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Sapre Committee appointed by Supreme Court submits report on Adani-Hindenburg issue

The Expert Committee’s Assessment

The Supreme Court-appointed Expert Committee has provided an update on the Adani-Hindenburg controversy. The committee has stated that it is currently unable to determine if SEBI’s handling of the alleged securities law violation by the Adani Group and other companies constitutes “regulatory failure.”

Objectives of the Committee

The committee’s objective is to assess the situation and recommend measures to enhance investor awareness, strengthen the statutory framework, and ensure compliance with existing regulations.

Investigation Areas

The committee is investigating three specific areas of concern. Firstly, whether Rule 19A of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957, regarding the minimum public shareholding, has been violated. Secondly, whether SEBI has been provided with all relevant information on transactions with related parties as required by law. And thirdly, whether there have been violations of existing laws through the manipulation of stock prices.

Findings and Further Investigation

The committee’s findings regarding Rule 19A depend on whether the 13 overseas entities have complied with the disclosure of their beneficial owners. SEBI has stated that there is currently no evidence to suggest that the listed “beneficial owners” are not genuine, which is crucial for identifying the “ultimate beneficial owners” and enforcing regulations. The committee acknowledges that more investigation is required and that SEBI is seeking additional time to probe further.

Importance of Effective Enforcement Policies

The committee emphasizes the need for an effective and consistent enforcement policy aligned with legislative policies to avoid wasting regulatory resources on retrospective actions. SEBI has an active surveillance framework and has found no evidence of artificial trading based on potential market abuse alerts for Adani stocks.

Background and Extension of Investigation

The Adani Group faced accusations of stock price manipulation and unethical behavior in a report by Hindenburg. The committee, led by former Supreme Court justice Justice AM Sapre, was established by the court to investigate the matter. SEBI requested a six-month extension to complete its investigation, citing the complexity of transactions.

Supreme Court’s Decision

The Supreme Court allowed SEBI until August 14, 2023, to conclude its investigation into the allegations against Adani Group firms made by a US-based short-selling firm. The court reaffirmed SEBI’s authority and instructed the regulatory body to provide a status report within the given timeframe.

Sapre Committee – FAQ

Q1: Why was the Sapre Committee appointed?

Ans: The Sapre Committee was formed by the Supreme Court to look into the Adani-Hindenburg situation and produce a report. The committee’s goal was to properly investigate the situation and offer an unbiased opinion.

Q2: What did the Sapre Committee investigate?

Ans: The Sapre Committee looked at a number of facets of the Adani-Hindenburg controversy, including allegations, assertions, and any other pertinent information.

Q3: What are the potential implications of the Sapre Committee’s report?

Ans: Depending on its conclusions and suggestions, the Sapre Committee’s report may have various ramifications. The parties engaged in the Adani-Hindenburg controversy may suffer legal, financial, or reputational repercussions from the report, depending on its nature.

Author

  • Priti Palit, an accomplished edtech writer, boasts a wealth of experience in preparing candidates for multiple government exams. With a passion for education and a keen eye for detail, she has contributed significantly to the field of online learning. Priti's expertise and dedication continue to empower aspiring individuals in their pursuit of success in government examinations.

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