Question

Why is SEBI called the watchdog of stock exchange?

Answer 1

SEBI regulates and protects the interest of investors. SEBI was established in 1988 and given a statutory status in 1992, to protect the investors from the fraudulent malpractices, rampant in securities market before 1988. As a watch dog, it regulates the market and protects the investors by keeping a check on various manipulative activities by performing the following functions:

(i) Regulates takeover bids by companies.

(ii) Prohibits fraudulent and unfair trade practices.

(iii) Undertakes several steps to protect the investors, e.g. calls for information by conducting inspections, enquiries and audits of the companies.