Sebi horrified by Satyam revelations; studying actions

Terming disclosures of financial wrong-doings at Satyam as an event of "horrifying magnitude," market regulator Sebi today said it would take all steps under the law for which it has started discussions with government and bourses.

"We are in touch with Ministry of Corporate Affairs... We are also in discussion with them as to what steps need to be taken from the perspective of power they have under the law and Sebi has under the law," Sebi Chairman C B Bhave said.

Sebi was also forwarding the letter written by Satyam's Chairman Ramalinga Raju on his stepping down with the confession that the profits in the company were inflated over the years, leading to wide gap between real and imaginary assets.

Bhave said the development would have serious implications for the market. Jurisdiction in this case lies with various authorities and accordingly, "We are in touch with Ministry of Corporate Affairs for coordinated action."

He also emhpasised on the need to go beyond the letter and "decide the course of action."

Bewildered by the disclosures made by Raju in his letter to Sebi and the Board, which was also sent to stock exchange authorities, Bhave said it was "most surprising" that cash balance that was non-existent got certified. The case also raises the issue of "authenticity of accounts" that have been audited.

"Our main effort is to see that whatever facts are available with any regulatory agency, those are put out and investors know the truth... I am sure we will have to learn few lessons from this as we get through the facts," he said.

"We are also in touch with stock exchanges to see what will be the appropriate action," he said.

Asked about the action that the company, also listed in New York Stock Exchange, could face in the US, Bhave said: "This is probably not the time when SEC would be available. My guess is that Satyam will have to make similar disclosures there as well. I am not entirely familiar with their law with regard to areas as to what actions they would be taking."

Commenting on the unfolding development that began with the fiasco of the USD 1.6 billion dollar acquisition of two Maytas firms promoted by Raju's family, he said: "This is an event of horrifying magnitude and it's first of its kind."

On whether Sebi would make a special request to the Satyam Board that is to meet on January 10, he said all these things are being considered and it is being made sure that the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and SEBI act in coordination on this matter.