Now Reading: SEBI sits on Rs 21,505 crore Sahara refund corpus
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SEBI sits on Rs 21,505 crore Sahara refund corpus
More than eight years after starting the process, capital market regulator SEBI has not made any fresh refund to investors in the Sahara case during the 2025-26 financial year. The balance in the Sahara refund account has grown to about Rs 16,379 crore as of March 2026, while the total fund including accrued interest in fixed deposits across nationalised banks stands at Rs 21,505 crore. The principal liability is Rs 25,781 crore.
SEBI's latest annual report says it remitted Rs 5,000 crore to the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies for disbursing to investors in Sahara Group cooperative schemes. Both Sahara Group companies have filed an application in the Supreme Court to sell remaining assets to Adani Properties. SEBI has submitted that any sale must be transparent and fair, giving all interested buyers a chance. The matter is pending before the Supreme Court.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The Sahara case involves over 2.3 crore investors, mostly from small towns, who were sold optionally fully convertible debentures illegally. The Supreme Court ordered a full refund with 15% interest in 2012. The question now is what happens to the growing corpus once valid claims taper off. The court may need to set a deadline for claims and decide on surplus funds. Investors should watch for the next Supreme Court hearing, which will likely address the sale of remaining Sahara assets and the timeline for refunds.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
