Banks Refuse to Disclose Names of Loan Defaulters

Banks are reluctant to disclose crucial information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, including the names of loan defaulters, details of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs), inspection reports and penalty-related data. Despite clear directives from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandating that such information must be made public, banks have continued to resist compliance.

Citing concerns that disclosure could adversely impact their business operations, major banks such as the State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of Baroda (BoB), Yes Bank and RBL Bank have approached the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC). These banks argue that they are not obligated to release the requested information under the RTI framework.

Taking note of the issue, the CIC has referred the matter to a larger bench for detailed examination. The dispute arose after individuals Dheeraj Mishra, Vathiraj, Girish Mittal and Radha Raman Tiwari sought these details from the RBI under the RTI Act.