SEBI Open Market Buyback Debate: Experts Weigh In Amidst Market Volatility

• Experts debate if SEBI should re-allow open market buybacks to support market sentiment and investor confidence during current equity falls.
• JN Gupta suggests reopening buybacks with a shorter window and tweaks, citing resolved tax issues.
• Madhu Kela emphasizes protecting retail investor confidence, highlighting their role in sustaining the market despite foreign outflows.
• Mohandas Pai argues for buybacks as a tool for companies to manage capital, return surplus cash, and signal confidence, especially when stocks are undervalued.
• Concerns about small investor participation and long buyback windows were historical reasons for SEBI's restrictions, now potentially mitigated by tax changes.