The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated July 08, 2024, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.00 lakh (Rupees Two lakh only) on The Mahabaleshwar Urban Cooperative Bank Limited, Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra (the bank) for non-compliance with the directions issued by RBI on ‘Exposure Norms and Statutory / Other Restrictions – UCBs’ and ‘Prudential Norms on Capital Adequacy - UCBs’. 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 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, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty. The bank had (i) sanctioned unsecured advances beyond prescribed regulatory limit; and (ii) not adhered to share linking to borrowings guidelines, while sanctioning loans.
This action is based on the 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 monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.
