Banking Regulation Act, 1949 · Section guide
Section 35A: Power of the Reserve Bank to give directions
Reviewed by CA Nikhil Gupta · Last reviewed 18 September 2026
Section 35A — Power of the Reserve Bank to give directions. Allows RBI to issue binding directions to banks generally or a particular bank. Where necessary in public interest, banking policy, depositor/bank interests or proper management; RBI may modify/cancel directions on representation or on its own motion with conditions.
Official statute linkedProvision-specific anatomyPractical case + evidence file
Statutory structure and provision map
This map is a provision-specific explanation, not a substitute for the exact statutory text.
Core statutory rule
Allows RBI to issue binding directions to banks generally or a particular bank where necessary in public interest, banking policy, depositor/bank interests or proper management.
Condition / limitation
RBI may modify/cancel directions on representation or on its own motion with conditions.
Source and effective-date control
Apply the wording of Section 35A that was in force on the event date; use the official Act and any applicable commencement/amending instrument linked on this page.
Professional application
Map grounds, addressees, binding directions and modification/revocation; link actual relevant directions.
Evidence / working-paper checklist
- Section 35A evidence: RBI notice/direction/inspection requisition.
- Section 35A evidence: books, returns and source data supplied to RBI.
- Section 35A evidence: management response and remediation evidence.
- Section 35A evidence: effective-date mapping for every operative paragraph of the RBI instrument.
Retain the event date and source version with the file so the conclusion remains reproducible after later amendments.
Common mistakes to avoid
- For Section 35A, avoid treating an RBI direction as advisory.
- For Section 35A, avoid answering an inspection request from summary data that cannot be reconciled to books.
- For Section 35A, avoid implementing a circular without checking applicability, effective date and supersession.
Linked Rules, RBI directions, notifications and forms
Linked instruments keep their own legal basis; they are not attributed to Section 35A unless the official instrument says so.
Related sections inside the Act
Use these links to read Section 35A in its statutory sequence, especially where the provision imports definitions, approvals, appeals, penalties or winding-up consequences from neighbouring sections.
Current-law source control
Source control: Section 35A is anchored to the official DFS consolidated text; later changes require separate Gazette verification.
Dated matters: verify any later Gazette, RBI direction or binding judgment affecting Section 35A on the event date.
Primary official sources
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Disclaimer
This Finin2min page is an educational and professional reference. Banking regulation is fact-, entity- and date-sensitive. Verify the current Act, Gazette amendments and commencement notifications, applicable RBI Rules/directions and the transaction record before acting or filing.