Limitation on ATM transaction: RBI allows release of some documents on decision-making process

Now, only five transactions from the home bank are free in a month and only three transactions are free from a non-home bank. After that, fee of Rs 20 is levied for each ATM transaction. Sethi alleged that the RBI was forced to take this step after pressure from the Indian Bank Associations (IBA).

In January, 2015, Sethi had filed an RTI, asking for details of the decision-making process that ended with the apex bank withdrawing its 2008 circular. His application had asked for file notings and other documents.

The Public Information Officer (PIO) had refused to provide the information, citing section 8 of the RTI Act which allows for denial of information related to national security, financial details and other sensitive matter.

After that, Sethi had appealed against the move.

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During the hearing of the first appeal, the appellate authority had noted that information to Sethi was denied without giving proper reasons. The PIO had failed to mention what documents were available and why those were refused to the applicant.

Also, it was noted that the PIO did not try to apply Section 10 of the Act which allowed for severance of exempted information, while sharing the rest. Sethi’s appeal was allowed and he was to be provided with the documents within 10 days.

However, Sethi said he was not satisfied with the decision and would be pursuing it in the courts of the central information commissioner.

“The bankers have put pressure on the RBI to withdraw the circular as they were making losses in operations. The RBI should have transparency in its operations,” he said.