CIRCULAR
HO/49/14/14(13)2026-CFD-POD2/ I/8772/2026 April 7, 2026
To,
All listed entities
All recognised Stock Exchanges
All registered Depositories
Madam / Sir,
Subject: Relaxation from the applicability of SEBI Master Circular for compliance with the
provisions of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,
2015 on non-compliance with the Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) requirements
1. SEBI Master Circular dated July 11, 2023 for compliance with the provisions of the SEBI
(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 by listed entities
(Master Circular), inter alia, prescribes the procedure to be followed by recognized stock
exchanges and depositories in respect of listed entities not complying with MPS
requirements, including levy of fines, freezing of promoter shareholding, and other
consequential actions.
2. SEBI has received representation from an Industry body highlighting the difficulties faced
by listed entities in achieving compliance with MPS requirements, inter alia, on account of
capital market volatility arising from ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
3. Considering the above representation and the prevailing market conditions, it has been
decided to grant one-time relaxation from the applicability of penal provisions under the
Master Circular for listed entities whose due date for compliance with MPS requirements
falls during the period from April 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026. Accordingly, recognised
stock exchanges and depositories are advised not to take any penal action as envisaged
under the Master Circular against such entities for non-compliance during the said period.
Further, any penal actions initiated by the stock exchanges or depositories against such
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listed entities for non-compliance with MPS requirements during the period from April 1,
2026 till date may be withdrawn.
4. The circular shall be applicable with immediate effect.
5. The stock exchanges are accordingly advised to:
5.1. Bring the provisions of this circular to the notice of all the entities whose securities are
listed in the stock exchange and also to disseminate the same on its website.
5.2. Make amendments to the relevant bye-laws, rules and regulations for the
implementation of the terms of this circular, if necessary.
6. This Circular is issued in exercise of powers conferred under Section 11 and Section 11A
of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 to protect the interests of
investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate the securities
market.
7. This Circular is available at www.sebi.gov.in under the link “LegalCirculars”.
Yours faithfully,
Raj Kumar Das
Deputy General Manager
Corporation Finance Department
Policy and Development-2
+91-22-26449253
rajkd@sebi.gov.in
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