The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated November 18, 2024, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹3.00 Lakh (Rupees Three lakh only) on The Kapadwanj Peoples Co-operative Bank Limited, Kheda, Gujarat (the bank) for contravention of provisions of Section 26A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act) and non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Interest Rate on Deposits’ and ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the BR Act, 1949.

The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of contravention of statutory provisions/non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

The bank had:

1. not transferred eligible unclaimed amounts to the Depositor Education and   Awareness Fund within the prescribed time;
2. accepted interest-free deposits in accounts, other than current account;
3. opened savings bank accounts of institutions whose entire income was not exempted from payment of Income-Tax; and
4. failed to carry out risk-based updation of KYC and review of risk categorisation of accounts as per prescribed periodicity.

This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

(Puneet Pancholy)     
Chief General Manager

Press Release: 2024-2025/1578