Description

RTI appeal filed by Aadesh Motla regarding Sahara land transactions in Jadoda village, Muzaffarnagar, UP. Appeal dismissed as respondent adequately addressed queries.

Summary

The Appellate Authority under the RTI Act, SEBI, dismissed Appeal No. 6794 of 2026 filed by Aadesh Motla against CPIO, SEBI, Mumbai. The appellant sought information about approximately 212 acres of Sahara land in Jadoda village, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, which is under SEBI’s custody per Supreme Court orders. The appeal was filed on the ground that the respondent provided incomplete, misleading, or false information. The Appellate Authority found the respondent’s reply adequate and dismissed the appeal.

Key Points

  • Appellant Aadesh Motla filed an RTI application on February 16, 2026 seeking information about ~212 acres of Sahara land in Jadoda village, Muzaffarnagar, UP
  • The appellant alleged the land had been sold without SEBI’s knowledge and without depositing proceeds as required
  • CPIO, SEBI responded on March 04, 2026; appellant filed this appeal on March 11, 2026 (Reg. No. SEBIH/A/E/26/00100)
  • Respondent cited Hon’ble Supreme Court orders dated 04.06.2014 and 11.07.2016 governing Sahara property sale conditions
  • Appeal dismissed — Appellate Authority found no deficiency in the respondent’s reply

Regulatory Changes

No new regulatory changes introduced. The order references existing Supreme Court directives governing Sahara immovable property transactions.

Compliance Requirements

Per Supreme Court orders cited by SEBI, Saharas must comply with the following conditions for any sale of immovable properties:

  1. Furnish details of property valuation and sale terms to the Hon’ble Supreme Court
  2. Ensure sale price is not less than 90% of applicable circle rates
  3. Deposit entire sale proceeds (less expenses, TDS, and applicable taxes) into the SEBI Sahara Account
  4. Provide a declaration that the purchaser is not a related party to Saharas

Important Dates

  • February 16, 2026: RTI application filed by appellant
  • March 04, 2026: CPIO, SEBI responded to the application
  • March 11, 2026: Appellant filed this appeal
  • April 01, 2026: Appeal dismissed by Appellate Authority Ruchi Chojer

Impact Assessment

This is a routine RTI appellate order with no broader market or regulatory impact. It reaffirms SEBI’s existing position on Sahara property sales under Supreme Court supervision. No action required by market participants.

Impact Justification

Routine RTI appeal dismissal with no market-wide regulatory changes; pertains to a specific individual query about Sahara land transactions under Supreme Court oversight.