Description
Appellate Authority dismisses RTI appeal by Abinash Mahapatra seeking SEBI Grade A examination response sheets. SEBI had already provided the requested information; appellant's attempt to expand scope at appeal stage was rejected.
Summary
The Appellate Authority under the RTI Act, SEBI, dismissed Appeal No. 6775 of 2026 filed by Abinash Mahapatra against CPIO, SEBI, Mumbai. The appellant had sought copies of his response sheet and correct answer keys for Paper 1 and Paper 2 of the SEBI Grade A (General Stream) – Phase I Examination conducted on January 10, 2026. SEBI had already provided the requested information in its reply dated February 23, 2026, making the appeal infructuous.
Key Points
- Appellant filed RTI application on February 05, 2026 seeking response sheet and correct answer keys for SEBI Grade A (General Stream) 2025 Phase I Examination
- CPIO responded on February 23, 2026 by providing the response sheet and right answer keys
- Appellant filed appeal (Reg. No. SEBIH/A/E/26/00086) on February 25, 2026 claiming information was refused
- Appellate Authority found that CPIO had in fact adequately addressed the application
- Appellant also sought question paper copies at appeal stage, which was not part of the original RTI application
- Attempt to expand scope of RTI enquiry at appeal stage was rejected citing CIC precedent
Regulatory Changes
No regulatory changes. This is an individual RTI appeal order with no broader policy implications.
Compliance Requirements
No compliance requirements applicable to market participants. This order pertains solely to an individual RTI matter regarding SEBI Grade A examination records.
Important Dates
- January 10, 2026: SEBI Grade A (General Stream) – Phase I Examination conducted
- February 05, 2026: RTI application filed by appellant
- February 23, 2026: CPIO response provided to appellant
- February 25, 2026: Appeal filed by appellant
- March 24, 2026: Appellate Authority order issued dismissing the appeal
Impact Assessment
No market or operational impact. This is a routine administrative RTI appeal concerning an individual candidate’s examination records. The dismissal reaffirms the established CIC precedent (Harish Prasad Divedi vs. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, January 28, 2014) that information seekers cannot expand the scope of their RTI enquiry at the appeal stage.
Impact Justification
Routine RTI appeal dismissal with no market, trading, or regulatory policy implications. Limited to an individual appellant's examination-related information request.