Is using a chat app like Yahoo Messenger to place stock or equity orders legally allowed in India? Does the company need to keep a record of these conversations?Someone made trades in my account without my permission. They claim they did it through their branch office, but I never received any paperwork about which branch serves me.

1. Using chat apps to place stock orders is not legally allowed in India. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) requires orders to be placed through registered brokers and platforms. These conversations must be recorded by the broker for regulatory compliance.

2. Without proper documentation about the branch and the trades, you can challenge the legitimacy of the transactions. You should contact your broker and request a detailed account statement and proof of the branch’s authorization to act on your behalf.