The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated November 08, 2024, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹59.20 lakh (Rupees Fifty-Nine Lakh and Twenty Thousand only) on South Indian Bank Limited (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Interest Rate on Deposits’ and ‘Customer Service in Banks’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47 A (1) (c) read with Section 46 (4) (i) of BR Act.

The Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2023) of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of 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 RBI 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:

1. levied penal charges for non-maintenance of minimum balance / average minimum balance without notifying certain customers by SMS / email / letter, etc.
2. marked lien against certain NRE savings deposit accounts.

The action is based on deficiencies in statutory and 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 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: 2024-2025/1467