Description
RTI appeal regarding information on chronic complainant definition in SCORES 2.0 FAQs and procedure for correction of errors in SEBI documents, partially rejected.
Summary
Appeal No. 6588 of 2025 was filed by Saikiran Parmeshwar Bhatnase challenging the CPIO’s response to his RTI application dated September 10, 2025. The appellant sought information on rules relied upon for chronic complainant definition in SCORES 2.0 FAQs and the procedure for correcting errors in SEBI documents. The Appellate Authority found that Query 1 was seeking clarification rather than information as defined under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act, and Query 2 was vague and not specific enough to constitute an information request.
Key Points
- RTI application filed on September 10, 2025; CPIO responded on October 08, 2025
- Appeal filed on October 09, 2025 (Reg. No. SEBIH/A/E/25/00271)
- Query 1 sought rules/circulars relied upon for chronic complainant definition in SCORES 2.0 FAQs
- Query 2 sought complete procedure for correction of grammatical/linguistic errors in SEBI documents
- CPIO denied Query 1 under Section 8(1)(a) citing internal functioning and strategic nature
- CPIO rejected Query 2 as vague and not constituting “information” under Section 2(f)
- Appellate Authority found insufficient justification for Section 8(1)(a) exemption
- However, both queries deemed as seeking clarification/opinion rather than factual information
- Reliance placed on CIC decision in Azad Singh vs. CPIO, Oriental Insurance Company Limited (March 23, 2021)
Regulatory Changes
No regulatory changes introduced. This is an administrative order on an RTI appeal.
Compliance Requirements
No compliance requirements arising from this order. The decision clarifies limitations on RTI requests that seek clarifications, opinions, or interpretations rather than existing factual information.
Important Dates
- September 10, 2025: RTI application filed
- October 08, 2025: CPIO response issued
- October 09, 2025: Appeal filed
- November 03, 2025: Order date (based on filename)
Impact Assessment
This order has no market impact. It is an administrative decision under the RTI Act affecting only the specific appellant. The order reinforces established RTI principles that CPIOs are not required to provide clarifications, opinions, or interpretations, but only existing factual information. It clarifies the distinction between information requests and requests for explanations under the RTI framework, citing established CIC precedent.
Impact Justification
Administrative RTI appeal with no market impact, pertains to internal SEBI procedures and information access under RTI Act