Description
RTI appeal by Ajay Basudev Bose seeking information on SEBI handing over investigation of alleged fraudster Sudhir Agarwal to CBI/ED. Appeal dismissed as request was in nature of grievance redressal, not information.
Summary
This is an order by SEBI’s Appellate Authority under the Right to Information Act, 2005 on Appeal No. 6747 of 2026 filed by Ajay Basudev Bose against the CPIO, SEBI, Mumbai. The appellant sought information regarding SEBI handing over investigation of an alleged defaulter (Sudhir Agarwal) to CBI/ED. The appeal was dismissed as the request was found to be in the nature of a grievance, not a request for information under the RTI Act.
Key Points
- Appellant filed RTI application dated January 18, 2026 seeking information on SEBI’s investigation of alleged fraudster Sudhir Agarwal
- Appellant requested SEBI to hand over investigation to CBI/ED to verify GST registration, linked bank accounts, and fund transactions
- Appellant also sought investigation of Ramesh Agarwal (alleged relative of Sudhir Agarwal) for facilitating fund routing
- Respondent (CPIO, SEBI) replied on February 4, 2026 stating the request was in the nature of a grievance, not information under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act
- Appellant filed first appeal on February 10, 2026 (Reg. No. SEBIH/A/E/26/00065) alleging incomplete, misleading or false information was provided
- Appellate Authority concurred with respondent’s position
Regulatory Changes
No regulatory changes. This is a procedural order on an individual RTI appeal.
Compliance Requirements
No new compliance requirements. Appellant was directed to use the SCORES portal for lodging investor grievances and was provided toll-free helpline numbers for securities market queries.
Important Dates
- January 18, 2026: Original RTI application filed by appellant
- February 4, 2026: Response by CPIO, SEBI
- February 10, 2026: First appeal filed by appellant
- March 5, 2026: Appellate Authority order issued
Impact Assessment
No market or operational impact. This is a routine RTI appeal dismissal affecting only the individual appellant. The order reaffirms SEBI’s position that requests seeking action or grievance redressal do not qualify as requests for ‘information’ under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act.
Impact Justification
Routine RTI appeal dismissed on procedural grounds; no regulatory changes or market-wide impact. Individual grievance matter with no broader compliance implications.