Effective 1.09.22, listed companies must mandatorily use digital signature certification to make various filings (except specified disclosures) to the Stock Exchange/s

Recognizing the advantages of using digital signature certifications for authentication of documents and filings, the Stock Exchanges in consultation with SEBI have decided to make it mandatory for listed companies to file announcements w.e.f 1^st September, 2022 under various SEBI Regulations using digital signature certification to the Stock Exchange except for following disclosures/events:

• Outcome of Board meeting which includes only financial result.
• Any disclosure in which document(s) issued by entity/ies other than listed company is/are included (For e.g., Auditors certificate, NCLT / other court’s order, Credit Rating, etc.);
• Newspaper advertisement.
• Any other disclosure(s) as specified by Stock Exchanges from time to time

Background :

In wake of Covid-19 pandemic, the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in several circulars mentioned below permitted the use of digital signature certification for authentication / certification of filings / submissions made to Stock Exchanges. As these have been received well by the market it has been decided to make it mandatory to file announcements under various SEBI Regulations using digital signature certification.

1. Additional relaxations / clarifications in relation to compliance with certain provisions of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (‘LODR’) due to the COVID – 19 pandemic
2. Use of digital signature certifications for authentication / certification of filings / submissions made to Stock Exchanges
3. Relaxation  from  compliance  with  certain  provisions  of the SEBI  (Listing Obligations  Disclosure  Requirements)  Regulations,  2015  due  to  the  CoVID-19 pandemic

Source: National Stock Exchange of India, Bombay Stock Exchange