In NSCCL's settlement process, a clearing member's failure to deliver obligated securities, termed short delivery, triggers a buying-in auction by NSCCL.
This auction entails:
Purchasing the deficient securities from the market.
Billing the defaulting clearing member for the incurred buy-in cost.
This procedure guarantees timely settlement fulfillment, reinforcing market discipline and investor trust.
Explanation of Other Options:
(B) Transaction is voided automatically: Incorrect. Transactions are enforced, not voided.
(C) Clearing banks cover the shortfall: Clearing banks handle fund settlement, not securities delivery shortfalls.
(D) RBI intervenes: The RBI does not intervene in routine securities settlement shortfalls.
Therefore, option (A) is the correct answer.