The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) asked Bata India to probe the leak of its December 2015 quarter earnings on social media platform WhatsApp.
A preliminary examination by Sebi showed the financial numbers, including sales and profits, circulated through WhatsApp posts closely matched the actual results.
Sebi has directed Bata to "conduct an internal inquiry into the leakage of unpublished price-sensitive information (UPSI) relating to its financial results and take appropriate action against those responsible". It has given three months to the footwear maker for completing the probe.
Sebi has also asked the company to strengthen its processes, systems and controls