SEBI Act
The 1992 statute that established SEBI as a statutory body and set out its powers over the securities market.
How it is identified
Test: the matter falls within the Act's scope, giving SEBI powers of registration, inspection, investigation, penalty and adjudication
Unit
qualitative
In depth
The Act converted SEBI from a non-statutory body into a regulator with enforcement teeth, in response to the market conditions and scandals of the early 1990s. It empowers SEBI to make regulations that have the force of law, which is why most day-to-day rules come from SEBI regulations rather than from Parliament. Successive amendments expanded its powers to include search and seizure, call for records from any person, and disgorge unlawful gains. Orders under the Act are appealable to the Securities Appellate Tribunal and onward to the Supreme Court.
Worked example
SEBI issues an order barring a person from the market and directing disgorgement of ₹34 crore of unlawful gains. The power to order both comes from this Act, and the person may appeal to the Securities Appellate Tribunal.
Illustrative figures, chosen so the arithmetic is easy to follow. Not a live price and not a valuation of any company.
Educational reference only
This entry explains what “SEBI Act” means. It is not investment advice and not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Any numbers above are illustrative, not live prices, and nothing here predicts price direction or rates a stock. Consider your own circumstances and consult a SEBI-registered investment adviser before acting.