Delhi High Court Suspends RBI Ombudsman Directive on Consumer Complaints

The Delhi High Court has put a hold on a directive that required the RBI Ombudsman to involve trained legal professionals for second-level intervention in consumer complaints. This decision came during the review of an appeal by the RBI against a previous order. The court has scheduled further hearings for March 17, while also suspending a requirement for the RBI's Deputy Governor to submit an affidavit detailing compliance measures. This ruling aims to reassess the system for handling consumer grievances effectively.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 9, 2026, 08:51 IST

Court Halts RBI Ombudsman Order

The Delhi High Court has temporarily suspended its previous directive that mandated the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Ombudsman to require trained legal professionals for a second level of human intervention in cases where complaints are dismissed.

This decision was made by a bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia, who reviewed an appeal filed by the RBI against a single judge's order issued on November 27, 2025.

The bench stated, “Accordingly, we direct that until the next hearing date, the instructions outlined in paragraphs 47(5) and 48 of the disputed order will remain suspended.” Furthermore, the court has scheduled the case for further hearings on March 17.

Additionally, the court has also put a hold on the directive requiring the RBI's Deputy Governor to submit an affidavit by January 15, detailing the measures taken to implement the single judge's orders.

The single judge had previously issued several directives aimed at strengthening the system for addressing consumer complaints handled by the RBI Ombudsman in their ruling on November 27, 2025.