Mphasis Board Responds to SEBI Compliance Notice for Chairperson Appointment Delay
Mphasis Board addressed alleged SEBI Regulation 17(1) non-compliance for Q3 FY26, facing Rs. 1,23,900 in fines from exchanges for 21-day chairperson vacancy. The company clarified no board meetings occurred during December 11, 2025 to January 6, 2026 transition period, with new chairperson appointed January 7, 2026. Waiver applications submitted to BSE and NSE on March 13, 2026, with outcomes pending.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Mphasis Limited's Board of Directors has formally responded to regulatory notices regarding alleged non-compliance with SEBI listing regulations during the quarter ended December 31, 2025. The IT services company received notices from both BSE and NSE on February 27, 2026, highlighting concerns over board composition requirements.
Regulatory Non-Compliance Details
Both stock exchanges identified non-compliance with Regulation 17(1) of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, specifically related to board composition and chairperson appointment requirements. The alleged non-compliance period extended for 21 days, resulting in significant financial penalties.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Non-compliance Period | 21 days |
| Fine per Day | Rs. 5,000 |
| Basic Fine Amount | Rs. 1,05,000 |
| GST (18%) | Rs. 18,900 |
| Total Fine Payable | Rs. 1,23,900 |
Board's Response and Clarifications
During the Board meeting held on March 27, 2026, directors deliberated on the matter and provided detailed explanations for the transition period. The Board emphasized that the selection and appointment of a chairperson requires careful consideration given the significant competence, skill, experience, and seniority demands of the role.
Key points highlighted by the Board include:
- No Board meetings were convened during the period from December 11, 2025, to January 6, 2026
- No requirement for a chairperson to preside during this period due to absence of meetings
- Governance operations remained unaffected and Board functioning was not impaired
- The company maintains a practice of electing regular Non-Executive Chairpersons
Timeline of Events
The company provided a clear timeline of events surrounding the chairperson transition:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 11, 2025 | Start of transition period |
| January 6, 2026 | End of transition period |
| January 7, 2026 | New Chairperson appointed |
| January 22, 2026 | First Board meeting with new Chairperson |
| February 27, 2026 | Regulatory notices received |
| March 13, 2026 | Waiver applications submitted |
| March 27, 2026 | Board meeting to address notices |
Waiver Application and Next Steps
Mphasis submitted waiver applications to both BSE and NSE on March 13, 2026, seeking relief from the imposed penalties. The company is currently awaiting the outcome of these applications. The exchanges had provided 15 days from the notice date for fine payment, failing which they threatened to initiate actions including freezing of promoter shareholdings and potential transfer to Z category for trading restrictions.
Commitment to Compliance
The company has reiterated its commitment to maintaining full compliance with all SEBI and stock exchange requirements. Mphasis emphasized that it continuously maintains compliance with Regulation 17 of SEBI Listing Regulations and that the interim transition period should not necessitate inducting additional Independent Directors.
The Board's response demonstrates the company's proactive approach to addressing regulatory concerns while maintaining that governance standards were not compromised during the transition period. The outcome of the waiver applications will determine whether the company needs to pay the imposed fines or receives relief from the exchanges.
Historical Stock Returns for Mphasis
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -0.71% | -0.32% | -6.23% | -22.09% | -16.47% | +26.53% |
Will the stock exchanges approve Mphasis' waiver applications, and what precedent might this set for other companies facing similar board transition issues?
How might this regulatory scrutiny impact Mphasis' corporate governance practices and board appointment processes going forward?
Could this compliance issue affect Mphasis' institutional investor confidence or ESG ratings in the near term?


































