India Overhauls Securities Law: SEBI Gets Stronger Powers, Unified Code

• Securities Markets Code Bill, 2025, unifies three key acts (1956, 1992, 1996) into a single code, modernizing India's securities market legal framework.
• Strengthens SEBI's powers: expands board to 15 members, tightens conflict-of-interest norms, codifies inspection, search, seizure, and disgorgement authority.
• Aims to enhance investor protection through an Investor Charter and a dedicated Ombudsman for grievance redress.
• Balances regulation with ease of doing business by setting timelines and decriminalizing minor violations, while serious market abuse remains criminal.
• Brings market infrastructure institutions (stock exchanges, clearing corporations, depositories) under a common framework for streamlined oversight.

Why It Matters: New Securities Markets Code Bill 2025 unifies laws, significantly strengthening SEBI's regulatory powers.