New 6.42 disclosures for rights issue & ASBA also made applicable & utilisation of funds only after finalisation of allotment, SEBI DIP amended

SEBI/CFD/DIL/DIP/38/2009/08/20 dated August 20, 2009

Download Amended SEBI (DIP) Guidelines, 2000 till date

1. Applications Supported by Blocked Amount (ASBA) in rights issues:

It has now been decided to make ASBA applicable to all rights issues. ASBA will co-exist with the current process, wherein cheque/demand draft is used as a mode of payment. Since the web enabled interface of stock exchanges is now operational [have a look at NSE’s Workstation] for the purpose of acceptance of the rights issue applications, self certified syndicate banks shall upload the application data in to the aforesaid interface of stock exchanges.  Understand about ASBA from [SEBI-ASBA] Lets Learn the Concept.

Conditions:

1. All applicants who desire to apply through ASBA should hold shares of the issuer company in a depository account.
2. The applicants shall indicate either in (i) in Part A of the composite application form of rights issue or (ii) in the plain paper application, as to whether they desire to avail of the ASBA option.
3. All other provisions shall apply mutatis mutandis (means, as like a Public Issue with such modification of the words as Rights issue).

2. Other Amendments numbered as A, B, C, D & E for reference

As you are aware that under clause 8.19 of the SEBI (DIP) Guidelines provides that in a rights issue, the issuer may utilise the issue proceeds collected after satisfying the designated stock exchange that minimum 90% subscription is received and also SEBI has reduced the time period taken for finalization of basis of allotment in the rights issues to 15 days from the date of closure of the issue.  In a public issue, in terms of section 73 of the Companies Act, 1956, the issuer company can access the issue proceeds only after allotment and listing is completed.  All the following Amendments shall be applicable for all rights issues where Draft letters of offer are filed or where Final Letter of Offer is yet to be filed with SEBI on or after the date of this circular.

A. In the clause 5.7.2: In the case of rights issues, lead merchant banker shall ensure that the abridged letters of offer ALONG WITH COMPOSITE APPLICATION are dispatched to all shareholders at least 3 days before the date of opening of the issue.

B. All the new clauses are using the word COMPOSITE application instead of STANDARD application as earlier (in case of rights issues).

C. In CHAPTER VI of the DIP Guidelines dealing with DISCLOSURES regarding rights issue, many amendments were made as below:

SECTION III – CONTENTS OF THE LETTER OF OFFER

There are 3 types of disclosures,

• 6.42 disclosures on satisfaction of certain conditions
• Partly Section I and Partly 6.42 disclosures
• Section I disclosures as like the existing provision

I. A listed issuer company making a rights issue shall make disclosures, as
specified in clause 6.42, in the letter of offer, if it satisfies the 6.39 conditions as mentioned below:
(a) the issuer company has been filing periodic reports, statements and
information in compliance with the listing agreement for the last 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing of the letter of offer with the designated stock exchange or SEBI.
(b) the information referred to in sub-clause (a) above are available on the website of any recognised stock exchange with nationwide trading terminals or on a common e-filing platform specified by the SEBI.

(c) the issuer company has investor grievance-handling mechanism which includes meeting of the Shareholders’ or Investors’ Grievance Committee at frequent intervals, appropriate delegation of power by the board of directors of the issuer company as regards share transfer and clearly laid systems and procedures for timely and satisfactory redressal of investor grievances.

As per 6.43, every such listed company shall also make a copy of offer document available to the public in the manner specified in sub-clause (ii) of clause 5.6.2 and shall also make such document available as a material document for inspection.

II. NON SATISFACTION OF ABOVE CONDITIONS

Clause 6.40: If the listed issuer company does not satisfy the ABOVE conditions, it shall make disclosures in the letter of offer as specified in Section I and as specified in sub-clauses (d), (e) and (f) of clause 6.42.16.2 of Section III.

III. SPECIFIC TYPE OF LISTED COMPANIES

Clause 6.41: Irrespective of whether the conditions specified in clause 6.39 are satisfied or not, the following listed issuer companies shall make disclosures, as specified in Section I, in the letter of offer:
(a) A listed issuer company whose management has undergone change pursuant to acquisition of control in accordance with the provisions of SEBI Takeover Code.
(b) An issuer company whose securities have been listed consequent to relaxation granted by the Board under sub-rule (7) of rule 19 of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957 for listing of its securities pursuant to a scheme sanctioned by a High Court under sections 391 to 394 of the Companies Act, 1956.

D. In chapter VI, Section IV shall be substituted with the following section as under:-
SECTION IV - CONTENTS OF THE ABRIDGED LETTER OF OFFER: In that clauses 6.44, 6.45 and 6.46 are SUBSTITUTED with new clauses.

E. Chapter VIII - OTHER ISSUE REQUIREMENTS
For clause 8.19.1, the following clause shall be substituted, namely:-
“The issuer company may utilise the funds collected in the rights issue only after the basis of allotment is finalized.”  Just remember, it is no more after minimum 90% subscription is received.

Same exit loads for all Mutual Fund (MF) holders irrespective of Subscription amounts, SEBI says

SEBI / IMD / CIR No. 6 /172445/ 2009 dated August 7, 2009 & SEBI / IMD / CIR No. 7 /173650 / 2009 dated August 17, 2009

It is observed that the mutual funds are making distinction between the unit
holders by charging differential exit loads based on the amount of subscription. In order to have parity among all classes of unit holders, it has now been decided that no distinction among unit holders should be made based on the amount of subscription while charging exit loads.

While complying with the aforesaid circular, it shall be ensured that:

1. The principle laid down in the SEBI circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 5/126096/08 dated May 23, 2008 (clause 16 of the standard observations) that “any imposition or enhancement in the load shall be applicable on prospective investments only” shall be followed.
2. The parity among all classes of unit holders in terms of charging exit load shall be made applicable at the portfolio level.

Further, you are aware that SEBI vide circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 5/126096/08 dated May 23, 2008 has simplified the formats for Offer Document and Key Information Memorandum of Mutual Funds Scheme [SEBI-Simplification of Offer Document and Key Information Memorandum of Mutual Funds Scheme]. The simplified Scheme Information Document format provides that “Wherever quantitative discounts are involved the following shall be disclosed – The Mutual Fund may charge the load within the stipulated limit of 7% and without any discrimination to any specific group of unit holders. However, any change at a later stage shall not affect the existing unit holders adversely”.

Saturday Sunday Crash Classes for CS, CA & CWA on Law, FM, Tax & Costing at Learnlabz, enjoy passing

LEARN LABZ – Xperiment, Xcel!

(SPECALISING in Law, FM, Tax, Costing for

 CS, CA & CWA)

 

Crash Batches on Saturdays & Sundays of September & October 2009

 

1. “Company Secretary” – Crash Batch from 15^th September 2009 [Click here for Timetable - Executive & Professional]

2. “Chartered Accountant”- Crash Batch from 10^th September 2009 [Click here for Timetable]

3. “Cost & Works Accountant” - Crash Batch from 5^th September 2009 [Click here for Timetable]

 

For OTHER details http://learnlabz.lawlabz.com and learnlabz@lawlabz.com

           

ü       Faculties include CA Giridharan, CWA CS Baskaran & CS A.N.S. Vijay

ü       Subjects covered include LAW, FM, TAXES, COSTING

ü       Fees Rs.1000/- per subject

ü       Registrations closes on 5^th September 2009, Limited Seats

 

“Company Secretary” – Daily Batch for All subjects from 15^th August 2009

For Batch details http://csexecutiveprogram.blogspot.com & http://csprofessionalprogram.blogspot.com

 

For Registration/Enquiry Call:  93829 35598 

Registration venue - Learn Labz @

No.128 Veera Perumal Koil Street

, Mylapore, Chennai.

Classes conducted at – MSN Business Centre, Nungambakkam (Near Ayappan Temple)     

 

“We make Learning an Exciting experience”

SEBI IPEF Aid for Legal Proceedings are issued as guidelines 2009 to enable reimbursement of 75% of expenses incurred by Investor Associations

As you are aware that SEBI has notified Securities and Exchange Board of India (Investor Protection and Education Fund) Regulations, 2009 (SEBI IEPF notified to protect investors with 14 regulations, 2009, which also amends forfeiture)

Regulation 5(1)(d) of SEBI IPEF Regulations, 2009 states that “aiding investors’ associations recognized by SEBI to undertake legal proceedings in the interest of investors in securities that are listed or proposed to be listed”.  To enable the aid, SEBI has now provided Securities and Exchange Board of India (Aid for Legal Proceedings) Guidelines, 2009.

1. The aid is for the ‘Legal proceedings’ (as defined in Reg 2(1)(g) of SEBI IPEF Regulation which) MEANS any proceedings before a court or tribunal where 1000 (one thousand) or more investors are affected or likely to be affected by:- (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) & (vi) such other market misconduct which in the opinion of the Board may be deemed appropriate;
BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE any proceeding where the Board is a party or where SEBI has initiated any enforcement action.

2. The legal aid covers the ‘Expenses’ as defined u/3(1)(a) of this Legal Aid Guidelines as ‘expenses’ means the expenses incurred with respect to any or all of the following in connection with a legal proceedings:-
i. court fees, process fees and other fees/charges payable in the courts as per law;
ii. the bills of solicitors, advocates and senior advocates for professional services rendered by them ;
iii. the clerkage and other miscellaneous expenses charged by the counsels, senior counsels and solicitors, as applicable.

3. Any Investors’ Association may make an application with details as given under Guideline 4(3) to SEBI seeking aid for undertaking legal proceedings.  Kindly note, the application and SEBI approval to be sought at every stage of the proceeding before every Court.

4. In case legal proceedings relates to mis-statement, misrepresentation or
omission in connection with the issue, sale or purchase of securities, the
application shall establish that: the investors relied upon such mis-statement, misrepresentation or omission and such statements caused monetary loss to the investors.

5. The aid for the legal proceedings shall be granted at the discretion of the
SEBI if it is prima facie satisfied that the aid is in the best interest of the investors.  SEBI shall issue a letter conveying grant of aid for a particular legal proceedings.

6. Payments: The aid for a particular legal proceedings shall be

• UPTO Rs. 20 lakh if it is before the Supreme Court of India and
• UPTO Rs. 10 lakh before any other forum.

7. The bills submitted shall be certified by the Auditor of the Investors’
Association and UPTO 75% of the expenses actually incurred shall be
reimbursed WITHIN 15 days of the receipt of claims.

8. The Investor Association shall submit a periodical report of the legal proceedings to SEBI and on conclusion of proceedings, a detailed report statement to be submitted with a self-certified statement on the utilization of aid by it.

SEBI ASBA commission clarification that it shall be treated at par with other applications

SEBI/CFD/DIL/MB/IS/5/2009/05/08 dated 5th August, 2009

ASBA – Application Supported by Block Amount

It is, hereby, clarified that for the purpose of payment of commission,
both type of applications i.e. whether uploaded by Syndicate Members
(Non–ASBA) or by SCSBs (ASBA), shall be treated on par and the
commission shall be paid accordingly to Syndicate Members or SCSBs,
as the case may be.

Know all about ASBA from [SEBI-ASBA] Lets Learn the Concept

Takeover Code acquisition UPTO 5% through Open Market of Buy back, when holding is 55% – 75% - SEBI Clarification

CFD/DCR/TO/Cir-01/2009/06/08 dated 6th August 2009

• Acquisition in excess of 5% in a financial year by persons holding between 15% and 55%
  • UPTO 5% in a financial year could be acquired without an open offer (called creeping acquisition).  Thus, this limit gets renewed every financial year.
• Acquisition in excess of 5% by persons holding between 55% and 75%,
  • UPTO 5% could be acquired (without open offer) only through open market purchase or buy back by company and not through any other mode.  But this is a ONE-time limit till one reaches 5% when holding is between the prescribed limits.
  • Kindly note that, this 75% shall NOT be extended to 90%, irrespective of minimum public shareholding is 25% or 10%
  • Details in http://www.sebi.gov.in//circulars/2009/cfdcir012009.pdf

Applicability of certification under consortium lending & multiple banking arrangements for 5 crores by CS / CA / CWA for banks – RBI circular

All the banks may seek a declaration from their existing borrowers availing sanctioned limits of Rs.5.00 crore and above or wherever, it is in their knowledge that their borrowers are availing credit facilities from other banks, and introduce a system of exchange of information with other banks and obtain regular certification by a professional, preferably a practising Company Secretary or Chartered Accountant or Cost Accountant, regarding compliance of various statutory prescriptions.

Now, the applicability of the Certification for lending is extended.  Thus, it is now made mandatory (applicable) for

• All Scheduled Commercial Banks (excluding RRBs and LABs)

• Select  All-India Term-lending and Refinancing Institutions
  (Exim Bank, NABARD, NHB and SIDBI)

The list of all RBI circulars regarding Lending under Consortium Arrangements/Multiple Banking Arrangements till date:

• DBOD.No.BP.BC.46/08.12.001/2008-09 [the first original circular] dated September 19, 2008 on the above subject along with
• subsequent circulars DBOD.No.BP.BC.94/ 08.12.001/2008-09 [revised formats] dated December 08, 2008 and
• DBOD No. BP. BC. 110 / 08. 12. 001 /2008-09 dated February 10, 2009 [clarification to include CA & CWA with CS] respectively and
• DBS.CO.FrMC.BC.No.8/23.04.001/2008-09 dated June 24, 2009 to exchange information on multilateral basis regarding incidents of fraud, legal actions taken and covert activities / operations of the borrower after the fraud, etc..

• RBI/2009-2010/116 DBOD.No.FID.FIC.2397/01.02.00/2009-10 dated 5th August 2009 by which it is advised that the above guidelines on consortium arrangements/multiple banking arrangements  issued to banks, shall mutatis mutandis apply to the select all-India Financial Institutions (AIFIs) for sharing of  information among the AIFIs and with banks.

Just write 1 CC paper for CS Executive/Professional/Foundation programme, instead of 3 CC papers per subject but to secure 40% marks

Sure, this is a very happy announcement for every student of ICSI!!!  CC papers, headaches (as knowledge is put into head)? agreed, not any more!!! as the requirement is relaxed.  Yes, I know every one is now so excited to read further.  Enjoy writin….

It has been decided to rationalize the criteria for issue of Coaching Completion Certificates (CC) papers vis-à-vis submission of Response Sheets with immediate effect which is as follows [which is even applicable for December 2009 exams].  Keeping in view the above decision, the students are advised to send at least one Response Sheet for each subject to make him/ her eligible for issue of Coaching Completion Certificate. It is further to clarify that he/ she has to secure minimum 40% marks in each subject for issue of Coaching Completion Certificate. [Source]

As every one is aware that one has to submit CC papers on or before August 2009 for being eligible to attend December 2009 CS exam.

Also you are aware of the pilot project of ICSI viz CS CC papers online for CA CWA final students or with 4 years of experience, by sending it in e-mail to ICSI, only for Company Law of Executive Programme

Now, every student of ICSI can submit merely ONE CC PAPER (from 3 of the COMPULSORY test paper given at the end of the ICSI study material) for every subject PROVIDED atleast you secure 40% marks in every subject.

However, students will be at liberty to send maximum response sheets to the Institute and all such response sheets will be evaluated and returned to them for their reference/ guidance.

Enjoy writin…

RBI Guidelines on IDR for issue, transfer & redemption into Equity which shall be made only after 1 year on compliance of FEMA, SEBI & Company Rules

RBI in order to facilitate the eligible companies resident outside India to issue Indian Depository Receipts (IDRs) through a Domestic Depository and to permit persons resident in India and outside India to purchase, possess, transfer and redeem IDRs, it has been decided to operationalise the IDR Rules, notified by the Government of India, as amended from time to time, with immediate effect.  Before further reading, first understand the basics of IDR from [SEBI-IDR]Lets Learn-Indian Depository Receipt-Meaning & Understanding.

The permission has been granted subject to compliance with the Companies (Issue of Depository Receipts) Rules, 2004 and subsequent amendments made thereto and the SEBI (DIP) Guidelines, 2000, as amended from time to time. In case of raising of funds through issuance of IDRs by financial/banking companies having presence in India, either through a branch or subsidiary, the PRIOR approval of the sectoral regulator(s) should be obtained before the issuance of IDRs.

Investment by Persons resident in India / FIIs / NRIs in IDRs
The FEMA Regulations shall not be applicable to persons resident in India as defined under section 2(v) of FEMA, 1999, for investing in IDRs and subsequent transfer arising out of transaction on a recognized Stock Exchange in India. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) including SEBI approved sub-accounts of the FIIs, registered with SEBI and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) may also invest, purchase, hold and transfer IDRs of eligible companies resident outside India and issued in the Indian capital market, subject to the Foreign Exchange Management (Transfer or Issue of Security by a Person Resident Outside India) Regulations, 2000 notified vide Notification No. FEMA 20 / 2000-RB dated May 3, 2000, as amended from time to time. Further, NRIs are allowed to invest in the IDRs out of funds held in their NRE / FCNR(B) account, maintained with an Authorised Dealer / Authorised bank.
Fungibility
Automatic fungibility of IDRs is not permitted.
Period of redemption
IDRs shall not be redeemable into underlying equity shares before the expiry of 1 year period from the date of issue of the IDRs.
Procedure for transfer and redemption of IDRs

At the time of redemption / conversion of IDRs into underlying shares, the Indian holders (persons resident in India) of IDRs shall comply with the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management (Transfer or Issue of Any Foreign Security) Regulations, 2004 notified vide Notification No. FEMA 120 / RB-2004 dated July 7 2004, as amended from time to time. Accordingly, the following guidelines shall be followed, on redemption of IDRs:

1. Listed Indian companies may either sell or continue to hold the underlying shares subject to the terms and conditions as per Regulations 6B and 7 of Notification No. FEMA 120/RB-2004 dated July 7, 2004, as amended from time to time.
2. Indian Mutual Funds, registered with SEBI may either sell or continue to hold the underlying shares subject to the terms and conditions as per Regulation 6C of Notification No. FEMA 120/RB-2004 dated July 7, 2004, as amended from time to time.
3. Other persons resident in India including resident individuals are allowed to hold the underlying shares only for the purpose of sale within a period of 30 days from the date of conversion of the IDRs into underlying shares.
4. The FEMA provisions shall not apply to the holding of the underlying shares, on redemption of IDRs by the FIIs including SEBI approved sub-accounts of the FIIs and NRIs.

Others

The proceeds of the issue of IDRs shall be immediately repatriated outside India by the eligible companies issuing such IDRs. The IDRs issued shall be denominated in Indian Rupees.

Source: RBI/2009-10/106 A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 05 dated 22nd July 2009

LLP Press Note on applicability of Income Tax on LLP similar to general Partnership effective 1st April 2010

Taxation of Limited Liability Partnership like General Partnerships effective from 1st April 2010-LLP Press Note 2009

Since the taxation related matters in India are provided under Tax Laws, the taxation of LLPs was not provided in the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Act, 2008. The Finance Bill, 2009 has made provisions in this regard, pursuant to which the taxation scheme of LLPs has been proposed to be introduced in the Income Tax Act.  The amendments shall be effective from the 1st day of April 2010 i.e. assessment year 2010-11.  Find details of the notification in http://www.lawlabz.com/blog.html

Source: Press Note No.1/16/2007-CL.V dated 10/07/2009 on Taxation of Limited Liability Partnerships

Thank you all for making 1st year celebrations of Lawlabz & Learnlabz wonderful, thanks again for all the well wishes...

Yes Gurus, Professionals, Well wishers, Friends… A sincere thanks to every one of you who has helped us to make the 1st year celebration of Lawlabz, Learnlabz and OnlyThisMuch a grand one either in person or by proxy (wishes).

Further, we would like to place special thanks to our Parents who graced this occasion and LawLabz clients, LearnLabz Gurus and Company Secretary students.

It was indeed a very big experience to pass through an year with all your support and expecting your well wishes as ever. We would love to produce our best solutions to Xperiment, Xcel!!!

For those, who are impracticable to be physically present, do relish this:

http://www.lawlabz.com Photos Link

Thanks again by ANS Vijay & Team

GDR holder is not a member until transfer or redemption, neither Overseas Depository Bank is a nominee or beneficial owner – MCA clarification

Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) vide its General Circular No. 1/2009 [No.17/67/2009 CL-V] dated 16th June 2009 has clarified that a Global Depository Receipt (GDR) holder is NOT a member as,

• Under Section 41(1) & 41(2) of Companies Act, 1956, a GDR holders name is neither entered as Subscriber to Memorandum (MoA) nor in Register of Members (RoM)
• Under Section 41(3) of Companies Act, 1956, a Overseas Depository Bank under GDR is neither a Depository (as per Depositories Act, 1996) nor holds share as a Beneficial Owner (BO).

Thus, holder of GDR may become a Member only on Transfer or Redemption into Underlying Equity Shares.  Though the underlying shares on transfer/redemption is allotted to Overseas Depository Bank, it canNOT be considered as Nominee of GDR holder for the purpose of Section 41 & 42 of Companies Act, 1956