SC held SEBI's subsequent disgorgement order dated 28.09.2018...

SC held SEBI's subsequent disgorgement order dated 28.09.2018 was legally unsustainable. The regulatory body cannot pass multiple final orders on the same cause of action after its initial order dated 31.07.2014 under Section 11B. The court critically noted SEBI's procedural delays and lack of expeditious action, emphasizing that reopening proceedings without just cause undermines regulatory integrity. The tribunal's directions for investor compensation were deemed improper, as the earlier order had already attained finality. While acknowledging the fraudulent acts by the corporate entities, the court rejected the tribunal's cost awards as unjustified, effectively nullifying SEBI's post-2014 regulatory actions against the involved parties.