Published 3 July 2026 · By the PCJ Desk · about 5 min read · General educational information, not investment advice.
Investing in India sits inside one of the world’s more structured protection frameworks, built by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Knowing three of these tools — and the order in which to use them — means you are never without a route if something goes wrong.
1. Raise a complaint — SCORES 2.0
SCORES (SEBI Complaints Redress System) is SEBI’s official portal for investor complaints against any SEBI-registered intermediary. The upgraded SCORES 2.0 platform makes redressal faster and more accountable: complaints are auto-routed to the concerned entity, there is a two-tier review (the entity and its designated body, then SEBI), and auto-escalation if timelines are missed. SEBI’s framework targets resolution within 21 calendar days.
The right order: first raise the issue directly with your broker or depository participant (for PCJ, our Grievance Redressal desk). If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, escalate on SCORES at scores.sebi.gov.in.
2. Escalate a dispute — SMART ODR
For disputes that need conciliation or arbitration (for example, a monetary claim), SEBI introduced an Online Dispute Resolution framework through a master circular in August 2023. The SMART ODR portal (smartodr.in) harnesses online conciliation and, if needed, online arbitration to settle disputes in the securities market without you having to travel or file physically.
3. Secure your account — voluntary freezing
If you ever suspect unauthorised activity in your trading account, SEBI’s January 2024 framework — effective for stock brokers from 1 July 2024 — lets you voluntarily freeze or block your trading account. You simply request it from your broker (by the published channels), the account is frozen, and it is re-enabled only after proper verification. It is a seat-belt you hope never to need.
At PCJ, we aim to resolve every concern first, and we will always point you to the correct SEBI channel if you want to take it further. That is what “no tips, just clarity” means in practice.