Bank locker in punjab national

The bank has not been deprived of rental in this case. The locker would not have been forced open b y the bank due to this reason.

However it is not clear what would have been done by BM of the bank since locker is seemingly not operated since 2006. It shall be proper to get in touch with BM of the bank.

There is a proper policy in place set by RBI that has to be followed by Bank, IBA,BCSBI etc………………………and should be available on website of the bank, and a printed version should be available in bank and must be made available in all branches to customer on demand, free of cost.

Master Circular on Customer Service

21.1 Access to the safe deposit lockers / return of safe custody articles (with survivor/nominee clause)

21.2 Access to the safe deposit lockers / return of safe custody articles (without survivor/nominee clause)

21.3. Preparing Inventory

21.4 Simplified operational systems / procedures

21.5 Customer guidance and publicity

The policy is crystal clear, is in simple language, and easy to understand.

You may follow the corresponding rules as in your case depending upon whether there was a survivor ship/nomination or not?

Okay.

Can you tell what relevant documents i will need to present to the bank?

Also there is no nominee specified who is available. .My grandmother was nominee.

The locker has most likely not been open since my grandfather died back in 2003.

So more likely it will be survivorship route for me to take.

Also i have a question.Is naming nominee necessary when opening locker?Does nominee have right to open locker in absence of alottee?

Dear Sir,

The locker has not been opened since 2003 after my grandfather died.

i am not aware of any nominee.most likely it was my grandmother.Is it necessary policy to name a nominee when opening a locker?

What relevant documents will i need to have to present to the bank?

You may go thru the rules that have been pointed out.

The BM of the bank should have form signed by locker hirers at the time of hiring the locker, and can show it to you and you would know the nomination if any was made or not.

Assuming that Grandmother was nominee and she has also deceased the BM may seek legal advice from legal advisor of the bank and shall inform you accordingly. In such a case it shall be appropriate to obtain the decision of the bank thru its BM in writing.

However the bank has to opt for customer friendly approach.

The BM may settle the matter by asking for proof of being legal survivor, indemnity bond, death certificate, KYC docs of legal survivors etc.

You may comply with rules and resolve your matter.

The elders in the family, local well known persons of repute can be of help.

Or you may have to obtain legal heirship certificate etc from civil court.

Thank you for your reply sir.

i called a toll free helpline of punjab national bank which number was given in the website.

The person told to go to the branch where locker is and present my ID proof along with death certificate of my grandparents and after a week the locker could be opened.

Could it be this simple?

Hopefully it might be.

Why not? It can be!

The RBI guidelines also make a mention of customer friendly approach.

Note down the helpline phone number, date , time of call, name of CCE.

From the branch call helpline and let BM also speak to this CCE if required.

However BM has to comply with norms, rules and at the same time can adopt customer friendly approach.

Handle your matter carefully.