New Delhi, March 18 -- Mumbai: The Securities and Exchange Board of India's settlement mechanism, designed to offer a faster route to resolving securities law violations over longdrawn court proceedings, is facing mounting criticism over growing delays and perceived discretionary practices.

Intended to streamline enforcement and reduce litigation, the process is increasingly marred by inflated settlement amounts and stringent non-monetary terms, say experts.

Data from Sebi's website reveals a significant surge in settlement amounts collected in 2024-25, reaching Rs.851 crore as of 15 March-a sharp increase from the Rs.125 crore collected in FY23 and Rs.94 crore in FY24.

Even excluding a Rs.643-crore settlement in a case involving the N...