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

Detailed Legal Analysis

To file a complaint with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Banking Ombudsman Scheme regarding unauthorized debits, you must follow a structured process as stipulated by the RBI guidelines.

The Banking Ombudsman Scheme is governed by the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, specifically under Section 35A, which empowers the RBI to establish an Ombudsman for resolving customer complaints against banks. Here are the steps to file your complaint:

• Eligibility to File a Complaint:
  • You must be a bank customer.
  • Your grievance must relate to a service provided by a bank that falls under the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction.
  • The issue must not have been resolved satisfactorily by the bank within 30 days of your initial complaint.
• Prepare Your Complaint:
  • Gather all relevant details including your bank account number, the nature of the unauthorized debit, transaction details, and any correspondence with the bank.
  • Clearly outline the issue, the steps you have taken to resolve it, and what resolution you seek.
• Filing the Complaint:
  • You can file the complaint online through the RBI’s Banking Ombudsman portal.
  • Alternatively, you may also send your complaint via post to the respective Banking Ombudsman office in your region.
  • Ensure that you provide a signed copy of the complaint and any supporting documents.
• Follow Up:
  • After filing, you will receive an acknowledgment from the Banking Ombudsman.
  • Keep track of your complaint's status and be prepared to provide any additional information if requested.

Additional points to note:

• The complaint should be made within one year from the date of the transaction in question.
• The Banking Ombudsman will attempt to resolve the complaint within 30 days.
• If you are not satisfied with the Ombudsman’s decision, you may seek recourse through the consumer court under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the RBI’s official website and the Banking Ombudsman Scheme guidelines.