Please excuse was ignorance on this subject. Seems I am not in touch with latest rules. I was under impression that ITM upto two strikes is cash settled.
Lets take an example to clarify my understanding.
In this specific case of Hindalco Put, lets say Mr. X is holding 450 PE. As he was finding it difficult to square off due to absence of buyers, could he avoid physical settlement by buying ITM Call (say 440 CE or a lower strike) for same expiry cycle? My understanding is that ITM PE and ITM CE, will set off physical settlement and net amount will be cash settled.
Request your inputs on the same. Thanks.
@Dr. Jan Itor bhai has answered it spot on.
Firstly, the problem is DNE( Do-not-exercise ) was removed by circular in OCT-2021 but wasn't known mainstream. Even I didnt know usually i tend to "stay updated".
They say DNE was for STT trap, since there is no STT trap, no DNE. But DNE is actually the fundamental logic of an Options Contract. Buyer is not obliged.
Secondly, taking counter set-off position is possible but as quoted in above post, the buy side is usually blocked etc. Only way is to short Futures or short some counter position.
Now shorting means huge margin requirements, especially in the range of 50% during Expiry week.
So the buyer, hence termed small retailer, bought a few "gambling" lots is in no position to bring it especially in the last hour.
The whole synchronized or orchestrated method of ("sellers" in this case) one side disappearing will have future consequences too.
If the exit is in sync, then the same group could've hoarded the underlying too bcos all these guys would go to auction in short delivery.