Whether NCLT can decide issues of SEBI Regulations in a rectification jurisdiction under section 59 of the companies act, 2013?
Shubham
Budhiraja[1]
Mr. A with his family acquired
more than 5% shareholding in the Company B but the disclosure as per SEBI
Takeover code was not made. Company B filed petition before NCLT for: (1) to declare
the acquisition as illegal because of non-compliance of SEBI takeover code and
(2) to rectify the shareholder/ member register accordingly. Hon’ble NCLT
allowed the petition but Hon’ble NCLAT set aside the same. The Hon’ble Supreme
Court held that section 59 of companies act, 2013 doesn't permit the NCLT to decide
compliance of SEBI Regulations particularly when their inquiry and
adjudication jurisdiction is within realm of SEBI under SEBI Act. The NCLT
cannot such issues in a rectification jurisdiction under section 59.[2]
(i)
Having regard to the comprehensive role of the
SEBI in regulating the securities market the important role of the Regulator
cannot be circumvented by simply asking for rectification under Section 56 of
the 2013 Act.
(ii)
Such an approach is impermissible. The scrutiny
and examination of a transaction allegedly in violation of the SEBI (PIT)
Regulations will have to be processed through the regulations and remedies
provided therein.
[1]
Advocate, Delhi High Court [LLB, ACS, BCOM(H)], Budhirajalawchambers@gmail.com
, +91-9654055315
[2] CIVIL
APPEAL No. 2030 of 2019, Judgment dated 04/01/2023
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