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2022 (7) TMI 1428 - AT - SEBIViolation of the SEBI Act - misrepresentation of financials and violation of the accounting standards - non-furnishing of information to the Forensic Auditor was violative of Section 11(2)(i) of the SEBI Act - appellants were debarred from accessing the securities market - Penalty imposed - HELD THAT:- A clear finding has been given that there is no misappropriation of the funds of the Company nor there is any manipulation in the price of the scrip. No fraud has been played by the Company and its Directors to its investors and shareholders. Further, finding given is, that the violation of the LODR Regulations gave no disproportionate gain to anyone nor created any unfair advantage to the appellants nor any specific loss was caused to any investor. Thus, in the absence of any finding of any fraudulent activities or misappropriation of funds or diversion of fund, we are of the opinion that the directions of debarment and the penalty given for violation of the LODR Regulations appears to be harsh and excessive. In the instant case, the appellants were debarred from accessing the securities market for a period of one year w.e.f. July 08, 2021 this period of debarment has already been undergone by the appellants. Consequently, no further orders are required to be passed on this score. In so far as the penalty is concerned, we are of the opinion, that the quantum is harsh and excessive and does not commensurate with the alleged violation of non-disclosure under the LODR Regulations. Since no disproportionate gain was caused to any person nor caused any loss to any investor nor caused any unfair advantage to the Company or its Directors we are of the opinion that the penalty should be reduced by 75% meaning thereby that a penalty of 25% of the penalty imposed by the WTM would be just and proper in the circumstances of the case. Accordingly, while affirming the violation committed by the appellants, we reduce the penalty to 25% of the penalty imposed by the WTM. The appeal is partly allowed. In the circumstances of the case, parties shall bear their own costs.
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