Disclosure of Reason for Encumbrance of Securities by Promoters

In order to bring greater transparency regarding reasons for encumbrance, particularly when significant shareholding by promoter along with persons acting in concert (PACs) with him is encumbered.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India came up with a new Circular SEBI/HO/CFD/DCR1/CIR/P/2019/90 dated August 07, 2019 which calls for additional disclosure requirements under Regulation 31(1) read with Regulation 28(3) of Takeover Regulations

 (i) The promoter of every listed company shall specifically disclose detailed reasons for encumbrance if the combined encumbrance by the promoter along with PACs with him equals or exceeds:

1. 50% of their Shareholding in the Company; or
2. 20% of total Share Capital of the Company,

In the format specified provided at Annexure-II of the Circular dated August 07, 2019.

(ii) Some of the important points of the Circular are as follows:

• Such disclosures will be warranted on every occasion, when the extent of encumbrance (having already breached the above threshold limits) increases further from the prevailing levels.

• The disclosure in Annexure – II of the SEBI/HO/CFD/DCR1/CIR/P/2019/90 Circular dated August 07, 2019 shall be in addition to the disclosure of Annexure – I provided vide circular No. CIR/CFD/POLICYCELL/3/2015 dated August 05, 2015 and not in derogation of that Circular.

• If the Existing combined encumbrance by the promoter along with PACs with him is

• 50% or more of their shareholding in the company; or
• 20% or more of the total share capital of the company

As on September 30, 2019, he shall specifically make first disclosure on detailed reasons for encumbrance in the format provided at Annexure – II, by October 04, 2019;

(iii) Timelines for Disclosures:

The disclosure on reasons for encumbrance in the format provided at Annexure- A shall be made to, –

1. Every stock exchange where the shares of the company are listed; and
2. The listed Company;

The listed companies shall disclose the contents of Annexure – II on their websites within Two (2) working days of receipt of such disclosure.

(iv) Effective Date:

The provisions of this Circular shall come into effect from October 01, 2019.