtue of the Agreement, Mr. George would exercise control with Mr. Gregory and other
members of the promoter group, such acquisition of control through the proposed Agreement
would attract Regulation 4 of the SAST Regulations. In terms of the same, Mr. George would be
required to make a public announcement of an open offer.
VIII. Claris Scientific Limited (“Company”) is a public limited company whose shares are listed on BSE
Limited. The promoters of the Company held 65.35% of the paid up equity share capital of the Company
as on March 31, 2017. The promoters hold 74,00,000 convertible warrants which will entitle them to
receive 1 equity share against each warrant held by them. On December 2, 2017, some of the entities
belonging to the promoter group converted 24,00,000 warrants into shares, as a result of which the
promoter shareholding increased by 3.68%. Mr. Amish Kumar (“Transferor”), one of the promoters of
the Company, holds 19.87% of the equity share capital of the Company and proposes to gift shares
constituting 2.30% of the equity share capital of the Company to an immediate relative (“Transfer”). In
view of the above facts, answer the following questions:
a. Would the proposed Transfer trigger an obligation upon the Transferor to make an open offer
Regulations”)?
b. Would the proposed Transfer be considered for the purpose of calculating the creeping acquisition
limit of 5% under Regulation 3(2) of the SAST Regulations?
c. Would the promoters be permitted to avail of any general exemption (“Exemption”) under the
SAST Regulations that will in effect exempt the acquirer from making an open offer?
d. Would the promoters be permitted to avail of any general exemption (“Exemption”) under the
SAST Regulations that will in effect exclude the proposed Transfer for the purpose of the creeping
acquisition limit under Regulation 3(2) of the SAST Regulations?
Answer
The above problem is based on the informal guidance dated February 5, 2015 bearing reference
number CFD/PC/IG/3997/OW/2015 issued by SEBI in the matter of M/s. Sequent Scientific Limited.
a. In terms of Regulation 3(2) and 3(3) of the SAST Regulations, an obligation to make an open offer
would arise if the acquirer (along with persons acting in concert) is already entitled to exercise
25% or more of the voting rights in an Indian listed company, and acquires additional shares or
voting rights entitling it to exercise more than 5% voting rights in an Indian listed company, in
a financial year. By virtue of conversion of warrants into shares, the promoter shareholding in
the Company has already increased by 3.68%. Therefore, a further transfer (by way of gift) of
shares constituting 2.30% of the equity share capital of the Company to an immediate relative in
the same financial year would increase the gross acquisition of shares by the promoter group in
excess of the 5% threshold under Regulation 3(2) of the SAST Regulations, hence triggering the
requirement to make an open offer.
CASE LAWS 407
b. In terms of the explanation to Regulation 3(2) of the SAST Regulations, while calculating the limit
of 5% of shares, the gross acquisition alone is to be taken into account regardless of an intermittent
fall in shareholding or voting rights. Therefore, the proposed Transfer would be considered for the
purpose of calculating the creeping acquisition limit of 5% under Regulation 3(2) of the SAST
Regulations.
c. The Transfer would qualify as an inter-se transfer between immediate relatives under Regulation
10(1)(a)(i) of the SAST Regulations, and hence is exempt from the requirement to make an open
offer under the SAST Regulations.
d. The Transfer would qualify as an inter-se transfer between immediate relatives under Regulation
10(1)(a)(i) of the SAST Regulations but it would still be considered for the purpose of calculating
the creeping acquisition limit of 5% under Regulation 3(2) of the SAST Regulations.
IX. Azhurst Limited (“Company”) is a public company listed on BSE Limited and engaged in carrying out the
business of manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products. Dr. A M Shankar (“Acquirer”),
along with various members of his family and certain entities within their control own and hold equity
shares of the Company and have been classified as members of the promoter and promoter group of
the Company (collectively “Group”) in the latest shareholding pattern filed by the Company in terms
of Clause 35 of the listing agreement. The Group in exclusion of the Acquirer, together hold 46.04% of
the equity share capital of the Company. As part of a voluntary and consensual family understanding,
the Group is proposing to enter into an agreement (“Agreement”) providing for the manner in which
the Group will exercise votes in respect of the Company. The Agreement provides that all the parties
thereof are required to jointly act as a single unit, subject to and under the direction of the Acquirer
during his lifetime, and Dr. P M Shankar after the demise or on the incapacity of the Acquirer to act.
The Agreement also provides for a pre-emptive right in case the shareholders choose to transfer their
shares. There is no proposed transfer of any shares of the Company and the aggregate voting rights
of the Group would not change on account of the Agreement. In view of the above facts, answer the
a. Would the Group be considered as persons acting in concert in terms of the SEBI (Substantial
Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 (“SAST Regulations”)?
b. Would the arrangement of voting rights in the manner set out in the Agreement lead to an acquisition
of control by the Acquirer, as contemplated under Regulation 4 of the SAST Regulations?
c. Would the arrangement of voting rights in the manner set out in the Agreement trigger an obligation
on the Acquirer to make an open offer in terms of the SAST Regulations?
d. If the answer to the above question under (a) is affirmative, would the Acquirer be permitted to
avail of any general exemption (“Exemption”) under the SAST Regulations that will in effect
exempt it from making an open offer?
e. Assuming that the Agreement is executed, would the Group be permitted to avail of the Exemption
despite the change in member under whose direction the voting would be done pursuant to demise
or incapacity of the Acquirer?
Answer
number CFD/PC/IG/CB/3565/15 issued by SEBI in the matter of M/s. CIPLA Limited.
a. By virtue of being identified as the promoter and promoter group of the Company in its shareholding
pattern, the Group would be deemed to be persons acting in concert under Regulation 2(1)(q)(2)
(iv) of the SAST Regulations.
408 EP-SLCM
b. The term ‘control’ has been defined under Regulation 2(1)(e) of the SAST Regulations to include the
right to appoint majority of directors or to control the management or policy decisions exercisable
by a person (or persons acting individually or in concert), directly or indirectly, including by virtue
of shareholding or management rights or shareholders agreements or voting agreements or in
any other manner. Hence, the Agreement would clearly lead to an acquisition of control by the
Acquirer since it allows him to control the management and policy decisions in the meetings of the
Company by virtue of directing the other parties to act as per his directions.
c. The Agreement provides that the Group is required to act jointly and as a single unit on the
directions of the Acquirer, implying that the Acquirer would, in effect, be the single largest holder
of voting rights in the Company. Therefore, the proposed transaction would lead to an acquisition
of voting rights constituting 46.04% in the Company, which is in excess of the threshold under
Regulation 3(1) and thus, would entail an acquisition of control of the Company in favour of the
Acquirer under Regulation 4 of the SAST Regulations. Thus, the Acquirer will be required to make
a public announcement of an open offer under Regulation 3(1) read with Regulation 3(3) and
Regulation 4 of the SAST Regulations.
d. The acquisition of voting rights pursuant to the Agreement would be exempt in terms of an inter-
se transfer between promoters under Regulation 10(1)(a)(ii) and an inter-se transfer between
persons acting in concert under Regulation 10(1)(a)(iv) of the SAST Regulations subject to the
Group being named as the promoters in the shareholding pattern filed by the Company in terms
of the listing agreement or the SAST Regulations for at least 3 years prior to the execution of the
proposed Agreement or as persons acting in concert for at least 3 years prior to the execution of
the proposed Agreement pursuant to filings under the listing agreement.
e. The Agreement stipulates that pursuant to the demise or incapacity of the Acquirer to act, the right
to direct the manner in which the Group will exercise votes in respect of the Company will lie with
Mr. P M Shankar, in effect implying that there will be an acquisition of voting rights in excess of
the triggers under Regulation 3(1) read with Regulation 3(3) and an acquisition of control under
Regulation 4 of the SAST Regulations in favour of Mr. P M Shankar. However, Mr. P M Shankar
will also be eligible to avail the exemption under Regulation 10(1)(a)(ii) and Regulation 10(1)
(a)(iv) of the SAST Regulations subject to Mr. P M Shankar and the Group being named as the
promoters in the shareholding pattern filed by the Company in terms of the listing agreement or
the SAST Regulations for at least 3 years prior to the acquisition or as persons acting in concert
for at least 3 years prior to the acquisition pursuant to filings under the listing agreement.
X. Silver Coin Limited (“Target Company”) is a public limited company whose shares are listed on BSE
Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited. Mr. Pranav Jain and Print Holdings Private
Limited (collectively the “Acquirers”) together with P.J. Financial Services Private Limited (person
acting in concert) (“PAC”) collectively held 6.47% of the equity share capital of the Target Company.
On November 12, 2015, the Acquirers, along with PAC made a public announcement of a voluntary
open offer to acquire 44,02,201 equity shares constituting 25% of the equity share capital of the Target
Company. During the examination of draft letter of offer (“DLO”), certain complaints were received by
SEBI against the Acquirers and PAC as well as against the Target Company and its promoters, some
of which involved disputes which were not within the jurisdiction of SEBI as the proper forum for them
was the National Company Law Tribunal. In investigating the same, SEBI had taken over 2 years
for offering its comments on the DLO, during which period, the Target Company, by way of a special
resolution by postal ballot, had availed huge high cost borrowing from banks and financial institutions
against its property including 18.7% shares out of the promoter’s shareholding, effectively encumbering
material assets of the Target Company and depleting its fixed assets. On August 2, 2017, citing the
ground that SEBI had delayed in taking a decision on the DLO during which period the financial position
CASE LAWS 409
of the Target Company had deteriorated substantially, which defeated the object of the open offer, the
Acquirers sought permission to withdraw the offer under Regulation 27(1)(d) of the SEBI (Substantial
Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 (“SAST Regulations”). Assume that you are
the legal advisor to SEBI, and accordingly answer the following questions:
a. What is the prescribed time under the SAST Regulations within which SEBI is required to offer its
comments on the draft letter of offer?
b. Is the timeline laid down under the SAST Regulations required to be strictly adhered to by SEBI,
in respect of offering its comments on the draft letter of offer?
c. Was the act of dealing with the property by the Target Company valid in terms of the SAST
Regulations?
d. Can the Acquirers be permitted to withdraw the open offer on the ground that SEBI had delayed
in offering its comments on the DLO filed by the Acquirers?
e. What are the permissible grounds under the SAST Regulations that permit an acquirer to withdraw
an open offer?
Answer
The above problem is based on the judgment of the Supreme Court dated November 7, 2016 in the
matter of Pramod Jain and Ors. Vs Securities and Exchange Board of India [(2016) 10 SCC 243].
a. Regulation 16(4) of the SAST Regulations lays down a period of 15 days within which SEBI is
required to offer its comments on the draft letter of offer, on the expiry of which period it is deemed
that SEBI has no comments to offer. However, if clarifications or additional information is sought
by SEBI, such period is extended to the fifth working day from the date of receipt of a satisfactory
reply to the clarification or additional information sought.
b. The timeline prescribed under Regulation 16(4) SAST Regulations may not be adhered to by
SEBI when it justifiably takes time in dealing with the complaints, as in the facts of the present
case, that SEBI could not look into certain complaints for which the right forum was the National
Company Law Tribunal.
c. In terms of Regulation 26(2) of the SAST Regulations, the act of the Target Company in
encumbering its material assets and effecting material borrowings was valid because the Target
Company had availed the approval of its shareholders by way of a special resolution by postal
ballot.
d. The general principle under Regulation 23 of the SAST Regulations is that an open offer cannot
be withdrawn, unless any of the exceptions specified under the said regulation are met. Hence,
a mere delay by SEBI in offering its comments on the DLO would not entitle the Acquirers from
withdrawing the open offer.
e. Regulation 23 states specific grounds under which an acquirer is permitted to withdraw an open
offer. They are as follows:
• Final refusal of statutory obligations required for the open offer/ effecting an acquisition
attracting the obligation to make an open offer (provided specific disclosures regarding such
requirements for approval were made in the detailed public statement and letter of offer); or
• Death of the acquirer (being a natural person); or
• Any condition stipulated in the agreement for acquisition attracting the obligation to make
an open offer is not met for reasons outside the reasonable control of the acquirer and such
410 EP-SLCM
agreement is rescinded (provided specific disclosures regarding such conditions were made
in the detailed public statement and letter of offer); or
• Circumstances that merit withdrawal, in SEBI’s opinion (such order permitting withdrawal
must be a reasoned order that must be hosted on SEBI’s website).
XI. RLL Limited (“RLL”) is a public limited company listed on BSE Limited. On October 3, 2015, RLL
entered into a share purchase and share subscription agreement (“First Agreement”) jointly with
Hypertech Laboratories Limited (“Hypertech”) and its promoter Mr. Jay Shah. The First Agreement
provided for RLL to purchase 78,78,906 equity shares representing 27.35% of the fully paid-up equity
share capital of Hypertech form its promoters and to subscribe to 54,89,536 fully paid-up equity shares
of Hypertech under a preferential allotment by Hypertech. The share purchase transaction between
RLL and the promoters of Hypertech was completed on November 8, 2015 and at the annual general
meeting of Hypertech held on the same day, its shareholders approved the preferential allotment of
shares to RLL. On November 23, 2015, RLL was duly allotted 54,89,536 fully paid-up equity shares
of Hypertech. Having entered into the First Agreement, RLL made an open offer to acquire 26% of
the equity shares of Hypertech from its public shareholders on October 5, 2015, post which RLL’s
shareholding in Hypertech stood at 46.85%. M/s. Storm Company Limited (“Storm”) intends to enter
into a share purchase and share subscription agreement (“Second Agreement”) jointly with RLL and
its promoters, under which Storm would acquire 30.91% of the fully paid-up equity share capital of RLL
from its promoters and additionally subscribe to (i) shares representing 11% of the fully paid-up equity
share capital of RLL; and (ii) 2,38,34,333 share warrants, each warrant exercisable for 1 share of RLL.
Post execution of the Second Agreement, the shareholding of Storm in RLL would increase from 0%
to over 50%. Assume that you are the legal advisor to Storm and accordingly answer the following
questions:
a. Will the acquisition pursuant to the Second Agreement trigger an obligation on Storm to make
an open offer to the shareholders of RLL under the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and
Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 (“SAST Regulations”)?
b. Will the acquisition pursuant to the Second Agreement lead to an indirect acquisition of Hypertech
by Storm?
c. Will the acquisition pursuant to the Second Agreement trigger an obligation on Storm to make an
open offer to the shareholders of Hypertech under the SAST Regulations?
d. Will Storm and RLL be considered as persons acting in concert after the execution of the Second
Agreement?
Answer
The above problem is based on the judgment of the Supreme Court dated July 8, 2010 in the matter of
M/s. Daiichi Sankyo Company vs Jayaram Chigurupati [(2010) 7 SCC 449].
a. On allotment of shares pursuant to the Second Agreement, the shareholding (and in turn voting
rights) of Storm in RLL would increase from 0% to over 50%, hence exceeding the limits specified
under Regulation 3(1) of the SAST Regulations. Thus, such acquisition would trigger an obligation
on Storm to make an open offer to the shareholders of RLL under the SAST Regulations.
b. On acquiring shares pursuant to the Second Agreement, Storm would effectively acquire over
50% voting rights in RLL. RLL, pursuant to the First Agreement, already holds 46.85% of the
equity shareholding of Hypertech. Therefore, the acquisition of RLL’s shares (and in turn voting
rights) by Storm would lead to an indirect acquisition of voting rights in Hypertech.
c. Since the acquisition of shares of RLL by Storm would lead to an indirect acquisition of voting
CASE LAWS 411
rights over Hypertech, Storm would be required to make a public announcement of an open offer
in terms of Regulation 5 of the SAST Regulations.
d. As per Section 2(87) of the Companies Act, 2013, on acquisition of over 50% of shareholding
in RLL by Storm, RLL would, in effect, become a subsidiary of Storm. Regulation 2(1)(q)(2)(i) of
the SAST Regulations states that a holding and subsidiary company are deemed to be persons
acting in concert, unless the contrary is established. However, there can be no persons acting in
concert unless there is a common objective or purpose of acquisition of shares or voting rights or
control over a target company as per Regulation 2(1)(q)(1) of the SAST Regulations. Therefore,
Storm and RLL would be considered persons acting in concert, not solely by virtue of the holding
company-subsidiary company relationship but if they have a common objective or purpose of
acquisition of shares or voting rights or control over the target company, being Hypertech in this
case.
Lesson 8
SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009
I. Oracle Limited (“Company”) is a public company which has its shares listed on BSE Limited and National
Stock Exchange of India Limited. The engineering business of the Oracle Group is presently held under
the Company and Symphony Engineering Limited (“SEL”), a subsidiary of the Company. The equity
shares of SEL were listed on Ahmedabad Stock Exchange in May, 1965 and were subsequently delisted
in June, 2015, in accordance with Chapter III of the SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations,
2009 (“Delisting Regulations”). It is proposed to consolidate the engineering business in a single
company, for which, the Company will incorporate a wholly owned subsidiary i.e. New Company (“New
Co.”) and will demerge its engineering undertaking into New Co. It is also proposed to simultaneously
either merge SEL into the New Co. or demerge the engineering undertaking of SEL into the New Co.
As a reason for the aforesaid demerger, New Co. will issue equity shares to the shareholders of the
Company and SEL as a consideration for demerger. In order to implement the identified alternative, the
Company, SEL and the New Co. would enter into a scheme of arrangement under Sections 230-232 of
the Companies Act, 2013. The equity shares of New Co. are proposed to be listed in accordance with
the relevant SEBI laws. In view of the above facts, answer the following questions:
a. Is there any restriction on listing of equity shares that have been delisted by voluntary delisting
under Chapter III of the Delisting Regulations?
b. Would the listing of equity shares issued by New Co. to the shareholders of the Company and SEL
be permissible under the Delisting Regulations?
c. Is there any restriction on listing of equity shares that have been compulsorily delisted under
Chapter V of the Delisting Regulations?
Answer
The above problem is based on the informal guidance dated September 5, 2017 bearing reference number
SEBI/HO/CFD/DCR1/OW/P/2017/0000021177/1 issued by SEBI in the matter of M/s. Arvind Limited.
a. Regulation 30(1)(a) of the Delisting Regulations provides that an application for listing equity
shares that have been delisted under Chapter III cannot be made until the expiry of a period of 5
years from the delisting.
b. Since the issuance of equity shares by New Co. are distinct from the equity shares of SEL that
were delisted from the Ahmedabad Stock Exchange in 2015, they can be issued under the
Delisting Regulations.
412 EP-SLCM
c. Regulation 30(1)(b) of the Delisting Regulations provides that an application for listing equity
shares that have been delisted under Chapter V cannot be made until the expiry of a period of 10
years from the delisting.
II. Clover Plus Industries Limited (“Company”) is a company incorporated under the provisions of the
Companies Act, 1956. The Company was listed on Delhi Stock Exchange (“DSE”) for the last fifteen
years. However, post de-recognition of DSE by SEBI, the Company was listed with the Metropolitan
Stock Exchange of India Limited (“MSEI”). The date of listing of the Company on MSEI is February 13,
2017. The Company has been listed on MSEI since then and is not listed on any other stock exchange.
The promoters of the Company are now exploring the possibility to voluntarily delist the Company
under the SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009 (“Delisting Regulations”) by providing
an exit opportunity to all the public shareholders. Assume that you are the legal advisor to the Company
and accordingly answer the following questions:
a. What is the minimum period prescribed under the Delisting Regulations, for which the equity
shares of the Company should be listed on a recognized stock exchange before the Company can
apply for delisting of such shares?
b. What are the circumstances/ conditions under which equity shares of a company cannot be
delisted as per the Delisting Regulations?
c. Is the Company eligible for voluntary delisting in terms of Regulation 4(1)(c) of the Delisting
Regulations?
Answer
number SEBI/HO/CFD/DCR1/OW/P/2016/30240/1 issued by SEBI in the matter of Fiber Plus Industries
Limited.
a. Regulation 4(1)(c) of the Delisting Regulations lays down the minimum period of 3 years for which
the class of equity shares of a company should be listed on any recognized stock exchange
before an application for delisting such class of shares can be made.
b. Regulation 4 of the Delisting Regulations lays down that equity shares of a company cannot be
delisted in the following circumstances/ conditions:
• Pursuant to a buy-back of equity shares by the company
• Pursuant to a preferential allotment made by the company
• Unless a period of 3 years has elapsed since the listing of that class of equity shares on any
recognized stock exchange
• If any instruments issued by the company, which are convertible into the same class of
equity shares that are sought to be delisted, are outstanding.
c. Since the equity shares of the Company were listed on the DSE for the past 15 years, which is
well above the minimum time period of listing of 3 years required under Regulation 4(1)(c) of the
Delisting Regulations, the Company is eligible for voluntary delisting.
III. XYZ Limited (“Company”) is a public company which has its equity shares listed on BSE Limited. The
promoters of the Company hold 59.5% shares in the Company and the remainder share capital is held by
the public. The public shareholding of the Company includes certain independent non-resident private
equity investors (“PE Investors”) that invested in the Company through primary purchases at different
times during the period 2009 and 2010, and currently hold 16.5% of the share capital of the Company.
The promoters of the Company are desirous of delisting the Company from all the stock exchanges
CASE LAWS 413
on which it is listed by providing an exit opportunity to the public shareholders of the Company. For the
sole purpose of financing the delisting of the Company, the promoters are looking to avail of financial
assistance from the PE Investors (“Proposed Arrangement”). The Proposed Arrangement, if entered
into, would only be for the purpose delisting such that in the event the proposed delisting offer of the
Company is not successfully completed for any reason whatsoever, no subsisting arrangements or
cooperation will continue between the promoters and PE Investors and the parties resume status quo.
In view of the above facts, answer the following questions:
a. Would the promoters and PE Investors be regarded as persons acting in concert (“PACs”) in
view of the Proposed Arrangement under the SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009
(“Delisting Regulations”)?
b. Is there any prohibition on the Proposed Arrangement under the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of
Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 (“SAST Regulations”)?
c. Which category of persons is the Company required to provide an exit opportunity for voluntary
delisting under the Delisting Regulations?
Answer
The above problem is based on the informal guidance dated August 7, 2012 bearing reference number
CFD/DCR/TO/IG/SS/OW/17713/12 issued by SEBI in the matter of M/s. IDFC Capital Limited.
a. As per Regulation 2(2) of the Delisting Regulations read with Regulation 2(1)(q) of the SAST
Regulations, persons, who with a common objective or purpose of acquisition of shares or voting
rights in, or exercising control over a target company, pursuant to an agreement or understanding
(formal or informal), directly/indirectly co-operate for acquisition of shares or voting rights in, or
exercise of control over the target company are considered as PACs. Since under the Proposed
Arrangement, the PE Investors would agree to finance the promoters to acquire shares in the
delisting offer which would be considered as a direct co-operation for acquisition of shares of the
Company, the PE Investors would be treated as PACs with the promoters.
b. The Proposed Arrangement is prohibited under the proviso to Regulation 3(2) of the SAST
Regulations which prohibits a person, holding more than 25% and less than 75% shares (75%
being the maximum permissible non-public shareholding for listed companies) from acquiring
or entering into an agreement to acquire shares/voting rights which would take the aggregate
shareholding of such person beyond 75%. Thus the promoters holding 59.5% shares are
prohibited under the SAST Regulations from entering into the Proposed Arrangement with the PE
Investors holding 16.5% since it would take their combined shareholding up to 76%.
c. Regulation 5 of the Delisting Regulations requires the Company to provide an exit opportunity to
all public shareholders holding equity shares of the class which are sought to be delisted since
the promoters seek to carry out voluntary delisting of the Company from all the recognized stock
exchanges where it is listed.
Lesson 11
SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015
I. Morgan Care Limited (“MCL”) is a public limited company, which has its equity shares listed on both
BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited. Carlton Price Private Limited (“CPPL”)
is a part of the promoter group of MCL since it is closely held by certain promoters of MCL. However,
currently CPPL neither holds any equity shares in MCL nor has any role in the management of MCL.
The ‘Promoter and Promoter Group’ of MCL collectively hold 65.44% of the total paid-up capital of
MCL, as on date. Being a public listed company, MCL has issued a ‘Code of practice and procedures
414 EP-SLCM
for fair disclosure of unpublished price sensitive information (“UPSI”) and code of conduct to regulate,
monitor and report trading by insiders of MCL (“CoC”) in accordance with the SEBI (Prohibition of
Insider Trading Regulations), 2015 (“PIT Regulations”). CPPL now intends to acquire 50,000 equity
shares, constituting 0.06% of the paid-up capital of MCL (“Proposed Acquisition”), which is beyond
the thresholds stipulated by the board of directors of MCL for trading by designated persons. In view of
the above facts, answer the following questions:
a. What category of persons are required to obtain a pre-clearance from the compliance officer of a
listed entity prior to trading?
b. Will CCPL be required to obtain a pre-clearance from the compliance officer of MCL for the
Proposed Acquisition?
c. Does the compliance officer have discretionary powers under the PIT Regulations to reject a pre-
clearance request on any reason it deems fit?
d. Is the compliance officer required to consider certain factors while approving or rejecting an
application seeking pre-clearance for a proposed transaction?
e. Is there any provision in the PIT Regulations that provides for the examination of acts of a
compliance officer?
Answer
number ISD/OW/2700/2017 issued by SEBI in the matter of Kirloskar Chillers Private Limited.
a. Clause 6 of Schedule B of the PIT Regulations states that pre-clearance is required to be obtained
only by ‘designated persons’ (i.e. employees and connected persons designated as such on the
basis of their functional role in the organization) if the value of the proposed trades is above such
thresholds as stipulated by the board of directors of the listed company.
b. CCPL will be required to obtain a pre-clearance from the compliance officer of MCL for the
Proposed Acquisition only if it is designated as a ‘designated person’ by the board of directors of
MCL, in consultation with the compliance officer.
c. The compliance officer, under the provisions of the PIT Regulations, is entrusted with ensuring
adherence to the PIT Regulations and in rejecting a pre-clearance request, the compliance officer
is required to ensure compliance in letter and spirit to the PIT Regulations i.e. to ensure that no
undue advantage accrues to certain categories of investors on account of their access to UPSI
and not for any ulterior motive.
d. The compliance officer is required to approve or reject a request for pre-clearance after necessary
assessment as per the PIT Regulations and the Code of Conduct of the company. Clause 7
of Schedule B of the PIT Regulations requires the compliance officer to maintain a list of such
securities as a ‘restricted list’ which is to be used as a basis for approving or rejecting applications
for pre-clearance of trades and Clause 8 requires a compliance officer to have regard to whether
a declaration (from the applicant seeking pre-clearance to the effect that he is not in possession
of UPSI) is reasonably capable of being rendered inaccurate.
e. Regulation 2(1)(c) of the PIT Regulations lays down that the compliance officer acts under the
overall supervision of the board of directors of the listed company or the head of the organization
(as the case may be). Additionally, Clause 1 of Schedule B of the PIT Regulations requires the
compliance officer to report to the board of directors and provide reports to the Chairman of the
audit committee/ board of directors. Hence, any act of the compliance officer may be referred to
CASE LAWS 415
the board of directors and the audit committee for examination with the extant laws and relevant
facts of the case.
II. KJF Limited (“Company”) is a public limited company, which has its equity shares listed on BSE
Limited. Mr. Ram Prakash (“Promoter”) holds equity shares constituting 13% of the equity share
capital of the Company and has been included in the category of ‘Promoter and Promoter Group’ of
the Company in its shareholding pattern filed for the quarter ended December 31, 2017. The total
shareholding of the promoter and promoter group of the Company, as per the latest shareholding
pattern filed by the Company is 53,34,456 equity shares of the Company constituting 24% of its equity
share capital. Ms. Radhika Sharma (“Director”) is one of the directors on the board of directors of the
Company and currently holds 1.02% of the equity share capital of the Company. The Company intends
to enter into a scheme of arrangement pursuant to which the existing shareholders of the Company,
including the Promoter, would be allotted bonus shares constituting 35,12,313 equity shares of the
Company aggregating to 4% of the Company’s equity shareholding. The details of the scheme have
already been disclosed by the Company to the relevant authorities. Further, the Director wishes to
transfer, by way of gift, 11,45,632 equity shares belonging to her to an immediate relative. In view of the
above facts, answer the following questions:
a. Whether the Promoter would be required to make a disclosure under Regulation 7(2) of the SEBI
(Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 (“PIT Regulations”)?
b. Whether the Director would be required to make a disclosure under Regulation 7(2) of the PIT
Regulations, considering that the trade value is nil?
c. In case the answer to (b) above is in the affirmative, what is the time period within which the
Director will be required to make a disclosure under Regulation 7 of the PIT Regulations?
d. In case the answer to (b) above is in the affirmative, at what value should the transaction, in the
above facts, be disclosed by the Director?
Answer
The above problem is based on the informal guidance dated April 28, 2017 bearing reference number
ISD/OW/9966/2017 issued by SEBI in the matter of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited.
a. Since the promoter has no role in the transaction involving the allotment of bonus shares, and
the transaction is already in the public domain by virtue of being disclosed by the Company to the
relevant authorities, the Promoter would not be required to make a disclosure to the Company
under Regulation 7(2) of the PIT Regulations.
b. The transaction by the Director involving a gift of shares to an immediate relative would be required
to be disclosed to the Company by the Director under Regulation 7(2) of the PIT Regulations, if
the value of the shares transferred are in excess of ten lakh rupees, or if such gift along with other
transactions executed by the Director in a calendar quarter aggregate to a traded value in excess
of ten lakh rupees.
c. If the value of the shares transferred or aggregate value of transactions executed by the Director
in a calendar quarter are in excess of ten lakh rupees, the time period within which the Director
will be required to make a disclosure to the Company regarding the number of shares disposed
under Regulation 7(2) of the PIT Regulations is within two trading days of such transaction.
d. In the transaction involving the gift of shares by the Director, the value of shares disposed of would
be calculated as the prevailing market value of the equity shares of the Company on the day of
disposal.
416 EP-SLCM
III. Transient Trading Company (India) Limited (“TTCL”) is a company listed on the National Stock
Exchange of India Limited and Calcutta Stock Exchange Limited. M/s. Genesis Private Limited (“GPL”)
is a joint promoter of TTCL and has recently acquired 27.69% of the paid up share capital of TTCL
through an open offer. GPL also has two nominees on the board of directors of TTCL. One of the
said two nominees is a director in GPL itself and the other is the managing director of M/s. Phoenix
Capital Limited (“PCL”). PCL has promoted a private equity fund names M/s. Phoenix Capital Growth
Fund, which acted in concert with GPL in the aforesaid open offer, which now stands completed. GPL,
despite being an insider, now proposes to acquire further shares of TTCL (“Proposed Acquisition”)
in accordance with the provisions of the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 (“PIT
Regulations”). In view of the above facts, answer the following questions:
a. What are the ways in which GPL can undertake the Proposed Acquisition in terms of the PIT
Regulations considering it is an insider in possession of unpublished price sensitive information
(“UPSI”)?
b. Would a trading plan formulated for the Proposed Acquisition require prior approval of any
authority/person?
c. Can a trading plan under the PIT Regulations include a condition of ‘maximum value per share
not exceeding a certain amount’ along with the specification of number of shares to be purchased
during the trading plan period?
d. Can GPL deviate from the trading plan once it is approved?
Answer
number ISD/OW/30056/2016 issued by SEBI in the matter of Tide Water Oil Company (India) Limited.
a. Despite being an insider in possession of UPSI, GPL can undertake the Proposed Acquisition in
the following circumstances under Regulation 4 of the PIT Regulations:
• An off-market inter-se transfer with another promoter(s) who is in possession of the same
UPSI without being in breach of Regulation 3 of the PIT Regulations where both parties have
made a conscious and informed trade decision; or
• When the individuals in possession of UPSI are different from those taking trading decisions
and such decision making individuals were not in possession of UPSI when they took the
decision to trade, appropriate and adequate arrangements are in place to ensure that the
PIT Regulations aren’t violated, there is no communication of UPSI among such individuals
and there is no evidence of such arrangements having been breached; or
• Pursuant to a trading plan set up under Regulation 5 of the PIT Regulations.
b. Regulation 5 of the PIT Regulations requires an insider formulating a trading plan to present it to
the compliance officer for approval.
c. Under Regulation 5(2)(v) of the PIT Regulations, the inclusion of a condition on the purchase of
shares subject to a certain limit on the price of shares may lead to a deviation from the number of
shares that may be specified in a trading plan, thereby defeating the restriction under Regulation
5(4) of the PIT Regulations. Hence, such a condition cannot be included in a trading plan set up
under the PIT Regulations.
d. Regulation 5(4) lays down that once a trading plan is approved, it cannot be revoked and the
insider is required to mandatorily implement the plan without any deviations.
IV. ABC Bank Limited (“Bank”) is a bank listed on BSE Limited. Some of the employees of the Bank, who
CASE LAWS 417
may be in possession of unpublished price sensitive information (“UPSI”) of the Bank or other listed
companies with whom the Bank deals, are consequently restricted from dealing in securities of the
Bank or such other listed companies. Such employees propose to invest their funds in the securities
market through portfolio management schemes, which deal in securities with the funds of investors
(investors including employees of the Bank and their relatives) as per the portfolio manager’s own
discretion with no direct/indirect control/influence of the investor over the investment making decisions
(“Discretionary Portfolio Management Scheme”). Under such a scheme, the day to day investment
discretion for the account(s) are fully delegated to the portfolio manager and are not shared with the
investor. The portfolio manager does not discuss any potential investment/disinvestment decision with
the investor and the investor does not make any suggestions regarding such investment/disinvestment
decisions. The portfolio is standard portfolio and is not altered specifically for an investor and the
portfolio manager does not accept specific buy or sell orders of any security at the direction of its client.
Further, investments in securities of companies as part of the Discretionary Portfolio Management
Scheme are identifiable and the securities in the portfolio are mandatorily held in a separate demat
account with power of attorney in favour of the portfolio manager. However, the portfolio manager, while
exercising his discretion makes investment/disinvestment decisions in securities which may include
securities of the Bank or securities of a listed company for which the employee or his relative may be
in possession of UPSI by virtue of being an employee of the Bank, but the employee or his relative has
no control directly/indirectly over investment making decisions of the portfolio manager, to which effect
the employees even furnish a declaration. In view of the above facts, answer the following questions:
a. Is there a bar on insiders from trading in securities of a company when in possession of UPSI
under the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 (“PIT Regulations”)?
b. What is the presumption under the PIT Regulations regarding trading in securities by an insider
when he is in possession of UPSI?
c. Are deals under the Discretionary Portfolio Management Scheme on behalf of the employees of
the Bank or their relatives in compliance with the provisions of the PIT Regulations?
d. Whether deals under the Discretionary Portfolio Management Scheme can be undertaken when
the trading window of the Bank or the company with which the Bank deals with is closed?
Answer
The above problem is based on the informal guidance dated July 25, 2016 bearing reference number
ISD/OW/20812/2016 issued by SEBI in the matter of HDFC Bank Limited.
a. Regulation 4(1) of the PIT Regulations states that no insider shall deal in securities that are listed
or proposed to be listed on a stock exchange when in possession of UPSI.
b. The explanatory note to Regulation 4 provides a presumption that trades executed by a person in
possession of UPSI have been motivated by the knowledge and awareness of such information
in his possession.
c. Regulation 4(1) read with its explanatory note provides that dealing in securities, whether direct
or indirect, is not relevant, but that any insider, when in possession of UPSI, should not deal in
securities of the company to which the UPSI pertains . Hence, even while dealing in securities
through the Discretionary Portfolio Management Scheme, the trades of an insider would be
assumed to be motivated by the knowledge and awareness of such UPSI, and therefore such
trades will not be in compliance with the provisions of the PIT Regulations.
d. Clause 4 of Schedule B of the PIT Regulations mandates the operation of a notional trading
window as an instrument of monitoring trading by designated persons, which is required to be
closed when the compliance officer determines that the designated persons can reasonably be
418 EP-SLCM
expected to be in possession of UPSI. Thus Regulation 4(1) read with Clause 4 of Schedule B of
the PIT Regulations infers that dealings through the Discretionary Portfolio Management Scheme,
when the trading window is closed will also be assumed to be motivated by the knowledge and
awareness of UPSI. Therefore, such trades cannot be undertaken in terms of the PIT Regulations.
V. ABC Capital Markets Limited (“Intermediary”) is a Category-I Merchant Banker. In accordance with
the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 (“PIT Regulations”), the Intermediary
is maintaining a restricted list (“Restricted List”) which includes all the companies in which the
Intermediary is handling any assignment or is privy to any unpublished price sensitive information
(“UPSI”). The Intermediary and its employees are not permitted to trade in the shares of the companies
included in the Restricted List. Hence, trading is only allowed in the shares of the companies with which
the Intermediary is not connected in any way and about which it does not have any UPSI. In view of the
above facts, answer the following questions:
a. What is meant by the term ‘contra trade’? What is the restriction with respect to executing contra
trade under the PIT Regulations?
b. Is the contra-trade restriction under the PIT Regulations applicable on the Intermediary and its
employees with respect to trading in shares of listed companies which are not included in the
Restricted List?
c. Is there a requirement under the PIT Regulations to impose a contra trade restriction for securities
of listed companies where no connection and possession or access to UPSI is envisaged?
Answer
number SEBI/HO/ISD/ISD/OW/P/2016/32258/1 issued by SEBI in the matter of SBI Capital Markets
Limited and the informal guidance dated December 23, 2016 bearing reference number ISD/
OW/3644/2016 issued by SEBI in the matter of Prabhudas Lilladher Private Limited.
a. Contra trade means opposite trading or reversal of the actual position. Clause 10 of Schedule
B of the PIT Regulations imposes a restriction on designated persons to execute a contra trade
in those securities of which the designated persons are reasonably expected to have access to
UPSI during a period as specified in the code of conduct of a company formulated under the PIT
Regulations.
b. The contra trade restriction on the Intermediary and its employees with respect to trading in
securities of listed companies which are not included in the Restricted List would depend on the
connection the Intermediary or its designated employee has with the concerned listed company
and subsequent possession of or access to UPSI. Such restriction would be applicable on the
Intermediary and its employees if they are connected persons with the listed company and
possess or have access to UPSI.
c. The contra trade restriction on the Intermediary and its employees is not required to be applicable
with respect to securities of listed companies where no connection and possession or access to
UPSI by the Intermediary or its employees is envisaged.
VI. Artemis Technologies Limited (“Company”) is a public company which has its equity shares listed on
BSE Limited. The Company has implemented the facility of a cashless employee stock option plan
(“ESOP Plan”) for its employees. This cashless ESOP Plan is operated through a trust, the Artemis
Employee Welfare Trust (“Trust”) in accordance with the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits)
Regulations, 2014 (“SBEB Regulations”) which is classified as an insider for the purposes of the SEBI
(Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 (“PIT Regulations”). The Trust acts as a mechanism
for implementing the ESOP Plan by undertaking trades on behalf of the employees. The Trust either
CASE LAWS 419
applies for shares to the Company and such shares are issued to it, or the Trust acquires shares
through secondary market purchase for the purpose of ESOP plan. However, all sales are undertaken
only on the basis of exercise by the relevant employee. In view of the above facts, answer the following
questions:
a. Would the exercise of ESOP by any person, including a designated person, and the sale of the
resultant shares attract any contra-trading restrictions under the PIT Regulations?
b. Would the exercise of ESOPs by the Trust for employees who are not designated persons, attract
contra trade restrictions under the PIT Regulations?
c. Would the acquisition of shares (whether by subscription or secondary acquisition) by the Trust to
give effect to ESOPs, be considered as a ‘trade’ for the purpose of the contra trading restrictions
imposed under the PIT Regulations?
d. Would the restriction on contra trade by designated persons be applicable only in respect of the
Company’s own securities or for all listed securities?
e. Would the exemption on applicability of contra trade in respect of buy backs, open offers, rights
issues, etc. also be applicable in case of securities subscribed in an initial public offer?
Answer
The above problem is based on the informal guidance dated October 30, 2015 bearing reference
number ISD/OW/30679/2015 issued by SEBI in the matter of KPIT Technologies Limited and the
informal guidance dated November 2, 2016 bearing reference number ISD/OW/30123/2016 issued by
SEBI in the matter of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited.’
a. In terms of the guidance note dated August 24, 2015 released by SEBI on the PIT Regulations,
exercise of ESOPs is not considered as ‘trading’ except for the purpose of disclosures under
Chapter III of the PIT Regulations. Hence, the exercise of ESOP by any person, including a
designated person, and the sale of the shares so acquired would not attract contra trade
restrictions.
b. Since exercise of ESOPs is not considered as ‘trading’ except for the purpose of disclosures
under Chapter III of the PIT Regulations, the exercise of ESOPs by the Trust for employees who
are not designated persons would not attract contra trade restrictions under the PIT Regulations.
c. Since the Trust is not undertaking trades in its own capacity but acting solely on behalf of the
Company’s employees to give effect to the exercise of ESOPs, and the exercise of ESOPs is not
considered ‘trading’ except for the purpose of disclosures under Chapter III of the PIT Regulations,
the acquisition of shares by the Trust to give effect to the exercise of ESOPs by employees will not
be considered as a ‘trade’ for the purpose of contra trade restrictions.
d. Contra trade restriction under the PIT Regulations is applicable in respect of those securities
of which the unpublished price sensitive information is available with the designated persons.
Therefore, the restriction on contra trade by designated persons will be applicable to all securities
of which the unpublished price sensitive information is available with the designated persons.
e. The exemption on applicability of contra trade in respect of buy backs, open offers, rights issues,
etc. is not applicable in case of securities subscribed in an initial public offer as there is no provision
in the PIT Regulations to this effect.
VII. Southern Oil Limited (“Company”) is a public company which has its equity shares listed on BSE
Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited. Dhruv Trading and Investments Private Limited
(“DTPL”), a non-banking financial company registered with the Reserve Bank of India, belongs to the
420 EP-SLCM
‘Promoter and Promoter Group’ of the Company. DTPL, along with its two wholly owned subsidiaries,
Ornate Holding and Trading Company Private Limited (“Ornate”) and Casper Holding and Trading
Company Private Limited (“Casper”), holds 16.29% of the paid up equity share capital of the Company.
The aggregate shareholding of the entire promoter and promoter group in the Company, none of
which are financial institutions, is 52.79%. DTPL, Ornate and Casper intend to borrow from financial
institutions on an ongoing basis, the borrowing generally being in the form of term loans with a tenor
of 2 to 3 years which is to be secured by pledging the shares of the Company in favour of the lenders
(“Proposed Action”). At the time of maturity or call/put option of the term loans, DTPL, Ornate and
Casper would have to pledge and de-pledge shares of the Company in favour of the concerned lenders
as per the mandate under the loan agreement, which might result in pledging and simultaneously de-
pledging of the Company’s shares within a period of 6 months. Since DTPL, Ornate and Casper are
part of the promoter/promoter group of the Company, they are perpetually in possession of unpublished
price sensitive information (“UPSI”) relating to the Company. In view of the above facts, answer the
a. Would the Proposed Action be considered as a ‘trade’ in terms of the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider
Trading) Regulations, 2015 (“PIT Regulations”)?
b. Is there a prohibition in the PIT Regulations on the Proposed Action being executed when in
possession of UPSI?
c. Is there any way in which the Proposed Action can be undertaken despite the prohibition imposed
on it under the PIT Regulations?
d. Would the Proposed Action be permitted when the trading window of the Company is closed?
Answer
number ISD/OW/31420/2015 issued by SEBI in the matter of Geetanjali Trading and Investments
Private Limited.
a. Regulation 2(1)(l) of the PIT Regulations defines trading to mean and include subscribing, buying,
selling, dealing, or agreeing to subscribe, buy, sell or deal in any securities. The explanatory note
to Regulation 2(1)(l) clarifies that pledging of securities would also be included within the definition
of ‘trade’ and ‘trading’ under Regulation 2(1)(l) of the PIT Regulations. Hence, the Proposed Action
would be considered as a ‘trade’ in terms of the PIT Regulations.
b. Regulation 4(1) of the PIT Regulations prohibits insiders from trading in securities that are listed
or proposed to be listed on a stock exchange when in possession of UPSI. Since DTPL, Ornate
and Casper are perpetually in possession of UPSI, they would be considered insiders in terms
of Regulation 2(1)(g) of the PIT Regulations. Hence, the execution of the Proposed Transaction
would constitute trading in listed securities by insiders when in possession of UPSI and will be
prohibited under Regulation 4(1) of the PIT Regulations.
c. The Proposed Transaction can be undertaken in the following circumstances, as laid down in
Regulation 4 of the PIT Regulations:
• When the individuals in possession of UPSI are different from those taking trading decisions
and such decision making individuals were not in possession of UPSI when they took the
decision to trade, appropriate and adequate arrangements are in place to ensure that the
PIT Regulations aren’t violated, there is no communication of UPSI among such individuals
and there is no evidence of such arrangements having been breached; or
• Pursuant to a trading plan under Regulation 5 of the PIT Regulations.
CASE LAWS 421
d. The Guidance Note on the PIT Regulations dated August 24, 2015 clarifies that the creation and
invocation of pledge for enforcement of security when in possession of UPSI would be allowed
when the trading window is closed, if the pledger or pledgee demonstrates that the creation of
pledge or invocation of pledge was bona fide and prove their innocence under the proviso to
Regulation 4(1) of the PIT Regulations. Hence, the Proposed Action would be permitted even
when the trading window of the Company is closed, however the onus to demonstrate the bona
fide intention behind such action would lie with DTPL, Ornate, Casper and the financial institution
acting as pledgee.
Lesson 13
Collective Investment Scheme
1. Rose Valley Real Estate and Construction Limited Case (2011)

In this matter, SEBI had observed that Rose Valley Real Estate and Construction Ltd. (“Rose Valley”) was
mobilizing funds under CIS without obtaining a certificate of registration as required under Section 11AA of the
Act. Rose Valley in turn moved the High Court challenging the constitutional validity of the said Act. The Calcutta
High Court dismissed the said Writ Petition filed by Rose Valley challenging the constitutional validity of SEBI’s
power in regulating CIS. Dismissing the Writ Petition, the High Court observed that the Section 11AA of the Act
is legal and the provisions provided in it were valid. The High Court also slapped a fine of Rs. 10 lakhs on Rose
Valley.
SEBI, held that Rose Valley was raising funds through sale of plots of land and pooling the same to develop
the land and providing investors a return on the amount invested at the end of the scheme in the form of credit
value. Investors could utilize the credit value to either adjust partly against the cost of land or to get refund for
the investments made. “These activities were akin to the features of CISs, specified under the Section 11AA of
the Act”. SEBI had further directed Rose Valley not to collect any money from investors or to launch any scheme
and not to dispose of any of the properties of the scheme. SEBI had also in another case imposed a penalty
of Rs. 1 crore on Rose Valley for not providing details sought by the market regulator in a case charging the
company with issuing debentures illegally.
SEBI had also barred Rose Valley Hotels and Entertainment from collecting money from investors under its
‘holiday membership’ schemes alleging that such schemes were CIS in nature and required a certificate of
registration. SEBI had begun the investigation of the case after it received a letter in June, 2012 from the
Additional Director-General of Police, Guwahati, Assam, alleging that Rose Valley Hotels and Rose Valley
Real Estates Constructions Ltd. had collectively raised Rs. 1,006.70 crores until February 2012. It was pointed
out that Rose Valley Hotels had launched a scheme called Rose Valley Holiday Membership Plan in 2010.
Under the scheme, an investor can book a holiday package by paying monthly installments. Upon maturity
or the completion of the installment tenure, the investor can either opt for a holiday, which includes hotel
accommodation and services, or a return on the investment with annualized interest.
SEBI had sought various details on the scheme that included the number of individuals who had subscribed to
the plan and the total amount refunded by the Company towards principal investment and interest. Rose Valley
Hotels, however, contended that it was in the time share business, which did not fall under SEBI’s purview.
SEBI, in his order stated that the scheme had all the ingredients of a CIS. He added that the contribution
made in the form of monthly installments by investors were pooled and utilised for the purpose of the holiday
membership plan. Moreover, such contributions are made by the investors with a view to receiving profits or
income in the form of returns with annualized interest. It had also directed Rose Valley Hotels not to collect any
more money from investors either through existing schemes or via new ones.
2. Maitreya Services Pvt. Ltd. Case (2013)
SEBI began the probe against Maitreya Services Pvt. Ltd. (“Maitreya”) after a reference from the Income Tax
422 EP-SLCM
department in September 2010 alleging violation of SEBI regulations by Maitreya. During the inquiry, Maitreya
submitted that it carries out the business of real estate and its business includes buying and selling of land,
development of the land, construction and other land related activities. SEBI found that Maitreya had launched
various schemes under which money was collected from the public. These schemes differed on the basis of the
periodic payment to be made by the investor, and the time period for which such investments were to be made.
In the course of its inquiry, the SEBI found that the Company had launched and operated CIS without obtaining
registration in terms of section 12(1B) of the Act and regulation 3 of the Regulations and an amount of Rs. 804
crores was outstanding with it was to be repaid to investors. In view of the same, a show cause notice was
issued to Maitreya and its directors asking them to show cause as to why suitable action should not be initiated
against them for the violation of regulation 3 of the Regulations read with section 11AA of Act.
In reply to the show-cause notice by SEBI, Maitreya denied being in CIS operations and refuted all charges
leveled against it and requested that the proceedings be terminated and discharged from the show-cause
notice. In 2012, Maitreya sought to settle the proceedings through a consent procedure but that was rejected
by SEBI. SEBI’s probe found that Maitreya had mobilized Rs. 1,332 crores from the public as “advances” as on
March 31, 2011 and had repaid Rs. 538 crores as “repayment” to investors, resulting in an amount of Rs. 794
crores as outstanding to be repaid as on that date. SEBI also found that the assets were insufficient to meet the
liabilities and its repayment obligations were almost double the value of its total movable and immovable assets.
In view of the foregoing, SEBI ordered for winding up of CIS being run in the garb of real estate business, asking
the entity concerned to refund the money to investors within three months. SEBI also barred Maitreya, and
its directors from accessing the securities market till the time all its CIS are wound up and decided to initiate
prosecution proceedings against them. SEBI also made a reference to the police to register a civil/criminal case
against Maitreya and their Directors and persons in charge of the CIS business for “offences of fraud, cheating,
criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds”.
3. Alchemist Infra Realty Ltd Case (2013)
SEBI received an anonymous letter which alleged that Alchemist Infra Realty Ltd. (“Alchemist”) was mobilizing
money from its investors. In order to ascertain whether Alchemist was operating CIS, SEBI initiated an inquiry
against it. On perusal of various documents provided by Alchemist and inquiring into its affairs, SEBI found that
the scheme/arrangement is in the nature of CIS and issued a show cause notice to Alchemist and its Directors
advising them to show cause as to why appropriate action including directions under section 11 and 11B of the
Act read with regulation 65 of Regulations should not be issued against all of them for the alleged violations.
The charge against Alchemist, as per show cause notice, is that its scheme/arrangement are in the nature of
CIS and that it is offering/launching them without obtaining registration from SEBI for carrying on such CIS in
contravention of section 12(1B) of the Act and regulation 3 of Regulations. Meanwhile, Alchemist had filed an
application for a consent order which was rejected by SEBI. To stop the illegal business, SEBI issued following
directions to safeguard the interests of the investors :
(a) Alchemist shall not collect any money from investors or launch or carry out any scheme which has been
identified as a CIS in the order.
(b) Alchemist and its Directors shall wind up the existing CIS and refund the money collected by it under
the schemes with returns which are due to its investors as per the terms of offer within a period of three
months from the date of the order and submit a winding up report to SEBI.
(c) Alchemist and its Directors are restrained from accessing the securities market till all the CIS are wound
up by it and all the monies mobilized though such schemes are refunded to its investors with returns.
SEBI also found that the Investment Application Forms of Alchemist mentioned that it was a part of ‘Alchemist
Group’, which was engaged in diverse activities such as steel, food and beverages, IT, healthcare, media,
aviation, realty, hospitality, education and tea estate, among others, with asset base of over Rs 5,000 crores.
CASE LAWS 423
Thus, an Investor/Applicant was misled to believe that the company, Alchemist Infra Realty Ltd, is part of the
Alchemist Group, whereas the company had contended that it was not associated with the Alchemist Group.
Alchemist and its Directors filed an appeal before the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) challenging the
order. The SAT disposed of the appeal by way of common order and granted 18 months to refund the money
(estimated Rs. 1000 crores) in view of the “long and tedious process of implementing the scheme of repayment”
to 1.5 million investors.
4. Rich Infra Developers India Ltd. Case (2015)
SEBI received a complaint alleging that Rich Infra Developers India Ltd. (“Rich Infra”) was giving huge returns
to investors towards the investments in the company. As a matter of preliminary examination into whether or not
Rich Infra is carrying on the activities of CIS, SEBI sought certain information from the company.
Meanwhile, SEBI received another complaint by email from a person who had invested Rs. 6.2 lakhs in Rich
Infra alleging that the company failed to repay the amount on maturity. The complainant also stated there are
several other investors from Odisha who had deposited Rs. 12 lakhs in the company and they did not receive
repayment.
SEBI informed Rich Infra and its Directors that the information provided by the company did not include schemes
seeking deposits from public for farming and development of agricultural land. Meanwhile, SEBI received a
complaint alleging that Rich Infra is promising huge returns or an option to take land. The money invested is
for the development of the land however, the land could be located anywhere in India. Rich Infra allotted a plot
of 4000 sq. ft for a consideration of Rs. 2,00,000/- and at the end of the term, that is, six years, the investor is
entitled to an amount of Rs. 4,05,457/- as ‘Consideration value at the time of maturity’. However, there are no
specifications as to the plot/the details to identify the property.
The main contention raised by Rich Infra was: “……We are not involved in the activities of collecting money
from general public. We are dealing in real estate activities i.e., selling of plots/flats/farm houses/commercial
shops/agriculture land/residential properties, etc., which are being sold to prospective customers/buyers.” In
this context, Rich Infra has been inviting applications for advance against plot/ land, for agricultural/residential/
commercial purpose. As already mentioned in the preceding paragraph, no plot/land is identified or distinguished
by company. Hence, it is apparent that that the schemes offered by Rich Infra are nothing but a ‘collective
investment scheme’ clothed in the guise of a real estate scheme. It is pertinent to note that the most essential
feature of a real estate transaction which is a clearly distinguishable immovable property say, a flat or plot which
is identifiable by its description, etc. is absent in the schemes offered by Rich Infra. Admittedly, Rich Infra had
mobilized funds from public in lieu of allotment of property and also claimed repayments made to some of the
investors. However, the company has failed to submit the relevant details of amount mobilized from these
investors or a list of all its investors, despite being given several opportunities to do so.
Hence, SEBI directed Rich Infra and its Directors :
(a) not to collect any fresh money from investors under its existing schemes;
(b) not to launch any new schemes or plans or float any new companies to raise fresh moneys; (c) to
immediately submit the full inventory of the assets including land obtained through money raised
by Rich Infra;
(d) not to dispose of or alienate any of the properties/assets obtained directly or indirectly through money
raised by Rich Infra; and
(e) not to divert any funds raised from public at large which are kept in bank account(s) and/or in the
custody of Rich Infra.
424 EP-SLCM
Test Paper 425
EXECUTIVE PROGRAMME
EP-SL&CM
TEST PAPER
A Guide to CS Students
To enable the students in achieving their goal to become successful professionals, Institute has prepared a
booklet “A Guide to CS Students” providing the subject specific guidance on different papers and subjects
contained in the ICSI curriculum. The booklet is available on ICSI website and students may download from
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WARNING
It is brought to the notice of all students that use of any malpractice in Examination is misconduct as provided
in the explanation to Regulation 27 and accordingly the registration of such students is liable to be cancelled
or terminated. The text of regulation 27 is reproduced below for information:
“27. Suspension and cancellation of examination results or registration.
In the event of any misconduct by a registered student or a candidate enrolled for any examination conducted
by the Institute, the Council or the Committee concerned may suo motu or on receipt of a complaint, if it is
satisfied that, the misconduct is proved after such investigation as it may deem necessary and after giving
such student or candidate an opportunity to state his case, suspend or debar the person from appearing in
any one or more examinations, cancel his examination result, or studentship registration, or debar him from
future registration as a student, as the case may be.
Explanation – Misconduct for the purpose of this regulation shall mean and include behaviour in a disorderly
manner in relation to the Institute or in or near an Examination premises/centre, breach of any regulation,
condition, guideline or direction laid down by the Institute, malpractices with regard to postal or oral tuition or
resorting to or attempting to resort to unfair means in connection with the writing of any examination conducted
by the Institute”.
426 EP-SLCM
EXECUTIVE PROGRAMME
TEST PAPER
(This Test Paper is for recapitulate and practice for the students. Students need not to submit responses/
answers to this test paper to the Institute)
Time allowed: 3 hours Maximum Mark: 100
PART I – SECURITIES LAWS (70 MARKS)
Question No. 1
(i) Examine with reference to the provisions of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 whether it
is possible for City Stock Exchange Limited, a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013
and a recognized Stock Exchange, to insist that its members should appoint only other members as
their proxies to attend and vote at the meeting of the Stock Exchange. (5 marks)
(ii) SEBI received complaints from some investors alleging that Sunaina Ltd. and some brokers are
indulging in price manipulation in the shares of Sunaina Ltd. Explain the powers that can be exercised
by SEBI under the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 in case the allegations are found
to be correct. (5 marks)
(iii) Elucidate the eligibility criteria for a depository to provide depository services in India. (5 marks)
(iv) The paid-up capital of Dharma Ltd. is Rs. 10,40,00,000 and through preferential allotment the
company wants to raise its capital to 30,00,00,000. Present holding of promoters is 42 %, whether
the promoter group can maintain the same holding in new issue also? Critically examine the
applicability of SEBI (ICDR) Regulations with respect to the promoter’s contribution in a preferential
issue of shares? (5 marks)
Attempt all parts of either Question No. 2 or 2A
Question No. 2
(i) What do you mean by Vigil Mechanism? Explain. (3 marks)
(ii) ABC Ltd (Acquirer) along with Person acting in concert (PAC) holds 24% shares in XYZ Ltd. (Target
Company). ABC Ltd. planning to acquire 5% shares of XYZ Ltd. Whether above acquisition of shares
would attract the provisions of Regulation 3(2) of SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011 requiring open offer
to the shareholders of the Target Company? (4 marks)
(iii) The position of capital and reserves as on 31st March, 2018 of Nidhi Ltd. are given below:
Rs.
Equity shares (Fully paid-up of face value Rs.10 each) 1,00,00,000
Equity shares (Rs.5 is paid-up on face value of Rs.10 each) 1,00,00,000
Equity shares with differential voting rights (Fully paid-up of face value of Rs.10 each) 1,00,00,000
Preference shares (Fully paid-up of Rs.100 each) 1,00,00,000
Free reserves 7,50,00,000
The Company wanted to place proposal before the Board for buy-back of its 100% preference share
capital. You, as a Company Secretary, advise your Board on the following issues:
Test Paper 427
• Maximum limit upto which Board can approve buy-back of shares.

• Maximum limit upto which shareholders can approve buy-back of shares.
• Maximum limit upto which company can buy-back its own shares.
• The situation in which further offer of buy-back can be given by the company within a period of 365
days.
(8 marks)
OR
Question No.2A
(i) PQR Ltd is an unlisted public company who have entered into listing agreement on 20 February, 2018
as per SEBI (LODR), 2015 on National Stock Exchange (NSE). PQR Ltd is planning to conduct
Board Meeting of the directors on 20 March, 2018. Whether the company needs to give prior
intimation to NSE. If yes, explain the matters for which the prior intimation of board meeting shall
be given to NSE. (4 marks)
(ii) On March 20, 2017, ABC Ltd. a company listed on BSE (target Company) had allotted 2,70,00,000
warrants to two promoters viz; PB Private Limited and SN Private Limited and 90,00,000 warrants to
non- promoters. On November 27, 2015, the target company allotted 20,00,000 GDRs with 6,00,00,000
underlying shares to non -promoters. Pursuant to the issuance of GDR, the individual shareholding of
PB Private Limited reduced from 11.57% to 6.08% and that of SN Private Limited reduced from 1.92%
to 1.01%. On March 19, 2018, the target company allotted 5,40,00,000 equity shares to PB Private
Limited and SN Private Limited pursuant to conversion of the 2,70,00,000 warrants. Consequent to
which the voting rights of PB Private Limited and SN Private Limited individually increased from 11.57%
to 24.98% and from 1.92% to 20.36% and the voting rights of the promoter group collectively increased
from 50.23% to 62.92% that has resulted into triggering of Regulation 3(2) of SEBI (SAST) Regulations,
2011.
However, the Noticees have failed to make public announcement to the shareholders of Target
Company. Keeping in view the above facts, whether the above acquisition of shares on conversion of
warrants would be govern by the provisions of SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011? If yes, whether the
same would attract the provisions of Regulation 3(2) of SEBI (SAST) Regulations, 2011 requiring open
offer to the shareholders of the Target Company? (7 marks)
(iii) SB India Limited, a company listed on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) with share capital 1,00,00,00
(face value Rs.10 each). The Company is planning to place a proposal before the Board for buy-
back of its 50% share capital from existing shareholders. You, as a Company Secretary, elucidate the
provisions of Board Resolution with respect to buy-back of securities. (4 marks)
Question No. 3
(i) Briefly explain the agencies involved in delisting process and its functions. (3 marks)
(ii) Mr. Ramesh Virani is appointed as the nominee director on the Board of XYZ Ltd. by Navneet Financial
Services Ltd.? XYZ Ltd. has issued ESOS to Mr. Ramesh Virani as its employee. Whether Mr Ramesh
Virani is eligible to receive the option granted by XYZ Ltd.? If so, describe the approval and eligibility
conditions required to be comply for ESOS under SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations,
2014? (10 marks)
(iii) State the provisions with respect to pricing of sweat equity shares under SEBI (Issue of Sweat Equity)
Regulations, 2002. (2 marks)
428 EP-SLCM
Question No. 4
(i) Divya is Managing Director of AB Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of PEEKAY Ltd., a listed company.
AB Ltd. incurred a huge loss of Rs. 125 crore on 31st March, 2017. However, PEEKAY Ltd. Informed
this loss to stock exchange on 30th April, 2017. Divya’s husband Pradeep, who received information of
this loss from Divya, sold 2,60,000 shares of PEEKAY Ltd. on 24th April, 2017. Examine the relevant
provisions and state is Divya amounting to be held for insider trading? (8 marks)
(ii) If Sahil invests Rs.10,000 in a scheme that charges 2% front end load at an NAV of Rs.10 per unit, what
shall be the public offer price? (3 marks)
(iii) What are the restrictions imposed on business activities for CIMC under SEBI (Collective investment
Scheme) Regulations, 1999? (4 marks)
(iv) State the powers and functions of the ‘Ombudsman’ under the SEBI (Ombudsman) Regulations,
2003. (5 marks)
Part II- Capital Market and Intermediaries (30 Marks)

Attempt all parts of either Question no. 5 or Question no 5A
Question No. 5
(i) What do you mean by Private equity? Briefly explain the various categories of private equity. (5 marks)
(ii) Mr Aniket holds the equity shares of GKP Limited. Mr. Aniket has requested the company to issue a shares
with differential voting rights in respect of the equity shares held by him. What are the conditions required to
be fulfilled by GKP Limited. to issue shares with differential voting rights to Mr. Aniket? (5 marks)
(iii) ABC Ltd. issued 15 lakh shares of Rs 100 each. Green shoe option was exercised by the company prior
to the issue. After listing, the share prices of ABC Ltd. plunged to Rs. 90. Stabilizing agents decided to
buy shares from the market. How many shares can be purchased by the stabilizing agents to arrest the
reduction in share prices? (5 marks)
OR
Question No. 5A
(i) Describe the impact of various monetary policies on Indian stock market. (5 marks)
(ii) Define and state the role and responsibilities of Research Analysts. (5 marks)
(iii) Capital market intermediaries are vital link between SEBI and investors in a Public Issue. Comment.
(5 marks)
Question No. 6
(i) What do you understand by Market surveillance? Briefly explain the different types of Market
surveillance. (7 marks)
(ii) Write short notes on the following:
(a) Merchant Banker
(b) Registrar and Share Transfer Agent
(4 marks each)
Bibliography 429
BIBLIOGRAPHY
https://www.sebi.gov.in/
https://www.rbi.org.in/
http://www.mca.gov.in/
https://www.nseindia.com/
https://www.bseindia.com/
https://www.amfiindia.com/
https://www.nsdl.co.in/
https://www.cdslindia.com/index.html
http://www.financialexpress.com/economy/rupee-dives-market-cautious-how-a-hike-in-us-fed-rates-tomorrow-
can-impact-india/1105381/
https://www.gktoday.in/academy/article/measurement-of-inflation-in-india/
https://www.mbaskool.com/business-articles/finance/175-rbi-credit-policy-significance-and-limitations.html
https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-an-inflation-index-357609
https://www.federalreserve.gov/
http://miraeassetmf.co.in/uploads/downloads/Impact_of_Inflation.pdf
https://indiacorplaw.in/2015/07/sebis-action-on-illegal-collective.html
http://www.delisting.in

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STUDY MATERIAL

Public Dealing Timings

Laser Typesetting by AArushi Graphics, Prashant Vihar, New Delhi, and

Securities Contracts Depositories Act, 1996

Securities Contracts SEBI (Depositories and

 SEBI (Intermediaries)Regulations, 2008

PART I : SECURITIES LAWS (70 MARKS)

PART II: CAPITAL MARKET & INTERMEDIARIES (30 MARKS)

15. STRUCTURE OF CAPITAL MARKET

PART I – SECURITIES LAWS

Lesson 1 – Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956

Lesson 2 – Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992

Lesson 3 – Depositories Act, 1996

Lesson 4 – An Overview of SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,

Lesson 5 – An Overview of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)

Lesson 6 – An Overview of SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers)

Lesson 7 – SEBI (Buy-Back of Securities) Regulations, 2018

Lesson 8 – SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009

Lesson 9 – SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 – An Overview

Lesson 10 – SEBI (Issue of Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2002 – An Overview

Lesson 11 – SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015

Lesson 12 – Mutual Funds

Lesson 13 – Collective Investment Schemes

Lesson 14 – SEBI (Ombudsman) Regulations, 2003

PART II – CAPITAL MARKET AND INTERMEDIARIES

Lesson 15 – Structure of Capital Market

S.No. Lesson Tittle

1. Securities Contracts (Regulations) Act, 1956

2. Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992

3. Depositories Act, 1996

4. An Overview of SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018

5. An Overview of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015

6. An Overview of SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011

7. SEBI (Buy-Back of Securities) Regulations, 2018

8. SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009

9. SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 – An Overview

10. SEBI (Issue of Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2002 – An Overview

11. SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015

12. Mutual Funds

13. Collective Investment Schemes

14. SEBI (Ombudsman) Regulations, 2003

PART II – CAPITAL MARKET AND INTERMEDIARIES

S.No. Lesson Tittle

15. Structure of Capital Market

16. Securities Market Intermediaries

SECURITIES LAWS (PART I)

Introduction, Genesis and Objectives of Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 2

CAPITAL MARKET INVESTMENT INSTITUTIONS 328

CASE LAW 397

TEST PAPER 426

INTRODUCTION, GENESIS AND OBJECTIVES OF SECURITIES CONTRACTS

(a) Stock exchanges through a process of recognition and continued supervision,

(b) contracts in securities, and

(c) listing of securities on stock exchanges.

I. SECURITIES CONTRACTS (REGULATION) ACT, 1956

Spot Delivery Contract

Recognised Stock Exchange

Securities Appellate Tribunal

RECOGNITION OF STOCK EXCHANGES