In the settlement process managed by NSCCL, if a clearing member fails to deliver the securities they are obligated to provide (called short delivery), NSCCL initiates a buying-in auction.
This auction mechanism involves:
Purchasing the required securities from the market to cover the shortfall.
The cost incurred due to this buy-in is charged to the defaulting clearing member.
This process ensures the settlement obligations are fulfilled on time, maintaining market discipline and investor confidence.
Explanation of Other Options:
(B) Transaction is voided automatically: Incorrect — transactions are not voided; they are enforced.
(C) Clearing banks cover the shortfall: Clearing banks are involved in funds settlement, not securities delivery.
(D) RBI intervenes: RBI does not intervene in routine securities settlement shortfalls.
Therefore, option (A) is the correct answer.