SEBI Dismisses RTI Appeal: Appellant Seeks Internal SEBI Records Regarding Complaint Disposal Process

SEBI Dismisses RTI Appeal: Appellant Seeks Internal SEBI Records Regarding Complaint Disposal Process​

The Appellate Authority under the Right to Information (RTI) Act released a decision today in the case of Sarju Devi versus CPIO, SEBI, Mumbai. The appeal, related to internal processes concerning a specific complaint lodged against regulatory matters, was dismissed by the authority on June 4, 2026.

The matter originated from an application filed by Sarju Devi on April 12, 2026, seeking detailed information regarding the handling of her complaint under complaint number SEBIE/UP26/JHAN/007121/1.

Complex Queries Focus On Internal File Notings and Verification​

The appellant's application sought comprehensive internal documentation related to the complaint. These queries included requests for certified copies of internal file notings, processing sheets, and officer remarks.

Specific demands centered on whether SEBI had conducted any independent verification or analysis beyond what was visible on the SCORES portal. The appellant also asked for records detailing if SEBI examined evidence referenced by her, such as recorded calls.

Other critical queries focused on SEBI’s internal workings, including the justification or analysis used when accepting responses from NSE and the Trading Member. She sought copies of guidelines or SOPs used during complaint evaluation involving data discrepancies.

SEBI Response Cites SCORES Portal Availability​

In response to the initial application, the respondent informed that all records pertaining to the complaint were available on the SCORES portal. The respondent stated that these records could be accessed by logging into the designated website.

Regarding procedural matters, the response indicated that there are no separate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for each category of complaints. However, the respondent advised the appellant that if she was dissatisfied with the disposal outcome via SCORES, she had recourse to Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) or consumer courts.

The respondent further confirmed that all details regarding the officer who dealt with the complaint were available on the SCORES portal.

Authority Rules: RTI Is Not a Substitute for Data Availability​

After perusing the application and the response provided, the Appellate Authority concluded that the requested information could be accessed by the appellant from the SCORES portal. The authority found no deficiency in SEBI's initial response regarding queries 1 through 8.

Regarding the nature of the inquiry, the Authority concurred with the respondent that some questions were seeking clarification or confirmation from SEBI itself. Such a query cannot be construed as 'information' as defined under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act.

The ruling drew reliance on established case law, noting that the CPIO is a communicator of information based on existing records and cannot be expected to create or interpret information as desired by the appellant. Consequently, the respondent did not have an obligation to provide subjective clarifications outside of available facts.

In view of these observations, the Appellate Authority determined there was no need to interfere with the initial decision of the respondent and dismissed the appeal.