Description
Appellate Authority order dismissing RTI appeal regarding Sahara India property attachment and disposal queries as seeking clarification rather than information under RTI Act.
Summary
The Appellate Authority of SEBI dismissed Appeal No. 6598 of 2025 filed by Vikas Baliyan regarding an RTI application dated September 01, 2025. The appellant sought information about Sahara India property located at Khasra No. 1469, Muzaffar Nagar, including details of attachment, disposal, and deposit of sale proceeds in SEBI-Sahara account. The appeal was dismissed as the queries were deemed to be seeking clarification/opinion/confirmation rather than ‘information’ as defined under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act, 2005.
Key Points
- RTI application filed on September 01, 2025 (received September 06, 2025) regarding Sahara India property in Muzaffar Nagar
- CPIO responded on October 03, 2025 providing status of Sahara India Commercial Corporation Limited (SICCL)
- Appeal filed on October 14, 2025 (received October 20, 2025) expressing dissatisfaction with response
- Appellant sought information on property attachment, valuation, disposal, sale proceeds, and compliance with Supreme Court orders
- Appellate Authority determined queries were seeking clarification/opinion rather than information under RTI Act
- Appeal dismissed as respondent had no obligation to provide clarifications or opinions under RTI Act
Regulatory Changes
No regulatory changes introduced. This is an administrative order interpreting the scope of information disclosure under the RTI Act, 2005.
Compliance Requirements
None. This order pertains to RTI Act applicability and does not impose compliance requirements on market participants.
Important Dates
- September 01, 2025: RTI application dated
- September 06, 2025: RTI application received by SEBI
- October 03, 2025: CPIO response provided
- October 14, 2025: Appeal dated
- October 20, 2025: Appeal received by Appellate Authority
- November 14, 2025: Appellate Authority order issued
Impact Assessment
Market Impact: None. This is a procedural RTI appeal decision with no implications for securities markets or trading.
Operational Impact: Minimal. The order clarifies that RTI applications seeking opinions, clarifications, or confirmations (rather than factual information) are outside the scope of the RTI Act. This may guide future RTI applicants regarding the nature of information requests that can be entertained under the RTI framework.
Stakeholder Impact: Limited to the specific appellant. The order does not affect investors, listed companies, or market intermediaries.
Impact Justification
Administrative RTI appeal decision with no market impact or regulatory changes affecting market participants.