Order in the matter of Vista Management Services Ltd.
- Order No.WTM/PS/109/ERO/BLO/DEC/2015
Ratio decidendi
The rule this decision rests on
The company's offer of redeemable preference shares to 50 or more persons is a public issue under the first proviso to s. 67(3) of the Companies Act, 1956, even where individual allotments are split so that each tranche is below 50, and the offer does not fall within s. 67(3)(a) or (b) unless the company proves that the allottees were persons receiving the offer or domestic concerns of the company. Where a company offers shares to fifty or more persons, the exemption in s. 67(3) is unavailable and the offer is to be treated as a public issue. Splitting allotments into repeated tranches of fewer than fifty persons, in close proximity in time and deliberately to keep the number below the statutory minimum, does not take the offer outside that proviso. The burden of showing that an offer is a private placement under s. 67(3)(a) or (b) lies on the company and its directors. Absent material showing that each allotment was made to known associated persons or within a domestic concern, the issuance cannot be treated as a private placement. A company that makes a deemed public issue must comply with s. 56(1) and (3) (prospectus contents and abridged prospectus with application forms), s. 60 (registration of the prospectus with the Registrar of Companies), and s. 73(1)–(3) (application for listing on a recognised stock exchange, repayment with interest if listing permission is not applied for or granted, and maintenance of the money in a separate bank account). Non-compliance with these provisions, where unrebutted and unsupported by records, establishes contravention of them. SEBI's jurisdiction over such contraventions by a public company that has issued shares to fifty or more persons without complying with s. 73(1) by listing its securities derives from s. 55A of the Companies Act, 1956, as construed in the Sahara decision, and is exercisable under
Written by Miss Lucy from the judgment below, not taken from a headnote.
Judgment
As delivered
Under Sections 11(1), 11(4), 11A and 11B of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, in the matter of Vista Management Services Limited (PAN: AACCV6849B) and its Directors viz. Mr. Dev Kumar Panda (DIN: 01892418; PAN: BGSPP3681F), Mr. Biranchi Narayan Mishra (DIN: 02924981; PAN: BAXPM0769E), Mr. Manoj Kumar (DIN: 02925024; PAN: AQYPK8593N), Mr. Fayaz Khan (DIN: 03065237; PAN: AOWPK9297D) and Mr. Bijaya Kumar Swain (DIN: 03065259; PAN:BASPS9337P). 1.1 Vista Management Services Limited (hereinafter referred to as 'Vista' or 'the company') having its registered office at Plot No. 4, Beside Jyoti Service Station, Near Fly Over, Cuttack Road, Bhubaneswar - 751006, Odisha, India, was incorporated on March 11, 2008, as a Private Limited company and subsequently converted to a Public Limited company on July 07, 2010 with RoC, Cuttak, with CIN No. as U74140OR2008PLC009863. 1.2 On receipt of information about illegal mobilization of funds by Vista Management Services Limited and subsequent enquiry by SEBI, it was observed that Vista issued Redeemable Preference Shares (RPS) to 175 persons during the Financial Year 2010– 11 and collected an amount of Rs. 1,86,00,000. 2.1 Since the above said issuance of RPS was found prima facie in violation of respective provisions of the SEBI Act, 1992 ("SEBI Act"); the Companies Act, 1956, SEBI passed an interim order dated December 1, 2014 (hereinafter referred to as interim order) and issued directions mentioned therein against Vista and its directors, Mr. Dev Kumar Panda, Mr. Biranchi Narayan Mishra, Mr. Manoj Kumar, Mr. Fayaz
Khan and Mr. Bijaya Kumar Swain. 2.2 Prima facie findings/allegations: In the said interim order, the following prima facie findings/allegation were recorded. Vista has made an offer and allotment of RPS during the Financial Year 2010–11 and collected an amount of Rs. 1,86,00,000 from 175 persons, from the public, as shown in the following Table. 1. Table 1 Allotments during the FY- 2010-11
Year No. of Amount Amount No. of Date of Redeemable Per raised persons to Allotment Preference Share (₹) whom issued (in ₹) Share 1 16-09-2010 5,32,000 10 41 53,20,000 2 17-09-2010 70,000 10 14 7,00,000 3 21-09-2010 45,000 10 7 4,50,000 4 22-09-2010 6,000 10 1 60,000 5 28-09-2010 46,000 10 6 4,60,000 6 29-09-2010 10,000 10 1 1,00,000 7 20-10-2010 1,46,000 10 18 14,60,000 8 21-10-2010 3,45,500 10 19 34,55,000 9 26-10-2010 50,000 10 9 5,00,000 10 15-11-2010 77,000 10 10 7,70,000 11 25-11-2010 1,05,500 10 10 10,55,000 12 08-12-2010 70,000 10 9 7,00,000 13 18-01-2011 20,000 10 1 2,00,000 14 29-01-2011 50,000 10 7 5,00,000 15 10-02-2011 2,87,000 10 22 28,70,000
Total 18,60,000 10 175 1,86,00,000
2.3 The Offer of RPS was a deemed public issue of securities under the first proviso to Section 67(3) of the Companies Act, 1956, However, the resultant requirement under Section 60, Section 56(1) and 56(3), Sections 73(1), (2) and (3) of the Companies Act, were not complied with by Vista. 2.4 In view of the prima facie findings on the violations, the following directions were issued in the said interim order dated December 01, 2014 with immediate effect. i. Vista shall not mobilize funds from investors through the Offer of RPS or through the issuance of equity shares or any other securities, to the public and/or invite subscription, in any manner whatsoever, either directly or indirectly, till further directions; ii. Vista and its Directors, viz. Mr. Dev Kumar Panda (DIN: 01892418; PAN: BGSPP3681F), Mr. Biranchi Narayan Mishra (DIN: 02924981; PAN: BAXPM0769E), Mr. Manoj Kumar (DIN: 02925024; PAN: AQYPK8593N), Mr. Fayaz Khan (DIN: 03065237; PAN: AOWPK9297D) and Mr. Bijaya Kumar Swain (DIN: 03065259; PAN:BASPS9337P), are prohibited from issuing prospectus or any offer document or issue advertisement for soliciting money from the public for the issue of securities, in any manner whatsoever, either directly or indirectly, till further orders; iii. Vista and the abovementioned Directors, are restrained from accessing the securities market and further prohibited from buying, selling or otherwise dealing in the securities market, either directly or indirectly, till further directions; iv. Vista shall provide a full inventory of all its assets and properties; v. The abovementioned Directors of Vista shall provide a full inventory of all their assets and properties; vi. Vista and its abovementioned Directors shall not dispose of any of the properties or alienate or encumber any of the assets owned/acquired by that company through the Offer of RPS, without prior permission from SEBI;
vii. Vista and its abovementioned Directors shall not divert any funds raised from public at large through the Offer of RPS, which are kept in bank account(s) and/or in the custody of Vista. viii. Vista shall, within 21 days from the date of receipt of this Order, provide SEBI with all relevant and necessary information sought by SEBI vide letters dated May 07, 2013 and June 10, 2014 but not yet furnished. 3.1 Vide the said interim order, Vista and its abovementioned Directors were given an opportunity to file their reply, within 21 days from the date of receipt of the said interim Order. The order further stated that the concerned persons may also indicate whether they desire to avail themselves an opportunity of personal hearing on a date and time to be fixed on a specific request made in that regard. 4.1 Service of interim order: The copy of the said interim order was sent to the above mentioned entities by letter dated December 2, 2014 through registered post acknowledgement due. Letter issued to the directors namely Mr. Dev Kumar Panda and Manoj Kumar were delivered and in the remaining cases letters were returned undelivered/status of delivery unknown.
4.2 Subsequently, vide letter dated May 15, 2015 all the persons against whom the above said interim order was passed, were intimated that they shall be given an opportunity of personal hearing on June 26, 2015. Letters issued to all the entities returned undelivered. 4.3 Thereafter, vide notification dated June 21, 2015, published in newspaper The Times of India (West Bengal Edition), notification dated June 21, 2015 published in local vernacular newspaper of West Bengal, Anandabazar Patrika, notification dated June 21, 2015 published in local vernacular newspaper of Odisha, The Samaja and notification dated June 25, 2015 published in newspaper, The Times of India (Bhubaneswar Edition), Vista and its abovementioned Directors were notified by SEBI that they will be given the final opportunity of being heard on June 26, 2015 at the time and the venue mentioned therein. 5.1 Hearing and submissions: Vista and its directors did not avail the opportunity of hearing held on June 26, 2015. No submissions were made either by the Company or by the directors. 6.1 I have considered the allegations, and material on record.
On perusal of the same the following issues arise for consideration. Each question is dealt with separately under different headings. 1. Whether the company came out with the Offer of RPS ? 2. If so, whether the said issues are in violation of Section 60, Section 56(1) and 56(3), Sections 73(1), (2) and (3), the Companies Act,1956? 3. If the findings on question No.2 are found in the affirmative, who are liable for the violation committed? 7.1 Whether the company came out with the Offer of RPS?: I have perused the interim order dated December 1, 2014 for the allegation of Offer of RPS. The company and its directors have not disputed the said issuance by way of any oral or written representations. 7.2 I have also perused the documents/ information and material on record including the letters dated May 22, 2013 and May 31, 2013 of Vista. Vide the said letters, Vista had given the details of the issuance of RPS including the number of allotees as 175. The examination of the same shows that it has issued RPS as shown in the Table 1. Further, the Note No.1 annexed to the Balance sheet as on March 31, 2012 clearly shows that 18,60,000 RPS at face value of Rs. 10 had been issued by Vista and an amount of Rs. 1,86,00,000 been collected by the Company.
Therefore, I find that Vista has made an offer and allotment of RPS during the Financial Year 2010–11 and collected an amount of Rs. 1,86,00,000 from 175 persons/preference shareholders. I further find from the letter of the Auditor MPS & Associates of the Company, dated June 02, 2014 that the said RPS were issued at the dividend rate of 24%. 8.1 If so, whether the said issues are in violation of Section 60, Section 56(1) and 56(3), Sections 73(1) (2) (3), the Companies Act,1956?: The provisions alleged to have been violated and mentioned in Issue No.2 are applicable to the offer made to the public. Therefore the primary question that arises for consideration is whether the issue of preference shares covered in Issue No 1 is a ‘public issue’. At this juncture, reference may be made to sections 67(1) & (3) of the Companies Act, 1956: "67. (1) Any reference in this Act or in the articles of a company to offering shares or debentures to the public shall, subject to any provision to the contrary contained in this Act and subject also to the provisions of sub-sections (3) and (4), be construed as including a reference to offering them to any section of the public, whether selected as members or debenture holders of the company concerned or as clients of the person issuing the prospectus or in any other manner.
(2)any reference in this Act or in the articles of a company to invitations to the public to subscribe for shares or debentures shall, subject as aforesaid, be construed as including a reference to invitations to subscribe for them extended to any section of the public, whether selected as members or debenture holders of the company concerned or as clients of the person issuing the prospectus or in any other manner. (3) No offer or invitation shall be treated as made to the public by virtue of sub-section (1) or sub-section (2), as the case may be, if the offer or invitation can properly be regarded, in all the circumstances- (a) as not being calculated to result, directly or indirectly, in the shares or debentures becoming available for subscription or purchase by persons other than those receiving the offer or invitation; or (b) otherwise as being a domestic concern of the persons making and receiving the offer or invitation … Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall apply in a case where the offer or invitation to subscribe for shares or debentures is made to fifty persons or more: Provided further that nothing contained in the first proviso shall apply to non-banking financial companies or public financial institutions specified in section 4A of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956).”
8.2 The following observations of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in Sahara India Real Estate Corporation Limited & ORs. Vs. SEBI (Civil Appeal no. 9813 and 9833 of 2011) (hereinafter referred to as the 'Sahara Case'), while examining the scope of Section 67 of the Companies Act, 1956, are worth consideration:- "84. Section 67(1) deals with the offer of shares and debentures to the public and Section 67(2) deals with invitation to the public to subscribe for shares and debentures and how those expressions are to be understood, when reference is made to the Act or in the articles of a company. The emphasis in Section 67(1) and (2) is on the ―section of the public‖. Section 67(3) states that no offer or invitation shall be treated as made to the public, by virtue of subsections (1) and (2), that is to any section of the public, if the offer or invitation is not being calculated to result, directly or indirectly, in the shares or debentures becoming available for subscription or purchase by persons other than those receiving the offer or invitation or otherwise as being a domestic concern of the persons making and receiving the offer or invitations.
Section 67(3) is, therefore, an exception to Sections 67(1) and (2). If the circumstances mentioned in clauses (1) and (b) of Section 67(3) are satisfied, then the offer/invitation would not be treated as being made to the public. 85. The first proviso to Section 67(3) was inserted by the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2000 w.e.f. 13.12.2000, which clearly indicates, nothing contained in Sub-section (3) of Section 67 shall apply in a case where the offer or invitation to subscribe for shares or debentures is made to fifty persons or more. Resultantly, after 13.12.2000, any offer of securities by a public company to fifty persons or more will be treated as a public issue under the Companies Act, even if it is of domestic concern or it is proved that the shares or debentures are not available for subscription or purchase by persons other than those receiving the offer or invitation. (Emphasis supplied). 8.3 Section 67(3) provides for situations when an offer is not considered as offer to public. As per the said sub section, if the offer is one which is not calculated to result, directly or indirectly, in the shares or debentures becoming available for subscription or purchase by persons other than those receiving the offer or invitation {(section 67(3)(a)}, or, if the offer is the domestic concern of the persons making and receiving the offer {(section 67(3)(b)}, the same are not considered as public offer.
Under such circumstances, they are considered as private placement of shares and debentures. It is noted that as per the first proviso to Section 67(3) Companies Act, 1956, the public offer and listing requirements contained in that Act would become automatically applicable to a company making the offer to fifty or more persons. 8.4 In the instant case, as the offer of RPS has been made by Vista and allotment to 175 persons as on March 31, 2011, the offer of RPS falls within the first proviso of section 67(3) of Companies Act,1956. It is further noted that the Company has split the allotment to 70 persons (allotments at serial No. 1-6 in Table 1) and spread the same over a period of two weeks, so that the individual allotment will be less than 50 persons. Similarly, an allotment to 66 persons (allotments at serial Nos. 7-11 in Table 1) were split over a period of one month to bring the individual allotment to less than 50 persons. 8.5 The sheer proximity in time of allotment and the periodicity of splitting the allotment within the month, by deliberately keeping the number of allottees below the statutory minimum, shows that the Company only made repeated allotments to less than fifty persons in order to make an false appearance as if offer and allotment of RPS is a private placement, to evade the process of law and detection.
Therefore, I find that the offer and allotment of RPS falls within the first proviso of section 67(3) of Companies Act, 1956. Thereby, such issues are deemed to be public issues and were mandated to comply with the 'public issue' norms as prescribed under the Companies Act, 1956. 8.6 Even if all the individual allotments are considered separately, reference may be made to Sahara Case, wherein it was held that under Section 67(3) of the Companies Act, 1956, the "Burden of proof is entirely on Saharas to show that the investors are/were their employees/workers or associated with them in any other capacity which they have not discharged." In respect of every individual allotment, the Company or the directors have not placed any material that the allotments were in satisfaction of section 67(3)(a) or 67(3)(b) of Companies Act, 1956 i.e., it was made to the known associated persons or domestic concern. Therefore, I find that the said issuance cannot be considered as private placement. 8.7 In terms of section 56(1) of the Companies Act, 1956, every prospectus issued by or on behalf of a company, shall state the matters specified in Part I and set out the reports specified in Part II of Schedule II of that Act.
Further, as per section 56(3) of the Companies Act, 1956, no one shall issue any form of application for shares in a company, unless the form is accompanied by abridged prospectus, containing disclosures as specified. Section 2(36) of the Companies Act read with section 60 thereof, mandates a company to register its 'prospectus' with the RoC, before making a public offer/ issuing the 'prospectus'. As per the aforesaid Section 2(36), “prospectus” means any document described or issued as a prospectus and includes any notice, circular, advertisement or other document inviting deposits from the public or inviting offers from the public for the subscription or purchase of any shares in, or debentures of, a body corporate. 8.8 The allegation of non-compliance of the above provisions was not denied by the company or directors. Neither the company nor the directors, produced any record to show that Vista has issued Prospectus containing the disclosures mentioned in section 56(1) of the Companies Act, 1956, or filed a Prospectus with ROC or issued application forms accompanying the abridged prospectus.
Therefore, I find that, Vista and its directors responsible for the failure to issue prospectus have not complied with Section 56(1), 56(3) and 60 of the Companies Act, 1956. 8.9 Further, by making a deemed public issue, Vista had to compulsorily list such securities in compliance with section 73 of the Companies Act, 1956. As per section 73(1) and (2) of the Companies Act, 1956, a company is required to make an application to one or more recognized stock exchanges for permission for the shares or debentures to be offered to be dealt within the stock exchange and if permission has not been applied for or not granted, the company is required to forthwith repay with interest all moneys received from the applicants. 8.10 The allegation of non-compliance of the above provisions was not denied by the company or directors. I find that no records have been submitted to indicate that it had made an application seeking listing permission from stock exchange nor did it refund the amounts consequent upon such failure. Thus, Vista has contravened the said provisions. Vista has not provided any records to show that the amount collected by Vista are kept in a separate bank account.
Therefore, I find that Vista has also not complied with the provisions of section 73(3) as it has not kept the amounts received from investors in a separate bank account and failed to repay the same in accordance with section 73(2) as observed above. 8.11 I note that the jurisdiction of SEBI over various provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 including the above mentioned, in the case of public companies, whether listed or unlisted, when they issue and transfer securities, flows from the provisions of Section 55A of the Companies Act, 1956. While examining the scope of Section 55A of the Companies Act, 1956, the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in Sahara Case, had observed that: "We, therefore, hold that, so far as the provisions enumerated in the opening portion of Section 55A of the Companies Act, so far as they relate to issue and transfer of securities and non-payment of dividend is concerned, SEBI has the power to administer in the case of listed public companies and in the case of those public companies which intend to get their securities listed on a recognized stock exchange in India."
" SEBI can exercise its jurisdiction under Sections 11(1), 11(4), 11A(1)(b) and 11B of SEBI Act and Regulation 107 of ICDR 2009 over public companies who have issued shares or debentures to fifty or more, but not complied with the provisions of Section 73(1) by not listing its securities on a recognized stock exchange" 8.12 In this regard, it is pertinent to note that by virtue of Section 55A of the Companies Act, SEBI has to administer Section 67 of that Act, so far as it relates to issue and transfer of securities, in the case of companies who intend to get their securities listed. 8.13 In view of the forgoing findings, I am of the view that Vista is engaged in fund mobilizing activity from the public, through the offer and issuance of RPS and has contravened the provisions of sections 56, 60 and 73 of the Companies Act, 1956. 9.1 If the findings on question No.2 are found in the affirmative, who are liable for the violation committed: Section 56(1) and 56(3) read with section 56(4) imposes the liability on the company, every director, and other persons responsible for the prospectus for the compliance of the said provisions.
The liability for non-compliance of Section 60 of the Companies Act, 1956 is on the company, and every person who is a party to the non-compliance of issuing the prospectus as per the said section. 9.2 As far as the liability for non-compliance of section 73 of Companies Act, 1956 is concerned, as stipulated in section 73(2) of the said Act, the company and every director of the company who is an officer in default shall, from the eighth day becomes jointly and severally liable to repay that money with interest at such rate, not less than four per cent and not more than fifteen per cent. 9.3 SEBI, as per section 27(2) of the SEBI Act, has the powers to proceed against directors of such companies. In cases of financial fraud, the role of directors in prevention of the same is of utmost importance. They are required to take diligent measures in preventing the same. They are also required not to be neglectful in the affairs of the company which results in the violation of various laws such as deemed public issue in violation of law. In deemed public issue in violation of law, money is collected from innocent, ill-informed and gullible public, without the Company giving the statutory protection available to those investors under the law such as, full and necessary disclosures about the company, an exit opportunity by way of listing of the shares.
The purpose of refund in such cases as per law, is to protect the investors who have parted their money without having any opportunity of exit and without full disclosures about the Company which deprives their informed consent. 9.4 Reference may also be made to the ratio of the Hon’ble High court of Madras in Madhavan Nambiar vs Registrar Of Companies (2002 108 Comp Cas 1 Mad) which observed “In the matter of proceedings for negligence, default, breach of duty, misfeasance or breach of trust or violation of the statutory provisions of the Act and the rules, there is no difference or distinction between the whole-time or part time director or nominated or co-opted director and the liability for such acts or commission or omission is equal. So also the treatment for such violations as stipulated in the Companies Act, 1956”. 9.5 SEBI also has powers under section 11 and 11B of the SEBI Act to pass direction of refund along with interest. The Hon’ble Bombay High court in B.P.Plc (Formerly B.P.Amoco Plc) vs SEBI, (2002 (4) Bom CR 79), held that that SEBI has powers to award interest in exercise its power under section 11 and 11B of SEBI Act, as stated below:- “Applying the principles regarding award of interest as has been held by the Apex Court in Secretary, Irrigation Department vs. G.C.Roy (supra) to the effect "a person deprived of the use of money to which he is legitimately entitled to has a right to be compensated for the deprivation, call it by any name.
It may be called "interest, compensation or damages," the investors are entitled to be compensated by way of interest for delayed payment. Under these circumstances we find no substance that there is no power to award such an interest.” 9.6 In view of the provisions of law, Vista and its directors Mr. Dev Kumar Panda, Mr. Biranchi Narayan Mishra, Mr. Manoj Kumar, Mr. Fayaz Khan and Mr. Bijaya Kumar Swain, are responsible for the non-compliance of the above provisions. From the available information as per the Form 32, the details of the appointment and resignation of all the directors are given in the Table below: Table 2 Date of Name of the Directors Date of Resignation Appointment Mr. Dev Kumar Panda 22-01-2008 Continuing
Mr. Biranchi Narayan Mishra 24-02-2010 Continuing Mr. Manoj Kumar 24-02-2010 Continuing Mr. Fayaz Khan 15-05-2010 Continuing Mr. Bijaya Kumar Swain 15-05-2010 30-04-2014
9.7 Mr. Dev Kumar Panda, Mr. Biranchi Narayan Mishra, Mr. Manoj Kumar, Mr. Fayaz Khan and Mr. Bijaya Kumar Swain, were serving as director while the impugned issues and allotments were made. Therefore, these directors are responsible for the issue of RPS in violation of law and regulations and hence co-extensively responsible along with the Company for making refunds along with interest. The fact that Mr. Bijaya Kumar Swain resigned on April 30,2014, does not take away his liability for the violations committed. Therefore, the resignation of Mr. Bijaya Kumar Swain does not affect his liability as persons responsible for the issuance of RPS. 9.8 I further note that Vista had not furnished complete and relevant information as on the date of this order as directed in the interim order. Thereby it has not complied with the interim order. SEBI may take appropriate action as per law for this non-compliance. 10.1 In view of the foregoing, the natural consequence of not adhering to the norms governing the issue of securities to the public and making repayments as directed under section 73(2) of the Companies Act, 1956, is to direct the Vista Management Services Limited and its Directors, Mr. Dev Kumar Panda, Mr. Biranchi Narayan Mishra, Mr. Manoj Kumar, Mr. Fayaz Khan and Mr. Bijaya Kumar Swain, to refund the monies collected, with interest to such investors. In view of the violations committed by the Company and its directors, to safeguard the interest of the investors who had subscribed to such preference shares issued by the Company and to further ensure orderly development of securities market, it also becomes necessary for SEBI to issue appropriate directions against the Company and the other noticees. 11.1 In view of the foregoing, I, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me under section 19 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 read with Sections 11(1), 11(4), 11A and 11B thereof hereby issue the following directions:
a) The Company, namely, Vista Management Services Limited and its directors, Mr. Dev Kumar Panda, Mr. Biranchi Narayan Mishra, Mr. Manoj Kumar, Mr. Fayaz Khan and Mr. Bijaya Kumar Swain, shall forthwith refund the money collected by the Company through the issuance of RPS, including the money collected from investors, till date, pending allotment, if any, with an interest of 15% per annum compounded at half yearly intervals, from the date when the repayments became due (in terms of Section 73(2) of the Companies Act, 1956) to the investors till the date of actual payment. b) The repayments and interest payments to investors shall be effected only through Bank Demand Draft or Pay Order. c) Vista Management Services Limited and its present management is permitted to sell the assets of the Company only for the sole purpose of making the repayments including interest, as directed above and deposit the proceeds in an Escrow Account opened with a nationalized Bank. d) The Company, namely, Vista Management Services Limited and its Directors, Mr. Dev Kumar Panda, Mr. Biranchi Narayan Mishra, Mr. Manoj Kumar, Mr. Fayaz Khan and Mr. Bijaya Kumar Swain, shall issue public notice, in all editions of two National Dailies (one English and one Hindi) and in one local daily (in Oriya) with wide circulation, detailing the modalities for refund, including details of contact persons including names, addresses and contact details, within fifteen days of this Order coming into effect. e) After completing the aforesaid repayments, Vista Management Services Limited and its Directors, Mr. Dev Kumar Panda, Mr. Biranchi Narayan Mishra, Mr. Manoj Kumar, Mr. Fayaz Khan and Mr. Bijaya Kumar Swain, shall file a report of such completion of repayment with SEBI, within a period of three months from the date of this order, certified by two independent peer reviewed Chartered Accountants who are in the panel of any public authority or public institution.
For the purpose of this Order, a peer reviewed Chartered Accountant shall mean a Chartered Accountant, who has been categorized so by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India ("ICAI"). f) Vista Management Services Limited and its Directors, Mr. Dev Kumar Panda, Mr. Biranchi Narayan Mishra, Mr. Manoj Kumar, Mr. Fayaz Khan and Mr. Bijaya Kumar Swain, are directed to provide a full inventory of all their assets and properties and details of all their bank accounts, demat accounts and holdings of shares/securities, if held in physical form. g) In case of failure of Vista Management Services Limited and its Directors, Mr. Dev Kumar Panda, Mr. Biranchi Narayan Mishra, Mr. Manoj Kumar, Mr. Fayaz Khan and Mr. Bijaya Kumar Swain, to comply with the aforesaid directions, SEBI, on the expiry of the three months period from the date of this order,- i. shall recover such amounts in accordance with section 28A of the SEBI Act including such other provisions contained in securities laws. ii. may initiate appropriate action against the Company, its promoters/directors and the persons/officers who are in default, including adjudication proceedings against them, in accordance with law. iii. would make a reference to the State Government/ Local Police to register a civil/ criminal case against the Company, its promoters, directors and its managers/ persons in-charge of the business and its schemes, for offences of fraud, cheating, criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds; and iv. would also make a reference to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, to initiate the process of winding up of the Company. h) Vista Management Services Limited and its Directors, Mr. Dev Kumar Panda, Mr. Biranchi Narayan Mishra, Mr. Manoj Kumar, Mr. Fayaz Khan and Mr. Bijaya Kumar Swain, are directed not to, directly or indirectly, access the securities market, by issuing prospectus, offer document or advertisement soliciting money from the public and are further restrained and prohibited from buying, selling or otherwise dealing in the securities market, directly or indirectly in whatsoever manner, from the date of this Order, till the expiry of 4 years from the date of completion of refunds to investors as directed above.
The above said directors are also restrained from associating themselves with any listed public company and any public company which intends to raise money from the public, or any intermediary registered with SEBI from the date of this Order till the expiry of 4 years from the date of completion of refunds to investors. i) The above directions shall come into force with immediate effect. 12.1 This Order is without prejudice to any action, including adjudication and prosecution proceedings that might be taken by SEBI in respect of the above violations committed by the Company, its promoters, directors and other key persons. 12.2 Copy of this Order shall be forwarded to the recognised stock exchanges and depositories for information and necessary action. 12.3 A copy of this Order shall also be forwarded to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs/concerned Registrar of Companies, for their information and necessary action with respect to the directions/restraint imposed above against the Company and the individuals.
PRASHANT SARAN Date : December 11, 2015 WHOLE TIME MEMBER Place: Mumbai SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA
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