How do I appeal an RBI Ombudsman decision to the Appellate Authority?

Question

The RBI Ombudsman rejected my complaint against my bank, and I believe the decision is wrong. Can I appeal this decision and to whom? I have been reading conflicting things online and I would like to understand what Indian law actually says about this, which Act and Section applies, what the realistic timelines and costs are, and what I should be doing right now to protect my position. If the matter can be resolved without litigation I would prefer that route, but I want to know what my rights are before I agree to anything or sign any document.

MyVakeel Legal Desk · Accepted Answer

How do I appeal an RBI Ombudsman decision to the Appellate Authority? is governed in India primarily by RBI Ombudsman Scheme 2021, Clause 16, RBI Ombudsman Scheme 2021, Clause 17 and Reserve Bank of India Act 1934, Section 45L. The short answer is set out below, followed by the practical steps most people in this situation need to take. Read it alongside the specific provisions named, because the exact relief available to you turns on the facts you can prove on paper.

Clause 16 of the RBI Ombudsman Scheme 2021 permits either the complainant or the regulated entity to file an appeal before the Appellate Authority, which is a Deputy Governor of the RBI, against an award or a decision closing or rejecting the complaint.

The appeal must ordinarily be filed within 30 days of receipt of the Ombudsman's decision, though the Appellate Authority has discretion under Clause 17 to condone delay of up to a further specified period if sufficient cause is shown for not filing within time.

The Appellate Authority can dismiss the appeal, allow it and set aside the Ombudsman's order, remand the matter for fresh consideration, or modify the award, based on a review of the record and the appeal grounds submitted.

The RBI Ombudsman Scheme itself is issued under the RBI's statutory powers, including those flowing from Section 45L of the Reserve Bank of India Act 1934, which allows the RBI to call for information and give directions to regulated entities in the interest of banking policy and customer protection.

An appeal to the Appellate Authority does not require engaging a lawyer and can be filed online or by post to the Reserve Bank Integrated Ombudsman Scheme secretariat, though a complainant who remains aggrieved even after the appellate order retains the independent right to approach a civil court or consumer forum.

What to do next: 1) Note the date of receipt of the Ombudsman's order to calculate your 30-day appeal window; 2) Draft the appeal clearly stating the specific errors in the Ombudsman's decision; 3) Submit the appeal to the Appellate Authority through the RBI's designated online portal or postal address; 4) If the appeal is also unsuccessful, consider pursuing the matter before a consumer commission or civil court.

If the other side has already issued a notice, filed a case or set a deadline, treat the matter as time-sensitive — most remedies under RBI Ombudsman Scheme 2021, Clause 16 carry limitation periods, and a delay you cannot explain weakens an otherwise strong case. You can post the details on the MyVakeel forum for a practising advocate to review, or book a paid consultation with a Bar Council verified lawyer in this practice area.