Sebi settles insider trading case in Sabero Organics matter for Rs 1 crore

Markets regulator Sebi has settled an alleged insider trading case with an individual in Sabero Organics Ltd matter on payment of over Rs 1 crore as settlement charges and disgorgement of illegal gains. Sebi, during an investigation between May-June 2011, noted that Coromandel, after a meeting with the representatives of Sabero Organics, informed the bourses about the acquisition of the latter by it.

The information related to the acquisition of Sabero Organics by Coromandel was deemed to be a price sensitive information and the period between May 15, 2011 to May 30, 2011 was unpublished price-sensitive information (UPSI) period, Sebi said. The regulator observed that the individual, Kailash Pratap Mariwala, made a profit of over 31.57 lakh by allegedly trading in the scrip of Sabero during the UPSI period.

In view of trading during the UPSI period, Mariwala had allegedly violated Prohibition of Insider Trading Regulations. However, while the proceeding was in progress, Mariwala filed a settlement application with Sebi and proposed to pay Rs 70.45 lakh as settlement amount along with Rs 31.57 lakh of illegal gains and Rs 30.72 lakh of interest amount.

The total amount after the approval from the high powered advisory committee of Sebi was remitted by Kailash Pratap Mariwala in September 2019. Accordingly, the probe in the matter has been disposed of by Sebi after the applicant remitted the settlement amount. However, the regulator has said proceeding in the matter may be restored if representations made by the applicant are subsequently found to be untrue.