Description

RTI appeal regarding status of Objection Petition before Justice Lodha Committee. CPIO directed to reconsider and respond within RTI Act timelines.

Summary

SEBI’s Appellate Authority disposed of Appeal No. 6601 of 2025 filed by Dr. Andrew Godwin against CPIO’s response to his RTI application. The appellant had sought status of an Objection Petition filed before Justice Lodha Committee. The Appellate Authority directed CPIO to treat the original letter as an RTI application and respond within prescribed timelines, as the CPIO’s reply was not available on record.

Key Points

  • RTI application dated September 22, 2025 received by SEBI on September 26, 2025
  • CPIO responded on September 30, 2025 stating requested information not available with SEBI
  • Appeal filed on October 22, 2025, received on October 27, 2025
  • Appellate Authority noted CPIO’s reply not available on record
  • CPIO directed to reconsider September 22, 2025 letter as RTI application and respond within RTI Act timelines
  • Appellant permitted to file fresh appeal if unsatisfied with CPIO’s response

Regulatory Changes

No regulatory changes. This is a procedural order under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Compliance Requirements

CPIO, SEBI must:

  • Treat appellant’s letter dated September 22, 2025 as an RTI application
  • Provide response within timelines prescribed under RTI Act, 2005

Important Dates

  • September 22, 2025: Original RTI application dated
  • September 26, 2025: RTI application received by SEBI
  • September 30, 2025: CPIO response issued
  • October 22, 2025: Appeal filed
  • October 27, 2025: Appeal received by Appellate Authority
  • November 20, 2025: Order issued by Appellate Authority

Impact Assessment

Market Impact: None. This is an administrative matter related to RTI compliance with no impact on securities markets, listed entities, or market participants.

Operational Impact: Minimal. Affects internal RTI processing procedures at SEBI. The order ensures proper implementation of transparency obligations under RTI Act.

Impact Justification

Administrative RTI appeal with no market impact. Procedural order directing CPIO to respond to information request.