- Chief Justice DY Chandrachud Signals Regulatory Reinforcement: A Closer Look at the Supreme Court’s Role in Strengthening Market Oversight in the Adani-Hindenburg Matter.
- SEBI’s Investigative Update: Progress and Challenges in the Scrutiny of Adani Group’s Alleged Financial Misconduct, as Revealed in the Supreme Court Hearings.
The Supreme Court of India, on November 24, reserved its orders on the pleas concerning the high-profile Adani-Hindenburg issue. This significant development came during a hearing led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, who hinted at potentially instructing the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to take certain actions. The core of the hearing revolved around strengthening the regulatory framework to protect investor interests, following allegations of stock manipulation and accounting fraud levied against the Adani group by Hindenburg. SEBI’s role in investigating these claims and its interaction with the Supreme Court, including its response to the SC-appointed expert panel’s recommendations, forms a crucial part of this ongoing legal and financial saga.
Supreme Court Reserves Adani-Hindenburg Pleas for Orders
On November 24, the Supreme Court reserved the Adani-Hindenburg issue pleas for orders. Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, during the hearing, hinted at issuing directions to market regulator SEBI.
CJI Emphasizes Strengthening Regulatory Framework
During the hearing, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) reiterated that their intervention in the issue is solely aimed at fortifying the existing regulatory framework to safeguard against the loss of investor wealth in such situations.
SEBI Declines Probe Extension in Adani Case
During the hearing on November 24, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, representing the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), informed the Supreme Court that there would be no request for an extension to conclude the investigation into billionaire Gautam Adani’s group.
SEBI: Investigations on Adani Group Cases
The market regulator disclosed that it has identified 24 cases related to the conglomerate and has completed investigations on 22 of them. Regarding the remaining two cases, SEBI is awaiting responses from foreign regulators, and a specific timeline cannot be provided at this point.
SEBI Responds to SC Expert Panel Suggestions
Tushar Mehta, speaking on behalf of SEBI, addressed the court regarding the recommendations of the SC-appointed expert panel on regulatory framework enhancement. He stated, “The spirit of this report is accepted and respected. While there may be some constraints, we will adapt accordingly. These are broad suggestions, and considering functional constraints, some flexibility may be necessary.”
Implementation of Regulatory Changes: CJI’s Inquiry
During the proceedings, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) queried the Solicitor General (SG) about the timeline and authority for implementing the suggested changes. The SG clarified that, given the limited role of SEBI in this context, the rule-making authority lies with the Central government. He emphasized the need for collaboration between SEBI and the Central government to implement these recommendations.
CJI Considers Objections on SC Panel Report
During the hearing, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) listened to objections from the petitioners regarding the SC panel report. He assured the court that he would thoroughly evaluate all the submissions and issue appropriate directions.
Adani Denies Stock Manipulation Allegations
In January, Hindenburg accused the Ahmedabad-based ports-to-power conglomerate of “brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud.” The Adani group strongly refuted these claims, branding the report as “a calculated attack on India.”
SC Initiates Expert Panel on Adani Issue
In March 2023, following numerous PILs on the Adani issue, the Supreme Court established an expert panel to investigate and provide recommendations for strengthening the current regulatory framework. SEBI was granted time until May by the SC to complete its investigation into the allegations.
SEBI Investigation Extended with Time Constraint
In May, the Supreme Court extended SEBI’s investigation deadline until August 14, albeit shorter than the six months requested by the markets regulator.
Adani Group Stocks Gain During the Day
Earlier today, Adani Group stocks experienced a surge in buying. Adani Enterprises emerged as the leading gainer among Nifty stocks, rising by 3.44 percent, while Adani Ports saw a 1 percent increase.
Stock Movements: Adani and Other Companies
Adani Power increased by 4 percent, Adani Energy Solutions by 0.82 percent, Adani Green Energy by 0.74 percent, and Adani Total Gas by 1.14 percent. NDTV rose by 7.09 percent, Adani Wilmar by 0.52 percent, ACC by 0.09 percent, while Ambuja Cements saw a decrease of 0.42 percent.
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