SECI Bars Reliance Power for Three Years Over Fake Bank Guarantee

The Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. (SECI) has barred Reliance Power Ltd., along with its subsidiary Reliance NU BESS Ltd., from participating in SECI’s future tenders for a period of three years. This debarment comes after SECI discovered that Reliance NU BESS Ltd. had submitted a fake bank guarantee during the bidding process for a large-scale solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) project.

What Prompted the Debarment?

SECI’s tender, issued on June 26, 2024, invited bids for a 1-gigawatt solar power and 2-gigawatt standalone battery energy storage system. During the process, SECI found discrepancies in the bank guarantee submitted by Reliance NU BESS Ltd. SECI’s investigation revealed that the guarantee, supposedly backed by a foreign bank and supported by an email from the State Bank of India (SBI), was fraudulent. SBI confirmed that it did not issue any such support, and that the email originated from a fake email address.

Reliance NU BESS’s Response

Reliance NU BESS Ltd., previously known as Maharashtra Energy Generation Ltd., attributed the fake bank guarantee to a third-party arranger. However, SECI’s investigation found no reference to any third-party involvement in the submitted documentation. Based on its findings, SECI annulled the entire tender process and imposed the debarment on Reliance Power and its subsidiaries.

Ongoing Troubles

This debarment adds to the financial and operational challenges faced by Anil Ambani’s conglomerate. In August, SEBI banned Ambani from the securities market for five years and imposed a Rs.25 crore fine, which remains unpaid due to an appeal. Additionally, Reliance Group companies like Reliance Communications and Reliance Capital have faced insolvency proceedings in recent years.

As of this morning, Reliance Power Ltd. (RPOWER) share price is currently Rs.45.16 per share, marking a 3.60% increase from the previous close. Year-to-date, the stock has risen by 15.10%, and over the past year, it has appreciated by 31.80%.

Conclusion: SECI’s decision is a clear message: transparency is non-negotiable. As companies compete for high-stakes projects in India’s renewable sector, it’s a reminder that missteps, especially involving fake documentation, will come with steep consequences. For Reliance, this setback shows the urgent need for a more cautious approach.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.