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Not just 'friendly critics': Independent directors need more accountability
Business Standard Editorial Comment Mumbai
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Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey last week called for greater accountability on the part of independent directors on corporate boards, suggesting that they should not be treated as 'honorary appointees or friendly critics'. This blunt message was addressed to the 2025 Annual Directors Conclave months after Sebi had debarred Gensol Engineering promoters Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi, who also operated the BluSmart electric-vehicle cab-hailing service, from the market. It is noteworthy that Gensol's four independent directors resigned from the board just as Sebi flagged that the promoters had been diverting funds raised
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One-time extension for liquidation: Sebi has also introduced a one-time extension for AIFs with liquidation periods that have either expired or were set to expire before 24 July 2024. This extension is a crucial lifeline, particularly for funds facing illiquid markets or assets that are difficult to sell. It enables fund managers to avoid hasty liquidations that might lead to suboptimal returns. For investors, the extension could result in better outcomes, as fund managers will have the necessary time to work on maximizing the value of their investments, instead of rushing into sales that could lead to unnecessary losses. The challenges Sebi's changes often aim to improve market integrity and protect investors, but they can indeed bring challenges. Balancing these challenges is crucial to ensuring that the regulatory environment supports both market efficiency and investor protection. 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