The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated November 05, 2024, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.00 lakh (Rupees Two Lakh only) on Sree Charan Souhardha Co-operative Bank Ltd., Bengaluru (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Income Recognition, Asset Classification, Provisioning and Other Related Matters – UCBs’ and specific directions issued under ‘Supervisory Action Framework’ (SAF). This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in RBI, conferred under section 47A(1)(c) read with sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation 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 non-compliance with above cited 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 by it 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. failed to classify certain loan accounts as non performing assets in terms of Income recognition, Asset classification and Provisioning norms; and
2. offered interest rates on deposits higher than those offered by State Bank of India and sanctioned fresh loans and advances in non-adherence to directions issued under SAF.

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: 2024-2025/1451