Description

Appellate Authority dismisses RTI appeals filed by Krishnadas K S seeking information on SEBI's use of Hindi in Grade A recruitment exams, ruling that the queries sought clarification/opinion rather than information under the RTI Act.

Summary

The Appellate Authority under the Right to Information Act, 2005 disposed of two identical appeals (No. 6781 and 6782 of 2026) filed by Krishnadas K S against CPIO, SEBI, Mumbai. The appellant sought information regarding SEBI’s policy of using Hindi as a medium in its Grade A recruitment examination while excluding other regional languages listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. The Appellate Authority upheld the CPIO’s response, ruling that the queries sought clarifications, opinions, and confirmations rather than ‘information’ as defined under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act.

Key Points

  • Appellant filed an RTI application dated January 11, 2026 seeking details on SEBI’s linguistic policy in its Grade A recruitment examination
  • CPIO responded on February 06, 2026, denying information on grounds that queries sought clarification/opinion, not ‘information’ under RTI Act
  • Appellant filed two identical appeals (Reg. No. SEBIH/A/E/26/00093 and SEBIH/A/E/26/00094) dated February 27, 2026
  • Queries included: justification for Hindi inclusion, state-wise applicant data, feasibility reports on regional languages, and cost analysis for translation
  • Appellate Authority agreed with CPIO, citing CIC order in Azad Singh vs. CPIO, Oriental Insurance Company Limited (March 23, 2021)
  • Both appeals dismissed; CPIO had no obligation to provide opinions or clarifications under RTI Act

Regulatory Changes

No regulatory changes. This is a procedural RTI appellate order with no amendments to SEBI regulations or policies.

Compliance Requirements

No new compliance requirements arise from this order. It reaffirms the established principle that RTI queries seeking opinion, clarification, or confirmation do not constitute a request for ‘information’ under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act.

Important Dates

  • January 11, 2026: Original RTI application filed by appellant
  • February 06, 2026: CPIO response to RTI application
  • February 27, 2026: Appellant filed identical appeals (No. 6781 and 6782 of 2026)
  • March 24, 2026: Appellate Authority order disposing of both appeals

Impact Assessment

This order has no market or operational impact. It is a routine administrative RTI appellate decision affecting only the appellant. The order reaffirms SEBI’s position that queries seeking policy justification or opinion fall outside the scope of the RTI Act. No market participants, listed entities, or intermediaries are affected.

Impact Justification

Procedural RTI appeal concerning SEBI's internal recruitment language policy; dismissed on technical grounds with no market or regulatory impact.