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Submit your complaint →Akansha Chaturvedi raises a complaint against HDFC Bank for unfair deductions of ₹1003 from her newly opened salary account. Read the full complaint, legal remedies, and how Choice4Voice.com can help.
Complaint Summary : HDFC Bank Complaint – Akansha Chaturvedi Alleges Unfair Salary Account Charges
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Complainant Name | Akansha Chaturvedi |
| Company/Brand | HDFC Bank |
| Complaint Type | Unfair Bank Charges / Salary Account Deduction |
| Product/Service | Salary Account |
| Issue Description | ₹1003 deducted as “unrecovered service charges” from a newly opened zero-balance salary account. |
| Date of Incident | September 2025 |
| Company’s Response | No resolution yet |
| Complaint ID (if any) | Not disclosed |
| Original LinkedIn Post URL | View Complaint |
Full Complaint Details
Akansha Chaturvedi shared her frustration on LinkedIn regarding unfair charges imposed by HDFC Bank. According to her, her employer had recently opened a salary account, which is legally expected to be zero balance with no hidden charges.
To her surprise, HDFC Bank placed a hold of ₹1003 citing “unrecovered service charges.”
This raised multiple concerns:
- Why should a freshly opened salary account face deductions?
- Why was there no prior notification or transparency?
- Does this practice go against the basic purpose of salary accounts?
Akansha described this as unethical banking behavior and demanded immediate reversal of charges while urging greater accountability from HDFC Bank.
How Choice4Voice.com Can Help
Choice4Voice.com is a consumer advocacy platform that amplifies genuine unresolved complaints to ensure companies take quick action.
Here’s how we can assist in this case:
- Public Amplification – Publishing Akansha’s complaint on Choice4Voice.com and LinkedIn to bring visibility.
- Regulatory Pressure – Escalating the matter to the RBI Banking Ombudsman and Consumer Forum.
- Legal Guidance – Advising on applicable laws including Banking Regulations Act, Consumer Protection Act, and RBI Guidelines on salary accounts.
- Complaint Templates – Providing ready-to-use drafts for filing FIR (if fraud suspected), RBI Ombudsman complaint, and Consumer Forum petition.
- Follow-Up Support – Tracking the complaint until proper resolution or refund is secured.
Legal Cases That Can Be Filed
In this matter, the following legal actions are possible:
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- Grounds: Unfair trade practice, deficiency in service.
- Remedy: Refund of deducted amount, compensation for harassment.
- RBI Banking Ombudsman Complaint
- Applicable since RBI mandates that salary accounts must not attract unfair charges.
- Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 420 (Cheating)(if proven intentional misrepresentation)
- If deductions were made fraudulently without consent.
- Contractual Breach under Banking Regulations Act
- As salary accounts are exempt from minimum balance/non-maintenance charges.
Departments & Authorities Where Complaints Can Be Filed
- RBI Banking Ombudsman – For unfair charges and banking malpractices.
- District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum – For seeking compensation.
- Banking Codes and Standards Board of India (BCSBI) – For violation of fair practice codes.
- Cybercrime Portal (if digital fraud involved).
- Police FIR (if intentional cheating or fraud is suspected).
Pre-Drafted Complaint Templates
1. RBI Ombudsman Complaint (Email Draft)
Subject: Complaint Regarding Unfair Charges on Salary Account – HDFC Bank
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to lodge a complaint against HDFC Bank for deducting ₹1003 from my newly opened salary account under “unrecovered service charges.” Salary accounts are by law zero-balance and exempt from such charges. This constitutes unfair banking practice. I request immediate reversal of the amount and strict action against HDFC Bank.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
2. Consumer Forum Petition (Sample Draft)
Complainant: [Name]
Respondent: HDFC Bank
Subject: Unfair Deduction of ₹1003 from Salary Account
The respondent has illegally deducted charges from a zero-balance salary account without prior intimation. This is a clear violation of RBI Guidelines and the Consumer Protection Act. The complainant seeks refund and compensation for mental harassment.
Brand Background – HDFC Bank
- Founded: 1994
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Services: Retail banking, loans, credit cards, salary accounts
- Customer Base: Over 70 million customers
- Controversies: HDFC Bank has faced multiple complaints in the past regarding hidden charges, aggressive recovery agents, and unfair practices.
Suggested Solutions
- Immediate refund of ₹1003 to Akansha’s account.
- Written apology from HDFC Bank for harassment.
- RBI to issue notice ensuring salary account rules are not violated.
- Stronger transparency norms for new account holders.
Q&A Section – Detailed Consumer Guidance
1. What is a salary account?
A salary account is a zero-balance account provided by banks to employees, where no minimum balance requirement or service charges should be applied.
2. Can banks deduct charges from a newly opened salary account?
No. As per RBI guidelines, banks cannot impose hidden charges on salary accounts unless explicitly informed and consented by the account holder.
3. What are RBI rules for salary accounts?
Salary accounts must be zero balance, free of unfair deductions, and must provide basic banking facilities at no cost.
4. What to do if a bank deducts unfair charges?
Consumers can first escalate to the bank’s grievance cell, then to the RBI Ombudsman, and if unresolved, file a case in the Consumer Forum.
5. Can I get compensation in Consumer Court for unfair bank charges?
Yes. Apart from refund, courts may order banks to pay compensation for harassment and mental agony.
6. How much can I claim in Consumer Court?
If the disputed amount is small (like ₹1003), consumers may still claim higher compensation for mental stress, travel expenses, and time wasted.
7. How long does the RBI Ombudsman take to resolve complaints?
Generally within 30 days, but may extend depending on complexity.
8. Can banks mark “service charges” without prior intimation?
No. Any deductions without prior notice and consent are against RBI’s Fair Practice Code.
9. Can I close a salary account if charges are deducted?
Yes, you can request closure and transfer salary to another bank. The bank cannot refuse closure if dues are cleared.
10. Which law protects employees against unfair bank deductions?
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and Banking Regulation Act protect consumers from unauthorized deductions.
11. What is the RBI Ombudsman portal?
It’s an online complaint system for banking grievances: https://cms.rbi.org.in.
12. What is considered “deficiency in service” by banks?
Any action by a bank that causes unfair loss to a customer, including wrongful deductions, denial of services, or harassment.
13. Can my employer be held responsible in such cases?
No. Employers only facilitate account opening. The bank is directly responsible for wrongful deductions.
14. Is it possible that banks auto-convert salary accounts into savings accounts?
Yes. If no salary is credited for 2–3 months, some banks convert accounts into regular savings accounts, which may attract charges.
15. How to prevent banks from making hidden deductions?
Regularly check statements, read terms at account opening, and immediately file a written objection to the branch if unfair charges appear.
16. Can I demand an explanation from the bank in writing?
Yes. Consumers have a legal right to demand a written explanation for deductions.
17. Is filing a police FIR necessary for unfair deductions?
Not usually. FIR is only needed if fraud, cheating, or unauthorized third-party access is suspected.
18. Can salary accounts be levied with “minimum balance” charges?
No. Salary accounts are strictly zero-balance. Such charges are illegal.
19. Can Choice4Voice.com help in filing the complaint?
Yes. Choice4Voice.com provides ready-made templates, legal guidance, and amplifies complaints to ensure banks respond quickly.
20. What compensation can I realistically expect?
Refund of deducted charges, penalty interest, and additional compensation if harassment is proven.
