PRIVATE BANKS VICTIMIZE. RBI OMBUDSMAN FAILS THE CITIZENS

Natural Justice Does Not Prevail. Insensitivity Rules the Process.

🌍 WHEN THE BANK BETRAYS, AND THE SYSTEM DEFENDS IT

In 2022, a private bank arbitrarily liquidated a fixed deposit valued at ₹1.65 crore. No consent. No notice. No explanation. When the depositor demanded accountability, the bank stopped responding.

The matter was escalated to the RBI Banking Ombudsman. But instead of investigating the complaint, the Ombudsman delivered a verdict that mirrored the bank’s version word-for-word. No inquiry. No hearing. No opportunity to present the citizen's case.

This wasn't just a lapse. It was a systemic act of insensitivity masquerading as redressal.

🌍 DOORS CLOSED TO CITIZENS

Repeated efforts to meet RBI officials were stonewalled. Appointments were denied. Citizens were made to wait for hours with no resolution.

The complaints? Dismissed without engagement.The appeals? Blocked without recourse.

This is not public service. This is bureaucratic dismissal wearing the robe of legitimacy.

🌍 When "Sub Judice" Becomes a Convenient Escape

In another case, ₹12 lakh was withdrawn arbitrarily from a citizen's account. The RBI refused to investigate, citing the matter as "sub judice."

The local bank misled the RBI to believe the case was pending with the High Court.The Ombudsman readily accepted it without verification. Case closed. No appeal allowed.

The result? A citizen punished for a bank’s lie, rubber-stamped by the regulator.

🌍 CHEQUES MISHANDLED. RULES MISREAD.

In another instance, a cheque worth ₹8 lakh was deposited on the last valid date. The bank refused to process the cheque stating that it had become “stale”.

But RBI guidelines clearly state: A cheque is considered valid if it enters the banking system before expiry.

The staff simply didn’t know. Or didn’t care. And once again, the citizen was left without recourse.

🌍 COURTS: THE MIRAGE OF JUSTICE

For most aggrieved citizens, the only remaining option is the High Court. But justice through courts in India is a long-drawn, punishing process.

Years pass. Hearings are adjourned. Opposing lawyers fail to appear. And justice becomes a test of stamina rather than truth.

🌍 A REGULATOR THAT REGULATES FOR THE REGULATED

The RBI Ombudsman was meant to defend the citizen. Instead, it often operates as an extension of the very institutions it should be scrutinizing.

Complaints are closed without investigation .Banks' words are taken at face value. Citizens are not heard, let alone protected.

This is not due process. This is procedural abandonment.

🌍 A LEGAL CRIME ELSEWHERE. A BUREAUCRATIC ROUTINE HERE.

In any other country, these actions would be seen as criminal negligence. In India, they are brushed off as honest lapses. But these so-called lapses have consequences. They can wipe out a life’s savings, shatter a family’s future. And when the courts are caught in procedural red tape, there is no one left to save the victim.

A westerner might call it state-enabled financial tyranny.

We just call it routine.

🌍 THE REAL IMPACT

Until that changes, justice will remain not just delayed—

It will remain denied.