Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT)

Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT)

Why it Matters? 

U.S.-based Jane Street Group appealed to SAT against SEBI, alleging denial of crucial documents in a market manipulation case. The firm cited SEBI’s reversal of earlier clean findings and ISD’s report showing negligible gains from its trades. 

What You Should Know?  

  • The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) is a statutory quasi-judicial body established under Section 15K of the SEBI Act, 1992

  • It hears appeals against orders of SEBI, PFRDA, and IRDAI. 

  • SAT is headquartered in Mumbai and functions across India as a single-bench tribunal.  

  • It comprises a Presiding Officer (typically a sitting or retired judge of the Supreme Court or High Court) and Judicial and Technical members appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India  

  • SAT wields powers akin to a civil court: it can summon and examine witnesses, require production of documents, receive affidavits, and issue commissions. 

  • Appeals must be filed within 45 days, though delays may be condoned. 

  • SAT can confirm, modify, or overturn SEBI and regulator orders. 

  • Appeals against SAT decisions can be made to the Supreme Court, but only on questions of law, within 60 days.