The Harshad Mehta scam, also known as the Indian securities scam of 1992, was a massive financial fraud that rocked the Indian stock market and exposed significant vulnerabilities within the country’s banking and financial systems. Harshad Mehta, a prominent stockbroker and financial speculator, masterminded a complex scheme that involved manipulating stock prices, misappropriating funds, and exploiting regulatory loopholes. The scam led to a severe market crash, wiped out billions of rupees in investors’ wealth, and resulted in a significant overhaul of India’s financial regulations.

Timeline of the Harshad Mehta Scam:

1. Late 1980s – Early 1990s: Harshad Mehta’s RiseHarshad Mehta gained prominence during the late 1980s due to his ability to predict and influence stock prices. He was credited with driving up the prices of certain stocks, creating what became known as the “Harshad Mehta effect.”
2. The Scheme Unfolds:Mehta exploited a regulatory loophole that allowed him to borrow funds from banks using government securities as collateral. He used these funds to purchase stocks, creating an artificial demand that raised stock prices.
3. Manipulation and Circular Trading:Mehta engaged in a practice called “circular trading,” where he orchestrated a series of transactions among a network of brokers he controlled. These transactions artificially inflated the trading volumes and prices of certain stocks.
4. Bribery and Collusion:Mehta’s scheme involved collusion with bank officials, enabling him to manipulate the issuance of bank receipts for securities (BRs) and use them as collateral for loans.
5. Impact on the Stock Market:The stock prices of the companies manipulated by Mehta skyrocketed, attracting a surge of retail investors hoping to profit from the bullish trend.
6. Discovery and Market Crash:In April 1992, journalist Sucheta Dalal and her colleague Debashis Basu published a series of articles in “The Times of India” exposing irregularities in the securities market, including Mehta’s activities.The revelation triggered a panic among investors, leading to a sharp decline in stock prices and a market crash.
7. Fallout and Investigations:Investigations were launched by multiple agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), to uncover the extent of the fraud.The investigations revealed the scale of Mehta’s manipulation and the magnitude of the financial irregularities.
8. Legal Proceedings and Conviction:Harshad Mehta was arrested in November 1992 and faced multiple criminal charges, including cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.He spent several years in custody while legal proceedings unfolded.
9. Death and Legacy:Harshad Mehta died on December 31, 2001, due to a heart attack while still facing trial.The scam left a lasting impact on India’s financial landscape, prompting significant reforms in banking regulations, securities trading, and investor protection.The scam highlighted the need for stronger regulatory oversight and transparency within India’s financial sector.

Aftermath and Reforms:

The Harshad Mehta scam exposed systemic weaknesses and regulatory failures in India’s financial sector. In response, the Indian government implemented a series of reforms, including:

• Strengthening the role and powers of SEBI to regulate securities markets.
• Implementing stricter guidelines for banks’ lending against securities.
• Introducing measures to enhance transparency and surveillance in stock trading.
• Modernizing the trading and settlement infrastructure to reduce the risk of fraud.

The scam serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked financial manipulation and the importance of robust regulatory frameworks to maintain the integrity and stability of financial markets.