In a significant ruling dated June 7, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has imposed a Rs 20 lakh fine on Rajat Mishra for obstructing its investigation into insider trading related to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) shares. Mishra’s actions were deemed as showing a "callous attitude" and "complete disregard" for the regulator.
Details of the Case
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Investigation Background:
- Sebi was investigating suspicious trading activities by Rajat Mishra in HAL scrips.
- Mishra was suspected of profiting from unpublished price sensitive information (UPSI) concerning a stock split.
- The UPSI period was from May 1, 2023, to June 8, 2023, during which internal discussions on the stock split were held, and the company informed stock exchanges about a Board meeting on the split.
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Mishra’s Trades:
- Mishra purchased 7,250 shares during the UPSI period.
- He sold just 100 shares during the UPSI period and the rest after the UPSI period when the stock price had increased.
- His trades from March 1, 2023, to August 10, 2023, were investigated, revealing a profit of Rs 28.9 lakh from selling shares after the UPSI period.
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Non-Compliance and Abusive Responses:
- Mishra repeatedly ignored Sebi's requests for information and summonses.
- He sent several abusive emails to Sebi, one of which read, "Ek bxxp ki axxxd ho to axxxxt kxxo,” displaying blatant disrespect.
- In response to Sebi's requests, he sent irrelevant YouTube links and dismissive emails.
Timeline of Events
- March 23, 2024: Mishra sent an abusive email in response to a summons.
- February 7, 2024: Mishra's email claimed he was watching YouTube videos and could respond later.
- May 28, 2024: Sebi sent a digitally signed hearing notice.
- May 31, 2024: Mishra responded with another abusive email.
Sebi’s Findings and Penalty
- Despite Mishra's obstructive behavior, Sebi found no evidence of disproportionate gain or repetitive violations.
- Mishra’s refusal to comply with information requests and his disrespectful communications hampered the investigation.
- Sebi’s Adjudicating Officer, Amar Navlani, emphasized Mishra's "callous attitude" and imposed a Rs 20 lakh fine.
Key Points:
- Sebi started proceedings after noticing suspicious trading by Mishra.
- Mishra profited from insider information regarding HAL’s stock split.
- Mishra repeatedly ignored Sebi's requests and responded with abusive emails.
- A Rs 20 lakh penalty was imposed for his non-compliance and disrespect.
Sebi Fines Rajat Mishra for Ignoring Summons in HAL Insider-Trading Case
On June 7, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) imposed a Rs 20 lakh fine on Rajat Mishra for failing to comply with summonses in an insider-trading investigation involving Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) shares.
Summary of the Case
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Initial Investigation:
- Sebi initiated an investigation into Rajat Mishra’s trading activities concerning HAL shares.
- Mishra was suspected of utilizing unpublished price sensitive information (UPSI) regarding a stock split to gain profits.
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Non-Compliance:
- Mishra failed to provide requested information and did not appear before Sebi’s Investigating Authority.
- He sent dismissive and abusive emails, including an irrelevant YouTube link.
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Penal Actions:
- Sebi sent multiple notices and summonses to Mishra, all of which he ignored or responded to disrespectfully.
- The regulator fined Mishra Rs 20 lakh for obstructing the investigation and showing a complete disregard for regulatory processes.
Detailed Events:
- March 1, 2023 - August 10, 2023: Period of investigation covering Mishra’s trading activities.
- May 1, 2023 - June 8, 2023: UPSI period where insider information was not public.
- February 7, 2024: Mishra’s dismissive email about watching YouTube videos.
- May 28, 2024: Sebi issued a digitally signed hearing notice.
- May 31, 2024: Mishra responded with another abusive email.
Findings:
- Mishra’s trades were profitable due to insider information on HAL’s stock split.
- His non-compliance and abusive communications obstructed Sebi’s investigation.
- Sebi’s adjudicating officer highlighted Mishra’s "callous attitude" as a key reason for the penalty.
Conclusion:
- Rajat Mishra was fined Rs 20 lakh for his obstructive and disrespectful behavior towards Sebi’s investigation.
- Sebi emphasizes strict adherence to regulatory norms and cooperation during investigations.
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