My bank has refused to resolve my grievance regarding unauthorised debits in Kota; how do I file an RBI complaint under the Banking Ombudsman Scheme?

Detailed Legal Analysis

If your bank has refused to resolve your grievance regarding unauthorized debits, you can file a complaint under the Banking Ombudsman Scheme, which is administered by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Here are the steps to file a complaint effectively:

• Eligibility: Ensure that your complaint falls under the jurisdiction of the Banking Ombudsman. The scheme covers various banking services, including unauthorized transactions.
• Initial Complaint to the Bank: Before approaching the Ombudsman, you must file a formal complaint with your bank. This can be done through:
• Written complaint (in person or via email).
• Online grievance redressal portal of the bank.
• Waiting Period: Wait for a resolution from the bank. You must allow the bank 30 days from the date of your complaint to respond. If you do not receive a satisfactory response within this period, you can proceed to the next step.
• Filing the Ombudsman Complaint: To file a complaint with the Banking Ombudsman, follow these steps:
• Visit the RBI's official website and navigate to the Banking Ombudsman Scheme page.
• Download and fill out the complaint form available on the site.
• Submit the form along with relevant documents (copies of correspondence with the bank, account statements, etc.) via post or email.
• Complaint Details: Provide clear details in your complaint, including:
• Your name and address.
• Your bank details.
• A description of the issue, including dates, amounts, and any previous correspondence.
• Reference the Scheme: Mention the Banking Ombudsman Scheme, 2006 (under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949) in your complaint.
• Follow Up: After filing your complaint, keep track of any communication from the Ombudsman’s office and respond promptly to any queries or requests for additional information.

Once your complaint is accepted, the Banking Ombudsman will investigate the issue and provide a resolution within a stipulated timeframe, which is generally one month. If the resolution is not satisfactory, you may further escalate the matter through legal channels or consumer forums.