Why has the margin requirement increased for naked futures and option shorts?

The NSE has altered the margin requirement framework from June 1st, 2020. Price Scan Range (PSR) which is used to define Futures and Options margins has been reframed in such a way that when markets get volatile, the margins needed for naked positions will be higher.

The higher PSR also implies that from now onwards the margins will change in a steady fashion instead of rising all of a sudden.

If you have had any open positions at the end of the day on May 29th, your margin requirement will change on June 1st. For any naked positions you hold, the margin needed will rise and you will be required to supply funds to support this extra margin to prevent positions from being squared off. In case you have hedged positions, the margin will decrease.