Franklin Templeton Trustee Services Pvt. Ltd. & Anr. v. Amruta Garg & Ors. etc. etc.
Background
This is an interim order, not a final judgment. In an earlier order of 12.02.2021, the Court directed the winding up of six Franklin Templeton mutual fund schemes. This order deals with how the winding up should proceed under the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations.
Decision Breakdown
This is an interim order, not a final judgment. The Court interpreted Regulations 39 to 42 of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, on winding-up procedure, stopping business activities and permitted borrowing, and examined their validity. It said it would not dispose of the appeals because facts remained disputed and related issues were pending before SEBI's adjudicating authority. Its findings on facts are not final and binding, and the appeals remain pending.
Lesson Learnt
There is no final ruling yet. The Court's reading of the winding-up rules guides the process, but the appeals stay open until SEBI's adjudication ends.