Description

Appellate Authority order dismissing RTI appeal seeking information about freezing of third party PAN, citing personal information exemption under Section 8(1)(j) of RTI Act.

Summary

The SEBI Appellate Authority dismissed Appeal No. 6620 of 2025 filed by Anand S Daga challenging the denial of information under RTI Act. The appellant had sought information regarding freezing of PAN belonging to a third party (Mahesh S Malu). The CPIO denied the request citing Section 8(1)(j) of RTI Act which exempts personal information having no public interest and causing unwarranted invasion of privacy.

Key Points

  • RTI application filed on October 09, 2025 seeking information about freezing of third party PAN
  • CPIO responded on November 06, 2025 denying information under Section 8(1)(j) exemption
  • Appeal filed on November 18, 2025 (Reg. No. SEBIH/A/E/25/00297)
  • Information sought included freezing orders, dates, reference numbers, current status, and officer details
  • Appellate Authority upheld denial citing Supreme Court judgment in Subhash Chandra Agarwal case
  • Personal information includes personal records, professional records, and medical records

Regulatory Changes

No regulatory changes introduced. This is an administrative order on RTI appeal.

Compliance Requirements

No compliance requirements. The order pertains to denial of RTI application and has no operational directives.

Important Dates

  • October 09, 2025: RTI application filed
  • November 06, 2025: CPIO response denying information
  • November 18, 2025: Appeal filed
  • December 2025: Appellate Authority order issued

Impact Assessment

This order has no market or operational impact. It is an administrative decision on an RTI appeal affirming that personal information about third party PAN freezing cannot be disclosed under Section 8(1)(j) of RTI Act. The order reinforces privacy protection standards for personal information held by SEBI, citing Supreme Court precedent that personal records including names, addresses, and professional records constitute exempt personal information unless there is overriding public interest.

Impact Justification

Administrative order on RTI appeal with no market impact, relating to denial of personal information about third party PAN freezing