Securities Market Approach for Resolution Through Online Dispute Resolution (SMART ODR)

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) vide its Circular dated 31^st July 2023 (updated as on 20^th December 2023) announced the introduction of a common Online Dispute Resolution Portal (“ODR Portal”), whereby the existing dispute‑resolution mechanism in the Indian securities market is being streamlined under the aegis of Stock Exchanges and Depositories (collectively referred to as Market Infrastructure Institutions—MIIs) by expanding their scope and by establishing a common ODR Portal which harnesses online conciliation and online arbitration for resolution of disputes arising in the Indian Securities Market.

The complete Master Circular dated 31^st July 2023 and Circular dated 20^th December 2023 (Amendment to Circular dated July 31 2023) on Online Resolution of Disputes in the Indian Securities issued by SEBI can be accessed below:

• Master Circular dated 31^st July 2023
• Amendment to Circular dated 31^st July 2023 – 20^th December 2023

The ODR Portal named “SMART ODR” can be accessed via:
https://smartodr.in/login

SEBI Circular dated September 20 2023 explains in detail the mechanism for invoking redressal of investor grievances through the SEBI Complaint Redressal (SCORES) platform and linking it to the Online Dispute Resolution platform. You can access the SEBI Circular here.