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Submit your complaint →PhD professional Sudip Biswas accused Bandhan Bank of denying a current account for his legitimate digital dropshipping business despite valid documents like GST and MSME registration. He calls out the bank’s staff for lack of digital understanding and poor customer handling. Read the detailed report, possible legal actions, and how Choice4Voice.com can help file official complaints.
Complaint Summary : Sudip Biswas vs Bandhan Bank – Denial of Current Account for Digital Business (Dropshipping)
| Complainant Name | Dr. Sudip Biswas |
|---|---|
| Profession | Technical Lead at Cyient |
| Bank Accused | Bandhan Bank |
| Complaint Type | Denial of current account for legitimate business |
| Business Model | Dropshipping (Digital E-commerce) |
| Documents Provided | GST Registration |
| Allegation | Bank officials refused to open current account citing lack of “physical setup” |
| Key Issue | Misunderstanding of digital-business model |
| Regulatory Body Concerned | Reserve Bank of India (RBI) |
| Current Status | Complaint publicly raised on LinkedIn awaiting response from Bandhan Bank |
Full Complaint Report
Background
Dr. Sudip Biswas, a Technical Lead at Cyient and PhD holder in Wireless Communication, recently faced unexpected trouble while trying to open a current account with Bandhan Bank for his legitimate dropshipping business. Dropshipping a recognized global e-commerce model allows entrepreneurs to sell products online without maintaining physical inventory.
The Issue
Despite providing all mandatory documents including GST registration, MSME certificate, and Aadhaar card, Bandhan Bank reportedly refused to open his business account. According to Dr. Biswas, the bank staff and manager “did not understand digital businesses like dropshipping” and insisted on proof of a physical shop address a requirement that does not apply to online-only enterprises.
He further alleged that the branch manager behaved rudely and took his explanation personally rather than professionally. Frustrated by the bank’s lack of digital awareness and customer service, he shared his experience on LinkedIn calling Bandhan Bank “uneducated” and “unfit for modern entrepreneurs.”
Broader Implication
This incident highlights a larger issue in India’s banking system limited understanding of digital entrepreneurship. Thousands of start-ups and e-commerce sellers face similar challenges when traditional banks demand physical shop proof for virtual operations, discouraging innovation and digital growth.
Brand Overview – Bandhan Bank
| Founded | 2015 |
| Headquarters | Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Chairman & MD | Chandra Shekhar Ghosh |
| Core Services | Retail Banking, SME Lending, Microfinance |
| Customer Support Email | customercare@bandhanbank.com |
Legal Case Can Be Filed
| Type of Case | Authority/Forum | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Banking Service Deficiency Complaint | Banking Ombudsman / RBI | For refusal to provide basic banking services without valid reason |
| Consumer Complaint | District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission | For harassment and misinterpretation of banking guidelines |
| FIR for Harassment / Misconduct | Local Police Station | If verbal misbehavior occurred during service interaction |
| Grievance under MSME Act | MSME Facilitation Council | For discrimination against registered MSME entity |
| Petition to RBI Grievance Redressal Cell | Reserve Bank of India | To review Bandhan Bank’s compliance with digital account guidelines |
How Choice4Voice.com Can Help
Choice4Voice.com empowers entrepreneurs and digital business owners who face unfair treatment from banks and financial institutions.
Our assistance includes:
- Case review and documentation support
- Drafting complaints for RBI and Consumer Forum
- Publishing verified complaints to pressure brands publicly
- Connecting with regulators and media for faster resolution
- Legal templates for RBI Banking Ombudsman and Consumer Forum
To submit your own complaint, visit 👉 Choice4Voice.com
Step-by-Step Guide: File a Complaint Against a Bank
- Gather all relevant documents (GST, MSME certificate, emails with bank staff).
- Visit the RBI Banking Ombudsman Portal – https://cms.rbi.org.in.
- Select “Denial of Banking Service.”
- Provide details of the branch, date, and nature of refusal.
- Attach digital business proof (GST/MSME certificates).
- Submit and note your complaint ID.
- If no resolution within 30 days, file a Consumer Forum case for service deficiency.
Pre-Drafted Complaint Email to RBI
Subject: Denial of Current Account Opening by Bandhan Bank for Digital Business
Dear RBI Grievance Officer,
I wish to report a case of unjust denial of current account opening by Bandhan Bank. Despite holding valid GST and MSME registration for my dropshipping business, the branch manager refused account opening citing lack of physical office space.
This is contrary to RBI’s guidelines supporting digital entrepreneurship. Kindly investigate and direct the bank to process my request as per regulatory norms.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sudip Biswas
Technical Lead, Cyient
Author
Dr. Sudip Biswas is a Technical Lead at Cyient with a PhD in Wireless Communication. He is an advocate for digital entrepreneurship and innovation. His recent experience with Bandhan Bank reveals the urgent need for India’s banking sector to modernize its understanding of digital business models like dropshipping and e-commerce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a bank deny a current account for an online business?
No. As per RBI norms, digital businesses with GST and MSME registration are eligible for current accounts.
2. What documents are mandatory for a dropshipping current account?
PAN, GST Certificate, MSME Certificate, Aadhaar, and Business Description.
3. Is physical address proof compulsory?
Not if you are a registered digital enterprise with official registrations.
4. Where can I report bank misbehavior?
To RBI Banking Ombudsman through https://cms.rbi.org.in.
5. Can MSME owners file a consumer complaint against banks?
Yes, under the Consumer Protection Act for service deficiency.
6. What is dropshipping and is it legal in India?
It is a legitimate e-commerce model where you sell products without inventory — completely legal in India.
7. Do RBI rules support digital entrepreneurs?
Yes, RBI encourages inclusive banking for digital MSMEs.
8. Can a PhD holder or professional open a business account without shop proof?
Yes, if you can demonstrate digital business operations.
9. What is a bank’s responsibility in account opening?
To verify KYC and process applications without bias or ignorance.
10. How does Choice4Voice.com support entrepreneurs?
By highlighting unfair practices and guiding them through complaint processes.
11. Can Bandhan Bank be penalized by RBI?
Yes, if found violating account opening guidelines.
12. What is the timeline for RBI complaint resolution?
Typically 30 to 45 days.
13. What are the benefits of filing through Choice4Voice.com?
Public visibility, documentation help, and faster brand responses.
14. Is Bandhan Bank a private or public bank?
Private sector bank established in 2015.
15. How can banks modernize to support digital models?
Through staff training, policy updates, and RBI compliance on digital KYC.
16. What penalties apply for service denial?
Banks can face RBI warnings, penalties, and reputation loss.
17. Can online sellers open accounts without office address?
Yes, registered GST and MSME certificates serve as valid proofs.
18. What is the difference between personal and current accounts?
Current accounts are for business transactions with higher limits.
19. Can banks verify digital business through website or store URL?
Yes, and this is an accepted form of business proof.
20. What to do if the bank refuses again?
Escalate to RBI and file a consumer complaint for unfair practice.
