The conflict between the Burman family, renowned for their ownership of Dabur, and Rashmi Saluja, who chairs Religare, has intensified due to alleged irregularities in granting stock options by Care Health Insurance, a subsidiary of Religare. Valued at Rs 350 crore, the Burmans are demanding the cancellation of these options and have threatened legal action if their demands are not met. Despite objections from regulatory bodies like the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai), Care proceeded with granting the options to Saluja, citing her association with Religare Enterprises. This discord highlights the intricate nature of corporate governance and its implications on shareholder interests and regulatory oversight.
The involvement of regulatory authorities like Irdai and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) underscores the broader implications of the conflict within the financial sector. Additionally, the Burman family's efforts to bolster their stake in Religare through an open offer have encountered resistance from the company's board, revealing internal rifts within the organization.
Moreover, the Burmans' augmented ownership in Religare, sanctioned by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), grants them substantial influence over corporate decisions, potentially shaping the company's trajectory. This power shift complicates the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the need for regulatory vigilance and shareholder activism to uphold transparency and accountability in corporate governance.