Description

RTI appeal regarding denial of access to information related to deputation request by former SEBI employee Pranav Hemantbhai Variava.

Summary

SEBI’s Appellate Authority issued an order in Appeal No. 6571 of 2025 filed by Pranav Hemantbhai Variava, a former SEBI employee (ID: 1987), challenging the denial of information under the RTI Act. The appellant sought certified copies of documents related to the processing and denial of his deputation/lien request dated September 28, 2022. The CPIO denied the information citing Section 8(1)(a) exemption, claiming it pertains to internal functioning and strategic policy decisions. The Appellate Authority found the CPIO’s justification insufficient and ruled that the application was not adequately addressed.

Key Points

  • Former SEBI employee Pranav Hemantbhai Variava (Employee ID: 1987) filed RTI application on August 20, 2025
  • Application sought information regarding denial of his deputation/lien request dated September 28, 2022
  • CPIO denied information under Section 8(1)(a) of RTI Act on September 18, 2025
  • Appeal filed on September 22, 2025 (Reg. No. SEBIH/A/E/25/00255)
  • Appellate Authority found CPIO’s justification for invoking Section 8(1)(a) insufficient
  • Matter relates to internal employee matters with no market or regulatory implications

Regulatory Changes

No regulatory changes affecting market participants. This is an administrative matter related to RTI appeal procedures.

Compliance Requirements

No compliance requirements for market participants. This order relates to SEBI’s internal RTI compliance obligations.

Important Dates

  • September 28, 2022: Original deputation/lien request submitted
  • August 20, 2025: RTI application filed
  • September 18, 2025: CPIO response denying information
  • September 22, 2025: Appeal filed
  • October 14, 2025: Appellate Authority order issued

Impact Assessment

This order has no impact on market operations, trading activities, or regulatory compliance for market participants. It is an internal administrative matter concerning a former SEBI employee’s RTI appeal regarding access to documents related to his deputation request. The Appellate Authority’s finding that the CPIO did not provide sufficient justification for denying information may require SEBI to reconsider the information disclosure in this specific case.

Impact Justification

Internal employee matter related to RTI appeal with no market impact or regulatory changes affecting market participants