Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) is SEBI's digital platform for resolving disputes with your broker, listed companies, or other market participants through online conciliation and arbitration.
When you can use ODR
You can use ODR to resolve disputes about:
- Trading issues with your broker
- Problems with listed companies
- Issues with share transfer agents
- Demat account problems
Steps to resolve your dispute
Step 1: Complain directly first
Contact your broker or the concerned company directly with your complaint.
Step 2: Use SEBI SCORES
If not resolved, escalate through the SEBI SCORES Portal
Step 3: Use ODR portal
If still unsatisfied after SCORES, initiate dispute resolution through the ODR Portal
How to file your dispute on the ODR portal
-
Register on SMART ODR Portal:
Click on
Create Account
to register on the platform.
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File a new dispute:
Click on
File a New Dispute
to begin.
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Select intermediary:
Select the intermediary against whom you wish to file a dispute.
-
Select category:
Select the relevant categories for your dispute.
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Enter dispute details:
Fill details of the dispute and attach relevant files or documents.
-
Track resolution progress:
Once your dispute is filed, track progress easily under the
Dispute Timeline.
How the process works
Conciliation (free attempt at settlement)
- A neutral conciliator tries to help you and the other party reach an agreement
- Takes 21 days (can extend to 31 days if both parties agree)
- Cost: Free for you - your broker/company pays all fees
- If successful, you get a legally binding settlement agreement
Arbitration (if conciliation fails)
- An independent arbitrator makes a binding decision
- Timeline: 30 days for the award
- For claims ₹1,00,000 or below: Document-only process (no hearing required)
- For claims above ₹1,00,000: Hearings conducted online
Fees and charges
- Registration and conciliation: Free - no charges for registering complaints or conciliation
- Arbitration fees (only if conciliation fails): Fees vary based on claim amount as specified by SEBI
- Late filing fee: ₹1,000 if you file after 6 months from the dispute date
What happens during arbitration
- Your broker must deposit the full claim amount with the stock exchange/depository within 10 days
- You can get interim relief - up to ₹5,00,000 from the deposited amount while the case is ongoing
- Decision timeline: Arbitrator gives the award within 30 days
- Payment: If you win, your broker must pay within 15 days of the award
- If your broker doesn't comply, you get assistance in enforcing the award
If you get interim money but lose the case, you must return the amount received. If you don't return it, your trading will be suspended until repayment, and your demat and mutual fund holdings will be frozen.
Important points
- You cannot use ODR if your matter is already in court
- The arbitrator's decision is legally binding and enforceable
- Your broker cannot charge you any fees for this dispute resolution process
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All proceedings happen through video calls - you don't need to travel anywhere