Information about two bank FDs - PIO: details of these accounts could not be traced out as the bank had transformed all the live accounts into Core Banking System - CIC: provide the information and if it is not available, an affidavit to be submitted
18 Nov, 2013O R D E R
RTI application
1. The appellant filed an RTI application with the PIO on 6.3.2012 seeking information about the two deposits made in the respondent bank in January 1989 and on 17.7.1993 by a lady. In all, information has been sought on 3 points. The CPIO informed the appellant on 18.4.2012 that the Bank could not trace out the details of these accounts from the existing data base, as the bank had transformed all the live accounts into Core Banking System. It was also informed that as per the existing norms, the bank has already destroyed the manual documents.
2. Not satisfied with the reply of the PIO, the appellant filed an appeal on 1.8.2012 with the first appellate authority (FAA). The FAA upheld the reply of CPIO on 3.9.2012 stating that the CPIO had made all efforts to provide the information. The appellant approached the Commission on 20.10.2012 in second appeal.
Hearing
3. The appellant referred to his RTI application of 6.3.2012 and stated that he had sought information in respect of two deposits made in January 1989 and July 1993. The appellant stated that while one branch has provided the information, but the other branch is saying that the information is not available.
4. By way of background, the appellant informed that the money was deposited in the form of FDs by an account holder for a period of 5 years, but for some reasons, the estate went into legal dispute and the matter remained pending for some time. The appellant stated that now that the matter has been resolved, it was expected that the nominees would get the benefit. However, one of the two bank branches has, in a routine manner, stated that the information is not available. The appellant said that the RBI instructions are explicit that the banks are expected to keep track of FDs in such cases where these have not been claimed and it is also expected that the bank will use the technology, particularly the CBS, to trace out the information that he is seeking.
5. The respondent stated that the CBS does not automatically apply and that these FDs date back to a period when the CBS system was not there. The respondent said that because one branch had the information, they have provided it, but if the other branch does not have the information, how can it be provided.
6. The appellant stated that the depositor represented a well known family, and the amount cannot just disappear after maturity. He further stated that it is expected that the bank will determine the route which any money would have taken after maturity of the FDs. In this light, the appellant said, he wants information on the 3 points mentioned in the RTI application with regard to the deposit.
Decision
7. The respondent is directed to provide information sought by the appellant in the RTI application and if the information is not available, an affidavit be produced to that effect. Compliance must be done within 30 days of this order. The appeal is disposed of. Copy of the decision be given free of cost to both the parties.
(Vijai Sharma)
Information Commission
Citation: Shri Anil Kak v. Bank of India in Decision No. CIC/VS/A/2012/001683/05311