(a) whether instances of procurement of fake Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
orders by individuals/entities to take advantage of the market reaction therefrom have
come up before SEBI during the year 2008;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon; and
(c) the measures taken or proposed to be taken to avoid such instances in future?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE(SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a): Yes , Sir.
(b): A forged SEBI letter was sent to the then Chairman and Managing Director of M/s.
Pyramid Saimira Theatre Limited (PSTL) directing him to make an open offer under the
SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1997. Another
forged SEBI letter was addressed to an individual inter-alia seeking details such as
his acquisitions in the company, his relationship with the then Chairman and Managing
Director of PSTL. This forgery was done to manipulate the stock price of PSTL.
An FIR was registered with the Bandra Kulra Complex Police Station in the matter of
forgery of SEBI communications. Based on investigations conducted by SEBI, these
persons, and entities prima facie found guilty have been directed not to buy, sell
or deal in securities markets including Initial Public Offerings, either directly or
indirectly till further orders.
(c): SEBI had issued ad-interim ex-parte order against persons/ entities who prima facie
appeared to have indulged in manipulative conduct and have prohibited them from
buying, selling or dealing in the securities market including in Initial Public
Offerings, in any manner, either directly or indirectly, till further directions.