Sebi lets off Sterling Holiday Resorts with a warning
Market regulator Sebi has disposed of the case against Sterling Holiday Resorts on delay in dematerialising certain shares pledged with Gujarat Industrial Investment Corporation (GIIC) as the matter was settled amicably.
February 13, 2013 / 15:44 IST
Market regulator Sebi has disposed of the case against Sterling Holiday Resorts on delay in dematerialising certain shares pledged with Gujarat Industrial Investment Corporation (GIIC) as the matter was settled amicably.
"...though the noticee (Sterling Holiday) delayed the dematerialisation of shares, however, considering the amicable settlement between GIIC and the noticee and specific request by GIIC to Sebi...I am inclined to dispose of the matter without imposing penalty on the noticee," Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) adjudicating officer Sandeep Deore said in the order issued yesterday."The noticee is, however, warned that it should refrain from repeating any such instances in future," he added. GIIC had granted loan to Sterling Holiday Resorts in 1996 against 25.92 lakh shares pledged by the promoters of the leisure hospitality firm as a security.However, as the company was unable to repay the debt, GIIC invoked the pledge as per the agreement and sought to transfer the pledged shares in its name. It was found that even though Sterling Holiday Resorts transferred a few shares in the name of GIIC, it had not dematerialised those shares.Following a complaint by GIIC, the regulator in November 2009, passed an order directing Sterling Holiday Resorts to dematerialise the shares. Subsequent to it, Sterling Holiday Resorts dematerialised nearly three lakh shares. But since the company had delayed in dematerialising the shares it was liable for a monetary penalty, Sebi said.
The regulator observed that there was a delay on the part of Sterling Holiday in dematerialising the shares even after its legal dispute with GIIC was over. "...it was only after an order from Sebi that the noticee dematerialised the shares," Sebi noted. Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
