SEBI Chief Tuhin K. Pandey Urges Boards To Redefine Role Of Independent Directors

Speaking at the Annual Directors Conclave organised by the Institute of Directors, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairman Tuhin K. Pandey outlined the need to redefine the role of Independent Directors. He emphasised three focus areas — selection, orientation, and psychological safety.

Pandey called for moving beyond familiar networks in selection, ensuring ongoing orientation on emerging risks such as AI governance and ESG disclosures, and creating an environment where dissent is encouraged. He stressed that compliance should evolve into a culture driven by values, and Boards must actively engage with issues such as succession planning, organisational culture, and whistleblower trends. He also emphasised cognitive diversity as key to effective governance.