Recorded RBI impact
Fine: Rs 50,000
Monetary penalty · Fresh imposition
Published by RBI
16 Oct 2023
Case Brief
The Reserve Bank of India imposed a monetary penalty of ₹50,000 on The Sevalia Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd., Sevalia, dist. Kheda, Gujarat, by an order dated September 18, 2023. RBI said the bank failed to comply with directions on loans and advances to directors, relatives, and firms/concerns in which they are interested, read with the clarification on directors acting as surety/guarantors. The violation arose from a statutory inspection for the bank’s financial position as on March 31, 2022, which found that the bank had sanctioned a loan in which a relative of one of its directors stood as surety/guarantor. RBI issued a show-cause notice, considered the bank’s reply and oral submissions, and concluded that the non-compliance was substantiated, warranting the penalty. RBI also clarified that the action was based on regulatory deficiencies and did not pronounce on the validity of any transaction or agreement.
Why RBI Acted
RBI imposed a monetary penalty under Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 for non-compliance with its directions on 'Loans and Advances to directors, relatives and firms/concerns in which they are Interested' and the clarification on directors acting as surety/guarantors. The statutory inspection found that the bank had sanctioned a loan in which a relative of a director acted as surety/guarantor, and RBI concluded the charge of non-compliance was substantiated after considering the bank's reply and oral submissions.
Operating Impact
The bank must absorb the penalty and remain compliant with RBI’s directions on lending to directors and related parties. The action has no direct operational restriction, but it signals heightened compliance expectations around connected lending and guarantor arrangements involving directors and their relatives.
Regulatory Basis
- Section 47 A (1) (c)
- Sections 46 (4) (i)
- Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949
Action Facts
- Primary Impact
- Fine: Rs 50,000
- Order Date
- 18 Sept 2023
- Effective From
- 18 Sept 2023
- Entities Affected
- 1
- Entity Role
- Primary
- Entity Type
- Co-operative bank