Central Information Commission
V. Regunathan vs State Bank Of India on 13 October, 2025
के ीय सूचना आयोग
Central Information Commission
बाबा गं गनाथ माग,मुिनरका
Baba Gangnath Marg, Munirka
नई िद ी, New Delhi - 110067
ि तीय अपील सं ा / Second Appeal No. (As Per Annexure)
िशकायत सं ा / Complaint No.
V. Regunathan ... अपीलकता/Appellant
...िशकायतकता/Complainant
VERSUS
बनाम
CPIO: State Bank of India,
Bengaluru ... ितवादीगण/Respondent
Relevant dates emerging from the appeal/Complaint:
Sl. Second Date of RTI Date of Date of Date of Date of
No. Appeal Application CPIO's First FAA's Second
No./Com Reply Appeal Order Appeal/Co
plaint mplaint
1. 643744 24.04.2024 15.05.2024 07.06.2024 18.06.2024 30.09.2024
2. 649989 12.03.2024 06.06.2024 17.06.2024 Nil. 11.11.2024
3. 649581 23.04.2024 16.05.2024 18.06.2024 Nil. 08.11.2024
4. 643518 10.03.2024 06.04.2024 12.05.2024 24.05.2024 28.09.2024
Note - The above-mentioned Appeal/complaint have been clubbed together for
decision as these are based on similar RTI Applications.
Date of Hearing: 07.10.2025
Date of Decision: 10.10.2025
Page 1 of 14
CORAM:
Hon'ble Commissioner
_ANANDI RAMALINGAM
ORDER
Second Appeal No. CIC/SBIND/A/2024/643744
1. The Appellant/Complainant filed an RTI application dated 24.04.2024 seeking information on the following points:
1. FURNISH CERTIFIED COPIES of ALL SBI CIRCULARS / NOTIFICATIONS / DIRECTIVES / PROCEDURES / sop, etc. (in whatever NAME it is known / called at SBI) - about the "ISSUE of an IN-PRINCIPLE OFFER LETTER" (FOR LOAN UNDER "SBI REALTY-FOR PLOT PURCHASE").
2. FURNISH CERTIFIED COPY(s) of "CHECK LIST OF DOCUMENTS FOR HOME LOANS" (For Buying a Property in other than Approved Projects) -
which Is / are required to be used by OFFICIALS OF SBI/RACPC - during and/or before "ISSUE of an IN-PRINCIPLE OFFER LETTER" (FOR LOAN UNDER "SBI REALTY-FOR PLOT PURCHASE").
3. FURNISH CERTIFIED COPIES of ALL SBI CIRCULARS / NOTIFICATIONS / DIRECTIVES / PROCEDURES / sop, etc. (in whatever NAME it is known / called at SBI) - EMPOWERING / AUTHORISING THE OFFICIALS OF SBI/RACPC - TO "ISSUE an IN-PRINCIPLE OFFER LETTER" (FOR LOAN UNDER "SBI REALTY-FOR PLOT PURCHASE") - EVEN WITHOUT OBTAINING / VERIFYING the "ORIGINAL COPY OF AGREEMENT FOR SALE".
4. FURNISH CERTIFIED COPIES of ALL SBI CIRCULARS / NOTIFICATIONS / DIRECTIVES / PROCEDURES / sop, etc. (in whatever NAME it is known / called at SBI) - DETAILING THAT OFFICIALS OF SBI/RACPC ARE EMPOWERED / AUTHORISED TO "ISSUE of an IN-PRINCIPLE OFFER Page 2 of 14 LETTER" (FOR LOAN UNDER "SBI REALTY-FOR PLOT PURCHASE") - ONLY AFTER OBTAINING the "ORIGINAL COPY OF AGREEMENT FOR SALE".
5. FURNISH CERTIFIED COPIES of ALL SBI CIRCULARS / NOTIFICATIONS / DIRECTIVES / PROCEDURES / sop, etc. (in whatever NAME it is known / called at SBI) - DETAILING THE "LIST OF PROPERTY-RELATED DOCUMENTS IN ORIGINAL" TO BE OBTAINED and/or VERIFIED - BY OFFICIALS OF SBI/RACPC - BEFORE "ISSUE of an IN-PRINCIPLE OFFER LETTER" UNDER "SBI REALTY-FOR PLOT PURCHASE").
..., etc./ other related information 1.1. The CPIO replied vide letter dated 15.05.2024 and the same is reproduced as under:-
1. The information sought which are internal in nature which contains confidential matters and information including commercial confidence which is exempted from disclosure under Section 8(1)(d) of the RTI Act.
2. The information sought which are internal in nature which contains confidential matters and information including commercial confidence which is exempted from disclosure under Section 8(1)(d) of the RTI Act.
3. The information sought which are internal in nature which contains confidential matters and information including commercial confidence which is exempted from disclosure under Section 8(1)(d) of the RTI Act.
4. The information sought which are internal in nature which contains confidential matters and information including commercial confidence which is exempted from disclosure under Section 8(1)(d) of the RTI Act.
5. The information sought which are internal in nature which contains confidential matters and information including commercial confidence which is exempted from disclosure under Section 8(1)(d) of the RTI Act.
Etc. Page 3 of 14 1.2. Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Appellant/Complainant filed a First Appeal dated 07.06.2024 alleging that the information provided was incomplete, false and misleading. The FAA vide order dated 18.06.2024 directed the CPIO to relook in query no. 11 & 12.
1.3. Aggrieved with the FAA's order, the Appellant/Complainant approached the Commission with the instant Second Appeal dated 30.09.2024. Complaint No. CIC/SBIND/C/2024/649989
2. The Appellant/Complainant filed an RTI application dated 12.03.2024 seeking information on the following points:
Ref: 1. SBI HOME LOAN APPLICATION - submitted to SBI, Bangalore - submitted by Mr. M. SARAVANA KUMAR & Mrs. R. BHARATHI (SBI REALTY TL Application No. YLAPHL20241006137076)
2. SBI EMAIL/LETTER dated 23.01.2023 - communicating SBI's IN-PRINCIPLE-
OFFER (IPO)-communicated against SBI REALTY TL Application No. YLAPHL20241006137076 - communicated to Mr. M. Saravana Kumar & Ms. R. Bharathi
3. SBI, Banaswadi Branch, Bangalore - Letter No. NIL, dated 05.FEB.2024. addressed to Mr. M.SARAVANA KUMAR & Mrs. R.BHARATHI - (in connection with SBI Home Loan File :: RLMS No. 5012 4012 3031 217).
1. FURNISH CERTIFIED COPY of the MOU / AGREEMENT, etc. (in whatever name it is called / known at SBI) - EXISTING BETWEEN SBI and M/s. MERIT FINANCIAL SERVICES, Bangalore - in connection with the PROCESSING of SBI Home Loan Applications.
2. FURNISH CERTIFIED COPY of the DOCUMENTS (in whatever name it is called / known at SBI) - detailing the (1). ROLES, (2). RESPONSIBILITIES, (3) OBLIGATIONS TOWARDS SBI and (4) OBLIGATIONS TOWARDS "SBI HOME Page 4 of 14 LOAN APPLICANTS", etc. EXPECTED FROM M/s. MERIT FINANCIAL SERVICES, Bangalore - in connection with the PROCESSING of "SBI Home Loan Applications".
3. FURNISH CERTIFIED COPY of the LETTER / EMAIL, etc., (in whatever name it is called / known at SBI) - issued by SBI/RACPC/Bangalore - AUTHORISING / EMPOWERING / DIRECTING / PERMITTING M/s. MERIT FINANCIAL SERVICES, Bangalore - for CO-ORDINATING / PROCESSING / LIAISING, etc. (in whatever name it is called / known at SBI) - in connection with the Home Loan Application of Mr.Sarvana Kumar M & Ms. Bharathi R (dealt under SBI REALTY TL Application No. YLAPHL20241006137076SBI and/or SBI Home Loan File ::
RLMS No. 5012 4012 3031 217.
4. Furnish Date(s) & Time of Receipt of LEGAL OPINION(s) received from SBI's Panel Advocate Mr. V.MANJUNATHA (No.42/1, 7th Cross, Raghavendra Colony, 5th Main Road, Chamarajpet, Bengaluru-560013) ::
- received by SBI / RACPC / Bangalore
- received either directly from Mr.V.Manjunatha or received thro M/s. MERIT FINANCIAL SERVICES, Bangalore.
- received in connection with SBI REALTY TL Application No. YLAPHL20241006137076SBI and/or SBI Home Loan File :: RLMS No. 5012 4012 3031 217
- RECEIVED BEFORE THE RELEASE of SBI's IN-PRINCIPLE-OFFER (IPO) to Mr.Sarvana Kumar M & Ms. Bharathi R
5. Furnish Date(s) & Time of Receipt of LEGAL OPINION(s) received from SBI's Panel Advocate Mr. V.MANJUNATHA (No.42/1, 7th Cross, Raghavendra Colony, 5th Main Road, Chamarajpet, Bengaluru-560013) ::
- received by SBI / RACPC / Bangalore Page 5 of 14
- received either directly from Mr.V.Manjunatha or received thro M/s. MERIT FINANCIAL SERVICES, Bangalore.
- received in connection with SBI REALTY TL Application No. YLAPHL20241006137076SBI and/or SBI Home Loan File :: RLMS No. 5012 4012 3031 217
- RECEIVED AFTER THE RELEASE of SBI's IN-PRINCIPLE-OFFER (IPO) to Mr.Sarvana Kumar M & Ms. Bharathi R ..., etc./ other related information 2.1. The CPIO replied vide letter dated 06.06.2024 and the same is reproduced as under:-
1. Information relates to third party and disclosure of which is exempted under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act 2005.
2. Information relates to third party and disclosure of which is exempted under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act 2005.
3. Information relates to third party and disclosure of which is exempted under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act 2005.
4. The information sought for cannot be provided as the same falls under commercial confidence and the information sought for is rejected under section 8(1) (d) of the RTI Act 2005.
5. The information sought for cannot be provided as the same falls under commercial confidence and the information sought for is rejected under section 8(1) (d) of the RTI Act 2005.
Etc. 2.2. Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Appellant/Complainant filed a First Appeal dated 17.06.2024 alleging that the information provided was incomplete, false and misleading. The FAA vide order dated Nil directed the CPIO to relook into the RTI request and furnish the sought information. 2.3. Aggrieved with the FAA's order, the Appellant/Complainant approached the Commission with the instant Complaint dated 11.11.2024.Page 6 of 14
Complaint No. CIC/SBIND/C/2024/649581
3. The Appellant/Complainant filed an RTI application dated 23.04.2024 seeking information on the following points:
1. INSPECFTION of ALL PAGES (Hard Copies) in ALL SBI FILE(s) - WITH ALL Endorsements / File-notings / Check Lists, Approvals, Observations, Approvals, etc. MADE THEREIN - MADE BY SBI OFFICIALS of RACPC, BANASWADI i.e. File(s) used for (and/or connected with) PROCESSING the SBI HOME LOAN APPLICATION - Application submitted to SBI, Bangalore - Application submitted by Mr. M.SARAVANA KUMAR & Mrs. R,BHARATHI, No. 304, Pioneer Greenwoods Apartment, Near Manipal County, Singasandra, Bangalore - 560 068.
(Ref :: SBI REALTY TL Application No. YLAPHL20241006137076 and SBI Home Load File :: RLMS No. 5012 4012 3031 21
2. INSPECFTION of ALL PAGES (Soft Copies) in ALL SBI FILE(s) / Folder(s) - in the SBI COMPUTER SYSTEMS - WITH ALL ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS, EMAILS, WHATSAPP Messages, SMSs, Endorsements / notings / Check Lists, Approvals, Observations, etc. MADE THEREIN - i.e. Soft Copies available in the Computer Systems at SBI RACPC, BANASWADI - File(s) Folder(s) used for (and/or connected with) PROCESSING the SBI HOME LOAN APPLICATION - Application submitted to SBI, Bangalore - Application submitted by Mr. M.SARAVANA KUMAR & Mrs. R,BHARATHI, No. 304, Pioneer Greenwoods Apartment, Near Manipal County, Singasandra, Bangalore - 560 068. (Ref :: SBI REALTY TL Application No. YLAPHL20241006137076 and SBI Home Load File ::
RLMS No. 5012 4012 3031 217) Page 7 of 14
3. INSPECTION of ALL LETTERS / EMAILS / WHATSAPP MESSAGES, ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS, etc. - BOTH in the form of SOFT & HARD copies (in whatever name it is called / known at SBI) - EXCHANGED BETWEEN (1) SBI, Bangalore and (2) M/s. MERIT FINANCIAL SERVICES (BANGALORE) - i.e. All communications (both hard copy and soft copy) exchanged in connection with the PROCESSING the SBI HOME LOAN APPLICATION - Application submitted to SBI, Bangalore - Application submitted by Mr. M.SARAVANA KUMAR & Mrs. R,BHARATHI, No. 304, Pioneer Greenwoods Apartment, Near Manipal County, Singasandra, Bangalore - 560 068. (Ref :: SBI REALTY TL Application No. YLAPHL20241006137076 and SBI Home Load File :: RLMS No. 5012 4012 3031 217)
4. INSPECTION of ALL LETTERS / EMAILS / WHATSAPP MESSAGES, ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS, etc. - BOTH in the form of SOFT & HARD copies (in whatever name it is called / known at SBI) - EXCHANGED BETWEEN (1) SBI, Bangalore and (2) SBI Panel Advocates (Mr. V.Manjunatha & Ms.U.Kanchana) - exchanged directly and/or exchanged thro M/s. MERIT FINANCIAL SERVICES (BANGALORE) - i.e. All communications (both hard copy and soft copy) exchanged in connection with the PROCESSING the SBI HOME LOAN APPLICATION - Application submitted to SBI, Bangalore - Application submitted by Mr. M.SARAVANA KUMAR & Mrs. R,BHARATHI, No. 304, Pioneer Greenwoods Apartment, Near Manipal County, Singasandra, Bangalore - 560 068. (Ref :: SBI REALTY TL Application No. YLAPHL20241006137076 and SBI Home Load File :: RLMS No. 5012 4012 3031 217)
5. INSPECTION of ALL DOCUMENTS - BOTH in the form of SOFT & HARD copies (in whatever name it is called / known at SBI) - with ALL the endorsements / notings made therein by SBI OFFICIALS - BASED ON WHICH :: SBI had ACCORDED APPROVAL for issue of IN-PRINCIPLE-OFFER (IPO) - in connection with the Page 8 of 14 PROCESSING the SBI HOME LOAN APPLICATION - Application submitted to SBI, Bangalore - Application submitted by Mr. M.SARAVANA KUMAR & Mrs. R,BHARATHI, No. 304, Pioneer Greenwoods Apartment, Near Manipal County, Singasandra, Bangalore - 560 068. (Ref :: SBI REALTY TL Application No. YLAPHL20241006137076 and - SBI Home Load File :: RLMS No. 5012 4012 3031
217).
..., etc./ other related information 3.1. The CPIO replied vide letter dated 16.05.2024 and the same is reproduced as under:-
1. Information relates to third party and disclosure of which is exempted under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act 2005.
2. Information relates to third party and disclosure of which is exempted under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act 2005.
3. Information relates to third party and disclosure of which is exempted under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act 2005.
4. Information relates to third party and disclosure of which is exempted under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act 2005.
5. Information relates to third party and disclosure of which is exempted under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act 2005.
Etc. 3.2. Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Appellant/Complainant filed a First Appeal dated 18.06.2024 alleging that the information provided was incomplete, false and misleading. The FAA vide order dated Nil directed the CPIO to relook into the RTI request and furnish the sought information. 3.3. Aggrieved with the FAA's order, the Appellant/Complainant approached the Commission with the instant Complaint dated 08.11.2024.
Second Appeal No. CIC/SBIND/A/2024/643518
4. The Appellant/Complainant filed an RTI application dated 10.03.2024 seeking information on the following points:
Page 9 of 14 Ref: 1. SBI HOME LOAN APPLICATION - submitted to SBI, Bangalore - submitted by Mr. M.SARAVANA KUMAR & Mrs. R,BHARATHI (SBI REALTY TL Application No. YLAPHL20241006137076)
2. SBI EMAIL / LETTER dated 23.01.2023 - communicating SBI's IN-PRINCIPLE-
OFFER (IPO) - communicated against SBI REALTY TL Application No. YLAPHL20241006137076 - communicated to Mr. M. Saravana Kumar & Ms. R. Bharathi
3. SBI, Banaswadi Branch, Bangalore - Letter No. NIL, dated 05.FEB.2024. addressed to Mr. M.SARAVANA KUMAR & Mrs. R,BHARATHI - (in connection with SBI Home Loan File :: RLMS No. 5012 4012 3031 217).
1. FURNISH CERTIFIED XEROX COPY OF ALL PAGES of "SBI HOME LOAN APPLICATION, Dated 23.01.2024" (with ALL endorsements / notings made therein by the SBI officials) - which had been submitted by Mr. M.SARAVANA KUMAR & Ms. R,BHARATHI - submitted to SBI, BANGALORE - which had been dealt by SBI / RACPC / BANGALORE - under SBI REALTY TL Application No. YLAPHL20241006137076SBI and / or SBI Home Loan File :: RLMS No. 5012 4012 3031 217
2. FURNISH CERTIFIED XEROX COPY of ALL PAGES of SBI "CHECK-LIST(s)"
- BOTH in the form of SOFT & HARD copies (in whatever name it is called / known at SBI) - with ALL the endorsements / notings made therein by SBI OFFICIALS - which had been prepared / used / filled-in -- for processing SBI REALTY TL Application No. YLAPHL20241006137076SBI and / or SBI Home Loan File :: RLMS No. 5012 4012 3031 217
3. FURNISH CERTIFIED XEROX COPY(s) of ALL LETTERS / EMAILS / COMMUNICATIONS, etc. - BOTH in the form of SOFT & HARD copies (in whatever name it is called / known at SBI) - with ALL the endorsements / notings made therein by SBI OFFICIALS - sent / furnished by SBI / RACPC / Bangalore Page 10 of 14
- sent / furnished to M/s. MERIT FINANCIAL SERVICES, BANGALORE - in connection with SBI REALTY TL Application No. YLAPHL20241006137076SBI and/or SBI Home Loan File :: RLMS No. 5012 4012 3031 217
4. FURNISH CERTIFIED XEROX COPY(s) of ALL LETTERS / MAILS / COMMUNICATIONS, etc. - BOTH in the form of SOFT & HARD copies (in whatever name it is called / known at SBI) - with ALL the endorsements / notings made therein by SBI OFFICIALS - received by SBI / RACPC / Bangalore - received from M/s. MERIT FINANCIAL SERVICES, BANGALORE - in connection with SBI REALTY TL Application No. YLAPHL20241006137076SBI and/or SBI Home Loan File :: RLMS No. 5012 4012 3031 217
5. FURNISH CERTIFIED XEROX COPY(s) of ALL LETTERS / MAILS / COMMUNICATIONS, etc. - BOTH in the form of SOFT & HARD copies (in whatever name it is called / known at SBI) - with ALL the endorsements / notings made therein by SBI OFFICIALS - EXCHANGED BETWEEN SBI / RACPC / Bangalore and SBI / Banaswadi Branch / Bangalore (both inward and outward)
- Exchanged in connection with SBI REALTY TL Application No. YLAPHL20241006137076SBI and/or SBI Home Loan File :: RLMS No. 5012 4012 3031 217 ..., etc./ other related information 4.1. The CPIO replied vide letter dated 06.04.2024 and the same is reproduced as under:-
1. Copy of Home Loan application (10 pages) submitted by Mr. M Saravana Kumar & Ms. R Bharathi - enclosed.
2. Copy of Check list -3 pages enclosed.
3. No written or email communication sent to M/s Merit Financial Services. Hence no document or record available to be furnished.
4. No written or email communication received from M/s Merit Financial Services.
Hence no document or record available to be furnished Page 11 of 14
5. No written or email correspondence between RACPC Banaswadi and Banaswadi Branch Hence no document or record available to be furnished. Etc. 4.2. Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Appellant/Complainant filed a First Appeal dated 12.05.2024 alleging that the information provided was incomplete, false and misleading. The FAA vide order dated 24.05.2024 upheld the reply given by the CPIO.
4.3. Aggrieved with the FAA's order, the Appellant/Complainant approached the Commission with the instant Second Appeal dated 28.09.2024. Hearing Proceedings & Decision:
5. The Appellant/Complainant remained absent and on behalf of the respondent Hanumantappa J., Assistant General Manager & Raghavendra, AGM (Law), attended the hearing through video conference.
6. The respondent while defending their case inter alia submitted that the information sought in CIC/SBIND/A/2024/643744 pertains to internal operations and functions carried out by officials within the bank, and disclosure of the same could adversely affect the commercial position of the bank. Therefore, the copies of circulars and notifications were not shared with the appellant.
Further, in CIC/SBIND/C/2024/649989, the CPIO stated that the circulars relating to home loan processing followed by the bank contained commercially sensitive information, exempted under Section 8 (1) (d) of the RTI Act.
In CIC/SBIND/C/2024/649581, the CPIO stated that a revised reply dated 22.07.2024 was given in compliance with FAA's order, wherein they clarified that the information pertained to third-parties wherein consent of the concerned account holders had not been obtained. However, in CIC/SBIND/A/2024/643518 the information was furnished to the appellant since he enclosed consent letter of parties concerned, along with the RTI application.
Page 12 of 147. The Commission after adverting to the facts and circumstances of the case, hearing the respondent and perusal of records, observes that appropriate reply has been given by the CPIO in CIC/SBIND/C/2024/649989 & CIC/SBIND/C/2024/649581 and no action is warranted in the said complaints. Accordingly, the complaints CIC/SBIND/C/2024/649989 & CIC/SBIND/C/2024/649581 are closed. 7.1. It is also noted that the CPIO has provided adequate information to the appellant on CIC/SBIND/A/2024/643518, as per the provisions of the RTI Act. However, the plea taken by the respondent in CIC/SBIND/A/2024/643744 that the circulars and notifications sought in the RTI application were meant for internal circulation. Assuming the circulars contained commercially sensitive information, as claimed by the respondent during the hearing, CPIO could have severed the exempted information as per Section 10 of the RTI Act. In view of the above, the respondent is directed to re-visit the RTI application in CIC/SBIND/A/2024/643744, and provide the information sought by the appellant, after redacting exempted information mentioned in the circulars/notifications, as per Section 10 of the RTI Act, within 15 days from the date of receipt of this order, under due intimation to the Commission. Accordingly, the appeals are disposed of.
Copy of the decision be provided free of cost to the parties.
Sd/-
(Anandi Ramalingam) (आनंदी रामिलंगम) Information Commissioner (सूचना आयु ) िदनांक/Date: 10.10.2025 Authenticated true copy O. P. Pokhriyal (ओ. पी. पोख रयाल) Dy. Registrar (उप पंजीयक) 011-26180514 Page 13 of 14 Addresses of the parties:
1 The CPIO State Bank Of India, CPIO, Premises & Estate Department, Local Head Office, New Annexe Building, No.-65, St. Mark's Road, Bengaluru-560001 2 The CPIO State Bank Of India, CPIO, Racpc, Banaswadi, #253, Dolphin Mansion, Near Bus Depot, 1st Main Road, Hbr Layout, 2nd Block, 1st Stage, Hennur Gardens, Bengaluru560043 3 V. Regunathan Annexure of Second Appeals/Complaints Sl. No. Second Appeal/Complaint No. 1 CIC/SBIND/A/2024/643744 2 CIC/SBIND/C/2024/649989 3 CIC/SBIND/C/2024/649581 4 CIC/SBIND/A/2024/643518 Page 14 of 14 Recomendation(s) to PA under section 25(5) of the RTI Act, 2005:-
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