From Our Correspondent
TURA, Nov 15: Social activist Greneth Sangma has written to the Regional Branch Manager (RBM) of SBI over the insistence on Aadhaar as a mandatory document for opening bank accounts, updating KYC details and accessing other banking services, which he said is in clear contravention of the Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling, the High Court of Meghalaya’s directive and RBI guidelines.
“As per the Supreme Court’s 2018 judgment, Aadhaar is not mandatory for opening bank accounts or accessing services unless availing government subsidies. The Meghalaya High Court has also directed that Aadhaar cannot be the sole ID for government benefits and alternate documents must be accepted. Furthermore, the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution exempts Meghalaya from certain provisions of the Aadhaar Act, making it clear that Aadhaar cannot be made mandatory in the state,” said Greneth.
He added that RBI guidelines clearly state that Officially Valid Documents (OVDs) include PAN, passport, voter ID, driving licence, etc., and banks cannot insist on Aadhaar as the only document for KYC purposes.
He further cited a recent ruling of the High Court of Bombay, which ordered a bank to pay Rs 50,000 as compensation to a company for refusing to open an account due to the absence of Aadhaar, thereby setting a precedent for banks to follow the law and not impose Aadhaar as a mandatory requirement.
“Despite these clear directives, SBI branches in Garo Hills continue to insist on Aadhaar, causing hardship to residents who do not have Aadhaar or prefer not to use it.”
Through his complaint, the activist has asked the RBM to instruct all SBI branches in Garo Hills to accept alternate documents for KYC and other banking services, and to sensitise branches about the Supreme Court and Meghalaya High Court judgments, RBI guidelines and the Sixth Schedule exemption.
“There is a need to take disciplinary action against erring officials who continue to insist on Aadhaar as a mandatory document. I request that this is circulated to all branches and compliance with the directives is ensured,” felt Sangma.
