The All India Bank Officers’ Confederation (AIBOC), Uttar Pradesh State Unit, has written to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath seeking the formation of district-level screening committees to examine criminal complaints filed against bank officers in connection with their official duties.
Why AIBOC Has Raised the Issue
Banks play an important role in the economic development of Uttar Pradesh. Public sector banks are involved in implementing various government loan schemes and ensuring that loans reach eligible people.
The organisation pointed out that every loan carries a risk of becoming a Non-Performing Asset (NPA). Some loans approved under government or other banking schemes may become NPAs for different reasons. Recovery of loans, recovery of NPA accounts and action under the SARFAESI Act are important for maintaining financial discipline and supporting the banking system.
Problem Faced by Bank Officers
According to AIBOC, bank officers, especially those involved in loan recovery and SARFAESI proceedings, are facing a serious practical problem. When officers take action for loan recovery according to banking rules and legal procedures, borrowers sometimes file criminal complaints against them.
If an FIR is registered on the basis of such a complaint, the bank officer may have to personally face police investigation, court proceedings and other legal processes. AIBOC said that such complaints can affect not only the concerned officer but also the loan recovery process of the bank.
Need for Preliminary Screening
AIBOC has suggested that complaints that appear to be false, unethical or motivated should be examined at the initial stage before a formal investigation or FIR is registered.
At the same time, the organisation has made it clear that genuine complaints should not be stopped from being investigated. The proposed screening system would mainly focus on complaints that may be filed to put pressure on bank officers, stop loan recovery action or avoid lawful proceedings.
Proposed District-Level Committee
AIBOC has requested that a district-level screening committee be formed in every district of Uttar Pradesh. The committee would conduct an initial review of complaints filed against bank officers.
The proposed committee may include a senior police officer of the district as the chairperson, the Lead District Manager (LDM), a senior officer from a Public Sector Bank, an appropriate district administration officer and, if required, a legal or banking expert.
How the Committee May Examine Complaints
The proposed committee would initially examine whether the complaint appears to indicate a genuine and cognizable offence. It would also check whether the bank officer acted within official responsibilities and prescribed procedures.
The committee may further examine whether the complaint is intended to seek a genuine solution or to interfere with the loan recovery process. It may also check whether there is any independent basis for the allegations made in the complaint.
Genuine Criminal Complaints Will Not Be Delayed
AIBOC has stated that if a complaint appears to involve a genuine criminal act, there should be no delay in registering an FIR and starting an investigation according to law.
However, if a complaint appears to be baseless and has been filed only to stop lawful loan recovery or SARFAESI proceedings or to put improper pressure on a bank officer, an appropriate preliminary process may be followed.
Request to the Uttar Pradesh Government
AIBOC has requested the Chief Minister to introduce a district-level screening committee system for criminal complaints related to the official work of bank officers. It has also requested necessary directions to the police and district administration in this regard.
The organisation said that such a system could help protect bank officers from unnecessary harassment while also supporting loan recovery, financial discipline and public confidence in the banking system.
