SEBI relaxations in buy back regulations due to COVID-19

Relaxation in Regulation 24(i)(f) of the SEBI (Buy-back of Securities) Regulations, 2018 due to the COVID 19 pandemic

Overview

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) vide notification / Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/DCR2/CIR/P/2020/69issued and publish dated 23rd April, 2020, has published Relaxation in Regulation 24(i)(f) of the SEBI (Buy-back of Securities) Regulations, 2018 due to the COVID 19 pandemic"in exercise of powers conferred under Section 11(1) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.

The Circular has been issued to:

• All Listed Entities
• All Recognized Stock Exchanges
• All Registered Merchant Bankers

Key Highlights:

• SEBI has received a number of suggestions for relaxation of conditions with respect to raising of funds from the securities market.

• Regulation 24(i)(f) of SEBI (Buy-back of Securities) Regulations, 2018 ("Buyback Regulations") Provides a restriction that

The companies shall not raise further capital for a period of one year from the expiry of buyback period, except in discharge of their subsisting obligations. It has been represented that the said period of one yearmay be reduced to six months, which would be in line with section 68(8) of the Companies Act, 2013.

Relaxation Provided:

it has been decided to temporarily relax the period of restriction provided in Regulation 24(i)(f) of the Buy-back Regulations. Accordingly the words "one year" shall be read as "six months" in the said regulation

Comparative Analysis of Regulation 24(i) (f) of SEBI (Buy-back of Securities) Regulations, 2018:

Applicability of the Circular / said relaxation:

• Started from :Immediate effect
• Ended on: 31st Day of December, 2020.

Kindly note :

• The stock exchanges are advised to bring the provisions of this circular to the notice of all the stakeholders including the listed entities and
• Also disseminate on their websites.

Source: https://www.sebi.gov.in/legal/circulars/apr-2020/relaxation-in-regulation-24-i-f-of-the-sebi-buy-back-of-securities-regulations-2018-due-to-the-covid-19-pandemic_46547.html

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