IBBI upheld its right to refuse RTI requests seeking compilation of fresh datasets on insolvency claims and haircuts, citing statutory limitations and administrative burden.
IBBI Can Refuse to Compile Fresh Insolvency Data Under RTI: Appellate Authority Rules
The Appellate Authority of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has upheld IBBI’s decision to reject a Right to Information (RTI) request demanding the compilation of fresh datasets on insolvency claims, recovery rates, and haircuts across resolution plans. The decision affirms that public authorities are not obligated to generate new records or perform data analysis not already available in their repository.
Under Section 7(9) of the RTI Act, 2005, a public authority may reject a request if it involves disproportionate effort or cost. The IBBI argued that the requested data required collation from disparate sources and analytical interpretation beyond passive disclosure. The Appellate Authority agreed, noting that the RTI Act promotes transparency, not the creation of new statistical reports.
"The Act does not confer a right to compel the compilation of records not routinely maintained,"
The ruling has implications for stakeholders seeking macro-level trends through RTI. Practitioners should consider alternative sources such as IBBI’s annual reports or research databases. This decision limits the scope of RTI in obtaining customised financial analytics from regulatory bodies.
Citations
- Appeal No. IBBI/AA/2026/xxx
