Zero Liability Customers Unauthorized Transactions Occur Without Their Fault, NCDRC Holds Union Bank of India Liable for Deficiency in Service (Consumer Case)
A partnership firm, the complainant, noticed two unauthorized transfers totaling Rs. 9,00,000 from its account with Union Bank of India.

Despite informing the bank and filing a police report, the bank failed to act, even after the complainant sent a legal notice demanding a refund, interest and compensation. The District Forum dismissed the complainant, but the State Commission of Goa allowed the appeal, ordering the bank to pay Rs. 9,00,000 with 7% interest, Rs. 15,000 in compensation, and Rs. 10,000 in litigation costs.

In response, the bank filed a revision petition before the National Commission. The complainant argued that the mobile number linked to their online banking was different from the used for the disputed transfers of Rs. 9,00,000, and they did not receive OTPs for the transactions. The bank claimed the number was updated after a SIM replacement and denied negligence, asserting compliance with procedures.

The Commission noted that under RBI guidelines, customers have zero liability for unauthorized transactions reported within three days, which the complainant did. Finding the bank deficient in service for failing to secure the account, the Commission upheld the State Commission’s decision, reducing compensation to Rs. 15,000 and dismissed the bank’s revision petition.

Source: – Live Law
By: – Rajat Ranjan