Hester Biosciences Promoters Ravin and Bela Gandhi Seek Reclassification to Public Category
Hester Biosciences received reclassification requests from promoters Ravin Gandhi (403,320 shares, 4.74%) and Bela Gandhi (400,635 shares, 4.71%) seeking Public category status under SEBI Regulation 31A, following Ravin Gandhi's resignation as Non-Executive Director effective 12 May 2026. The company disclosed this to exchanges on 15 May 2026 and is processing the requests per applicable regulations.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Hester Biosciences Limited has received formal requests from two promoter-category shareholders — Mr. Ravin Gandhi and Ms. Bela Gandhi — seeking reclassification to the "Public" category under Regulation 31A of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The requests were submitted vide letters dated 14 May 2026, and the company disclosed this development to the stock exchanges on 15 May 2026 in compliance with Regulation 31A(8) of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015. The company has stated that it is undertaking all necessary steps to process these requests in accordance with applicable regulatory provisions.
Reclassification Request Details
The two individuals seeking reclassification, along with their respective shareholding details, are summarised below:
| Parameter: | Mr. Ravin Gandhi | Ms. Bela Gandhi |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Shares Held: | 403,320 | 400,635 |
| % of Total Voting Rights: | 4.74% | 4.71% |
| Current Category: | Promoter | Promoter |
| Requested Category: | Public | Public |
| Date of Request Letter: | 14 May 2026 | 14 May 2026 |
Ravin Gandhi's Rationale
Mr. Ravin Gandhi, based in Chicago, Illinois, USA, stated in his letter that he had already resigned from the Board of Directors of the company vide letter dated 12 May 2026, which was accepted by the company on the same date. He confirmed that he is no longer associated with the management or control of Hester Biosciences, directly or indirectly, and does not hold any position as a director or Key Managerial Personnel. He further stated that his shareholding is below the prescribed threshold and is held purely as a passive investment, with no intention to exercise control over the affairs of the company. Mr. Gandhi also confirmed compliance with the conditions under Regulation 31A(3)(b), including that he and persons related to him do not hold more than 10% of the total voting rights, and that there are no pending regulatory actions against him.
Bela Gandhi's Rationale
Ms. Bela Gandhi, also based in Chicago, USA, stated in her letter that she has not been involved in management and has not been associated with the management or control of the company, directly or indirectly, for the last 12 years. She does not hold any Board position or Key Managerial Personnel role, and her shareholding is held purely as a passive investment. Ms. Gandhi similarly confirmed satisfaction of the conditions under Regulation 31A(3)(b), including that she does not hold more than 10% of total voting rights along with related persons, exercises no control over the company's affairs, and that there are no pending regulatory actions against her.
Director Resignation and Alternate Directorship
The reclassification request by Mr. Ravin Gandhi follows his earlier resignation as Non-Executive Director of Hester Biosciences, effective 12 May 2026. His resignation was attributed to ongoing professional and personal commitments and his inability to devote sufficient time to the affairs of the company. As a direct consequence of his resignation, Ms. Nina Gandhi, who held the position of Alternate Director to Mr. Ravin Gandhi, also ceased to hold office with effect from 12 May 2026, in accordance with applicable provisions governing alternate directorships.
Regulatory Compliance
The intimation regarding the reclassification requests was signed and submitted by Vinod Mali, Company Secretary and Compliance Officer of Hester Biosciences Limited, on 15 May 2026. The disclosure pertaining to Mr. Ravin Gandhi's earlier resignation was made in accordance with Regulation 30 of the SEBI LODR Regulations, read with SEBI Master Circular No. HO/49/14/14(7)2025-CFD-POD2/1/3762/2026 dated 30 January 2026. The company has confirmed it is processing the reclassification requests as per the provisions of Regulation 31A of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015.
Historical Stock Returns for Hester Biosciences
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +5.24% | +11.81% | +26.23% | +9.02% | +1.36% | -25.98% |
If SEBI and shareholders approve the reclassification, how might the reduction in promoter shareholding percentage impact Hester Biosciences' corporate governance structure and investor confidence?
With nearly 9.45% of total voting rights potentially shifting to the public category, could this create an opportunity for activist investors or institutional shareholders to gain greater influence over the company's strategic decisions?
Following the departure of Ravin Gandhi and Nina Gandhi from the board, how will Hester Biosciences address potential gaps in leadership and board composition to meet regulatory requirements?


































