New Delhi, April 3 — The market regulator SEBI has proposed to allow companies to repurchase shares through open market purchases on stock exchanges again, following changes in the tax framework. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) stated in its consultation paper that reinstating this method of buyback will provide companies with an additional option for repurchase. It will also ensure equal opportunities and a different method of taxation for public shareholders. The buyback of shares through stock exchanges was halted on April 1, 2025, due to concerns that the 'price-time matching system' allowed some investors to capture a significant portion of the buyback while leaving other interested investors excluded.

Additionally, there were tax-related disparities among shareholders under the old tax framework. However, SEBI noted that these concerns have largely been addressed following changes in the tax framework under the Finance Act 2026. Starting April 1, 2026, the tax on the buyback amount will be levied on shareholders as capital gains rather than on companies.

SEBI stated that this will eliminate the tax disparity between participating and non-participating investors in buybacks. The regulator also mentioned that the open market buyback method is widely used in global markets and enhances value-seeking, liquidity, and capital allocation efficiency. Industry organizations like FICCI and the Association of Investment Bankers of India (AIBI) have supported this proposal, stating it will help reduce selling pressure in the market and boost investor confidence. Under this proposal, a separate 'window' may be provided for buybacks through stock exchanges. SEBI has invited public comments on this by April 23.

New Delhi, April 18 — Once celebrated for their pioneering role in India’s clean energy movement, brothers Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi are now facing serious allegations of financial misconduct. According to an agency report, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has barred the Jaggi brothers from participating in securities markets until further notice, following an interim order released on Tuesday.

The investigation revolves around their flagship company, Jainsol Engineering, a public-listed firm engaged in solar consulting, engineering procurement and construction (EPC), and leasing of electric vehicles. The company was listed on the BSE SME platform on October 15, 2019, and was later moved to the main board of both BSE and NSE on July 3, 2023.

SEBI’s probe uncovered that portions of corporate loans raised by Jainsol Engineering were allegedly diverted for personal use by the promoters. This includes the purchase of luxury apartments, transactions benefiting related parties, and financial transfers to family members. The findings have triggered concerns over corporate governance and misuse of public funds.

From FY 2016-17 to FY 2023-24, Jainsol Engineering reported rapid financial growth, with operating profit surging from Rs 2 crore to Rs 209 crore and net profit climbing from Rs 2 crore to Rs 80 crore. However, its stock plummeted from a peak of Rs 1,126 per share a year ago to just Rs 116, as credit rating agencies downgraded the company and flagged governance risks.

SEBI initiated its inquiry after receiving multiple complaints and sought clarification from credit rating agencies regarding Jainsol’s loan servicing. While Jainsol presented letters claiming regular repayments to Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and Power Finance Corporation (PFC), both lenders later denied issuing such certifications.

Further investigation revealed that significant amounts, supposedly allocated for EV procurement, were routed to related entities owned by the Jaggi family or spent on non-business purposes. A notable instance included Rs 42.94 crore being used via Anmol Singh Jaggi’s Capbridge Ventures to purchase a luxury apartment in DLF Camellias, Gurgaon.

The regulator concluded that the promoters were treating the company as a personal fund reserve, with little regard for shareholder interests. SEBI’s action highlights a stark fall from grace for the Jaggi brothers, once seen as champions of India’s renewable revolution, now facing allegations that could tarnish their credibility and impact investor trust in the clean energy sector.

Mumbai, March 21 – SEBI’s whole-time member Ananth Narayan stated on Friday that since the implementation of the 'fin-influencer' framework last year, the market regulator has worked with social media platforms to remove more than 70,000 misleading accounts and posts. The move is aimed at curbing the spread of false financial advice, especially from unregistered individuals posing as investment experts online.

Fin-influencers, or financial influencers on social media, have gained considerable traction in India, often promoting investment strategies without regulatory oversight. Narayan pointed out that unregistered investment advisors and research analysts pose a significant threat by taking undue advantage of the growing public interest in investing.

Addressing a gathering organized by registered investment advisors, Narayan emphasized that SEBI has been actively consulting with social media companies since October 2024 to take down misleading content. As per agency report, he also mentioned SEBI's efforts to assist in compliance by facilitating tools such as UPI-linked 'PayRight' accounts and a centralized fee collection mechanism to help identify SEBI-registered entities.

Narayan, a former commercial banker, addressed concerns about foreign portfolio investors (FPI) pulling out of Indian markets. He reassured that the overall investment flow remains stable and not as alarming as perceived, although India cannot afford complacency, given its dependence on foreign savings.

He noted that as of February 2025, FPIs held over ₹62 lakh crore (approximately USD 700 billion) in Indian equities and about ₹5.9 lakh crore (USD 68 billion) in debt. Over the past five years, India has witnessed a total foreign inflow of USD 54 billion in equity and debt, which marks a significant increase compared to USD 19 billion in the previous five-year period.

Narayan concluded by underscoring the importance of sustaining investor confidence through consistent economic growth, macroeconomic stability, and a robust operational environment.

New Delhi, March 11, 2025 – The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) announced on Tuesday that the processing time for equity rights issues has been reduced to 23 working days, making it a more attractive fundraising option. This move aims to simplify business procedures and accelerate the rights issue process.

As per agency report, SEBI has introduced flexible arrangements for allotment in rights issues, eliminating the need to file a draft offer document for regulatory comments. Instead, the document will be submitted directly to stock exchanges for in-principle approval, as the issuing company is already a listed entity. This measure is expected to streamline operations and expedite the rights issue process significantly.

According to SEBI’s circular, companies undertaking a rights issue must complete the process within 23 working days from the date of board approval. This is a substantial reduction from the current average timeline of 317 days. The revised framework will also be faster than the preferential allotment option, which currently takes around 40 working days.

Additionally, SEBI has stated that the rights issue application window will remain open for a minimum of seven days and a maximum of 30 days. The regulatory body has also mandated stock exchanges and depositories to develop an automated verification system for applications within six months.

In a separate notification, SEBI has rationalized the content requirements for offer documents, ensuring that only relevant information related to the rights issue is included. This includes details such as the purpose of the issue, pricing, record date, and eligibility ratio. Furthermore, SEBI has removed the mandatory requirement for companies to appoint a merchant banker for rights issues. Instead, this will now be an optional provision, provided the rights issue is completed within the 23-day timeline.

The changes introduced by SEBI are expected to enhance efficiency in capital raising while offering existing shareholders a faster and more seamless process to participate in their company’s growth.