Rites Limited has appointed Dr. Sandeepa Malhotra as a Non-Official Director on its Board of Directors. The appointment is effective immediately from October 6, 2026, for a period of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

The Ministry of Railways informed the company that the Hon'ble President of India approved the appointment vide letter no. 2026/PL/57/18 dated October 6, 2026. This move complies with Regulation 30 read with Schedule III of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.

Profile and qualifications

Dr. Malhotra brings extensive academic experience to the board. She is an accomplished academician with 28 years of teaching and academic experience in MBA and Business Economics. Her educational background includes a Ph.D. and a Master's degree in Business Economics (M.B.E.).

Her professional history includes teaching at reputed institutions such as Jiwaji University, IITTM, and IGNOU. Dr. Malhotra has authored or presented over 38 research papers and authored a book on Quality Management. She has been associated with the Indian Economic Association for more than 15 years, serving in roles including Executive Member, Rapporteur, and Co-Chairperson.

Compliance and disclosures

The company confirmed that Dr. Malhotra is not debarred from holding the office of director by any SEBI order or other authority. She is not related to any other director of the company. The appointment was disclosed to the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSE Limited.

Key appointment details

The company stated it is taking necessary steps to complete statutory requirements regarding this appointment.

RITES Limited has received a favorable order from the Deputy Commissioner of State Tax (Appeal-1) in Ahmedabad, granting relief of ₹38.30 crore related to fiscal year 2019-20. The appellate authority allowed the company's appeal and partially set aside the earlier demand order issued by the State Tax Officer.

The order, dated September 30, 2026, was received by the company on October 3, 2026. The relief covers demands comprising tax, interest, and penalty pertaining to FY20. Consequently, subject to applicable laws, there is no further liability for RITES regarding this specific demand.

Appeal Details and Financial Impact

The proceedings originated from a demand order issued by the State Tax Officer concerning FY20. RITES filed an appeal against this order, which was subsequently heard by the Hon'ble Appellate Authority in Gujarat. The decision to allow the appeal results in the cancellation of the majority of the financial demand.

What the Numbers Show

The company had made a pre-deposit of ₹1.93 crore at the time of filing the appeal. With the appellate authority granting relief of ₹38.30 crore and setting aside the demand, the pre-deposit amount represents a small fraction of the total relief secured. This outcome eliminates the contingent liability associated with the original tax demand, interest, and penalty components for that period.

The disclosure was made under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, highlighting the material nature of this regulatory development for the infrastructure consultancy firm.