The Ministry of Finance vide its notification dated 31st December 2021 has published the Securities Contracts (Regulation) (Procedure for Holding Inquiry and Imposing Penalties) (Amendment) Rules, 2021 to further amend the Securities Contracts (Regulation) (Procedure for Holding Inquiry and Imposing Penalties) Rules, 2005.
The Amendment substitutes rule 7 which deals with “Service of notices and orders” as follows:
Rule 7(1) A notice or an order issued under these rules shall be served on the person through any of the following modes, namely:–
(a) by delivering or tendering it to that person or his duly authorised agent; or
(b) by sending it to the person by fax or electronic mail or electronic instant messaging services along with electronic mail or by courier or speed post or registered post:
Provided that the courier or speed post or registered post shall be sent to the address of his place of residence or his last known place of residence or the place where he carried on, or last carried on, business or personally works, or last worked, for gain, with acknowledgment due:
Provided further that a notice sent by fax shall bear a note that the same is being sent by fax and in case the document contains annexure, the number of pages being sent shall also be mentioned: Provided also that a notice sent through electronic mail or electronic instant messaging services along with electronic mail shall be digitally signed by the competent authority and bouncing of the electronic mail shall not constitute valid service
Further in case of failure to serve a notice or an order through any one of the modes provided under subrule (1), the notice or order may be affixed on the outer door or some other conspicuous part of the premises in which the person resides or is known to have last resided, or carried on business or personally works, or last worked, for gain and a written report thereof shall be prepared in the presence of two witnesses.