Chapter B-9

LOCKERS

Section 1 General
Section 2 Lockers and Locker Room
Section 3 Safe Deposit Vault/ Locker Room & Custody thereof
Section 4 Custody of Keys
Section 5 Allotment of Lockers
Section 6 Hirer of Locker
Section 7 Locker Rent
Section 8 Documents for Hiring of a Locker
Section 9 KYC Compliance
Section 10 Nomination
Section 11 Custody of Locker Documents
Section 12 Opening of Locker Account & Handing over Key
Section 13 Password
Section 14 Locker Operation
Section 15 Illiterate Hirer
Section 16 Surrender of Locker
Section 17 Addition of Name in Locker Account
Section 18 Measures relating to a Locker which has remained Unoperated
Section 19 Operation through Power of Attorney
Section 20 Rent in Arrear
Section 21 Procedure for Breaking Open a Locker
Section 22 Breaking Open a Locker in case of Loss of Key
Section 23 Termination of Agreement
Section 24 Access to Locker on Death of Locker Hirer
Section 25 Valuables left outside Locker
Section 26 Search and Seizure of Locker/ Vault by Income Tax Authorities
Section 27 Court Orders
Section 28 Searches by Police
Section 29 Restraint Orders
Section 30 Identity of the Authorities
Section 31 Searches and Carry
Section 32 Legal Penalty
Section 33 Secrecy/Confidentiality of Lockers

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Lockers

Section 1 : General

1.1 The Bank provides facility of lockers to general public, not as a business activity but as a
corporate obligation. Under this facility, the Bank offers a locker to be hired by an eligible hirer.
The relationship between the bank and the hirer is not the customary relationship between a
banker and a customer, rather it is a relationship between lessor and lessee as the bank, in reality,
leases out a volume of space for the exclusive use of the hirer in return for the rent paid and
subject to a limitation on the timings of right to enter and right to exit and subject to certain other
conditions. In return for the rent paid, the hirer is assured only security to the vault but not to the
contents of the locker which the banker does not know / is not required to know.

1.2 Under agreement for hiring, the hirer undertakes to use the locker only for the purpose of
deposit of documents, jewellery and other valuables. The locker cannot be used for deposit of
any property which is of explosive/ destructive nature. (Please refer to terms & conditions at the
back of locker agreement SBP 240)

1.3 In currency chest branches, locker cabinets cannot be installed inside the vault for currency
chest. However, these can be installed in a separate strong room. Please refer to Section 2 para D
with regard to installation of locker cabinets in different types of branches.

Section 2 : Lockers and Locker Room

A. Lockers and Locker Cabinets

(i) Individual lockers are contained in locker cabinets. In India, locker cabinets are manufactured
by M/s Godrej, M/s Steelage, M/s Methodex Systems. In the past M/s Allwyn Ltd also used to
manufacture and supply lockers, some of which can still be found installed in some of our old
branches.
(ii) The lockers of all brands are usually manufactured with standard sized receptacles.
Currently, Bank provides small, medium, large and extra large locker of following sizes (cir
no.GB.S&P/36 dt 8th October 2013).

SMALL MEDIUM LARGE EXTRA LARGE

Size A 125x175x492 Size C 125x352x492 Size F 278x352x492 Size L 404x529x492
Size B 159x210x492 Size D 189x263x492 Size G 189x529x492 Size L1 385x529x492
Size E 159x423x492 Size H 325x423x492
Size H1 325x210x492

(iii) (a) The locker cabinets and individual lockers are fabricated with 5-10 mm thick steel plates.
These are strong, unbreakable and impenetrable. However, these are vulnerable to gas cutter/
electric blow torches. Therefore only the authorized repairers should be allowed entry into the
locker room carrying such equipment, if such a contingency arises. No one else can be allowed
to enter with such equipment or be allowed to lodge them in the lockers under any
circumstances. Special watch should be kept on the hirers of large cabinets.

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(b) Lockers are manufactured maintaining utmost precision in measurements. The hinged doors
of the individual lockers are manufactured with such precision that they fit into the
compartments without leaving any gap or space anywhere. This is done to prevent insertion of
sharp tools or any contraption to pry open the lockers.

(c) Locks are fitted with such precision/concealment that these cannot be broken open even with
extreme force/effort by anyone except the manufacturers own authorized staff. The
manufactures also use coded templates to spot the rivets binding the locks to the doors.

B. FBR Safe Type Lockers

Locker cabinets are also manufactured in the design of FBR safes, with attached multi locking
security doors. These cabinets are supplied to the branches where regular cabinets cannot be
installed in strong rooms or separately secured/protected in independent rooms due to paucity of
space. Even in this type of safes, the individual lockers are of standard size and the multi locking
security doors have provisions of double lock system for keeping them under joint custody.

C. Locking System of the Lockers

(i) Each locker cabinet is given a distinct/exclusive number for identification. These numbers
are different/distinct from key numbers. Each locker is provided with a door having two
independent key holes and keys. Sometimes, additionally, there is a provision for a third key
either by way of an embedded key hole or a separate latch to fix a normal lock by the hirer.

(ii) Out of the two keys, the right hand side lock is for operation by the bank i.e. the Custodian.
The mechanism/leverage of all the right hand locks in one locker cabinet is identical to each
other. Therefore, all of them can be opened with one single key known as Master Key (by the
manufacturer) which is also called the Custodian Key. Usually this Master Key is supplied in
duplicate or triplicate.

The left hand side lock is for the operation by the hirer. The mechanism/leverage of the left hand
side lock is different from each other. Therefore, the key of one locker cannot unlock any other
locker in the cabinet. These keys bear distinct numbers, totally unrelated to the locker number or
the cabinet. These are called Customer Keys. No duplicate for these keys are ever
manufactured by the company. The manufacturer also does not retain with them the lever
designs of such customer keys. Therefore, it can only be broken open and that too, by the
manufacturer. The name of our Bank and place are indicated in abbreviated/coded form on the
heads of the customers keys of all locker cabinets.

D. Installation of Locker Cabinets

Cabinets can be installed in the following manner.

(i) In an exclusive strong room separate from the cash strong room, but built with security steel
doors with provision for double locking. (RBI prescribes security specifications only for cash
strong room and not for locker room). This is applicable mostly to currency chest branches.

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(ii) In strong room itself, by separating the space with steel bars/grill ensuring that the hirers
have no access to cash almirahs/bins/receptacles i.e. that portion where cash is kept separately
locked. Additional curtains/screens must be provided. This is applicable mostly to non currency
chest branches.

(iii) In a separate room, where the locker cabinet is provided with FBR safe type door. Even
here, the walls must be concrete reinforced for added safety. This is applicable to both currency
or non currency chest branches.

E. Space Management

Where there is more than one locker cabinet, the cabinets can be arranged face to face, near the
walls or back to back in the middle. Thus multiple rows can be arranged. However, it must be
ensured that there is sufficient moving space between two rows, which should not be less than 3
feet. However, arrangement can be made keeping in mind access to the lockers and sufficient
moving space and provisions for light and ventilation.

F. Lighting

(i) It should be ensured that there is sufficient light in the locker room. Light points should be
fixed to the roof in front of the cabinets so that light falls on the face of the cabinets. Lights
should also be fixed to the entrance wall taking care that entrance is properly lighted and face
and the bottom of the locker receive adequate light.

(ii) Emergency lamps should be provided in sufficient numbers at vantage points. These should
have preferably rechargeable dry cells and in case there are lead acid batteries, these should be
checked for acid level at intervals. The branch should therefore keep a bottle of distilled water
ready in stock. The work of maintaining the emergency lights and periodical topping thereof can
be entrusted to any peon. Where regular electrical contractors are on rolls, they can also be
utilized for maintenance and checking purposes.

G. Ventilation and Conveniences

(i) The locker room should be well ventilated and fans should be fixed on ceilings/walls
ensuring sweep of breeze on the face of the locker cabinets, where the hirers stand for operating
lockers. Air blowers can also be used in case there are rows of cabinets.

(ii) One or two chairs along with a dressing table may also be provided for the convenience of
the hirers with provision for adequate light and breeze.

(iii) Room fresheners should be used to eradicate any odour in the locker room and to make
hirers feel comfortable and pleasant.

(iv) To provide and protect privacy, adequate number of screens/curtains can be used on the
front grill door and other portions, exposed to the probable view of others including bank staff.
Light coloured or floral designed draperies/curtains should be used because dark colours absorb

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light. The curtains should be made in two sets and changed once a month, regularly. These
should be dry cleaned and stored properly with naphthalene balls/odonil in the folds.

H. General Maintenance

(i) The locker room should be swept every day. Cobwebs should not be allowed to form nor dust
be allowed to gather. Dust has a tendency to cause chemical degradation and dis-integration of
the paint layers, exposing the metal to rust. Wherever carpets are provided, these should be kept
clean and these should be removed to periodically clean the floor underneath.

(ii) At branches having more than one locker cabinets, hirers sometimes find it difficult to locate
their numbers and in the process of locating their lockers by trial, they may inadvertently cause
damage to the locker doors of other lockers. This also can cause unforeseen and risky problems.
Therefore, in order to make location of individual lockers easy, the locker cabinet should be
marked prominently as A, B, C etc and the corresponding lockers should also be similarly
marked as A-1, A-2, A-3 and B-1, B-2, B-3 etc. Any other combination can be used so long as it
facilitates easy identification. If required, locker registers and forms can also be marked similarly
in a corresponding way.

(iii) The exteriors of the cabinets should be swabbed/sponged once a week with available
cleansing agent which should be of a non corrosive nature. Excessive liquid/water should not be
used in order to avoid any kind of seepage into the locker.

(iv) The walls of the locker room and the roof should be checked every monsoon to detect any
leakage or seepage of water into the room. If this happens, the branches should get the necessary
repair done as early as possible. The Custodian should carry out such checks at least twice in a
year.

(v) In order to keep the locker room free from pests, pest control treatment should be carried out
at half yearly intervals and necessary certificate in this regard should be kept on record.

Section 3 : Safe Deposit Vault/Locker Room & Custody thereof

3.1 Bank should normally procure a number of locker cabinets having lockers of various sizes as
per customers needs. These cabinets should be installed in a separate room called the locker
room which must have the same security specifications as that of the cash vault.
3.2 In most branches, the strong room contains two separate enclosures/rooms, one for cash
vault and the other for lockers. In such a case, the access to the strong room is through one main
door and inside there are two separate grills, one each for cash vault and locker vault. In such a
situation, the locker room remains under joint custody of the Custodians who have the custody of
the cash also. Since there are two separate rooms each with a grill, during working hours, to
obviate the necessity of presence of two officials while operating lockers, the locker room grill
can be kept locked under single lock only for the purposes of convenience of operations. Under
such a situation, the Custodian of the cash should also be Custodian for the lockers and the grills
of both locker room as well as strong room may remain locked under the single lock of the
officer, for sake of operational conveniences. However, the grill of the room in which the cash is

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kept shall always remain locked under joint custody i.e. under the locks of both the custodians
during working hours. In place of Head Cashier, Cash Officer can also hold joint custody of the
strong room i.e. both cash vault and locker vault.
3.3 Where however the strong room and the locker room are separate, each with separate door
and grill gate, the locker room shall not only be under joint custody, but the joint custodians can
be either an officer with the Head Cashier or two officers only. In such a case also, the grill gate
of the locker room can be kept locked with single key during working hours for convenience of
operations. Strong Room, where cash is kept, shall continue to remain locked under joint custody
during the working hours.
3.4 Usually the Accountant/Manager (Accounts) is the joint custodian of the lockers as well as
of the cash. Where however there is a necessity to authorize another officer to hold joint custody
of the lockers, say in a big or divisionalized branch or for any reason, the same can be done with
approval of the Controlling Authority. Such an officer should be a confirmed officer.

Section 4 : Custody of Keys

4.1 The Custodian key of the lockers will be retained by an officer of suitable seniority, who
will also be known as Custodian. In special cases, the Controlling Authority may permit the
Custodian key to be entrusted to another supervising officer who shall hold the key during the
day only for sake of operational convenience.

4.2 The keys of the lockers surrendered by hirer as well as those of other empty lockers should
be retained by an officer other than the Custodian in a locked receptacle inside the strong room
and no other officer would have access to such keys. A separate locker can also be earmarked for
holding such keys in which case this locker can be allotted to the officer who would retain the
customer key. Allotment of locker for such purpose shall be recorded in Safe Deposit Locker
Key Register SBP 90. Other formalities like obtention of locker agreement etc. need not be
undertaken. In case of transfer, the new incumbent shall verify the keys and take over after
giving a suitable certificate in this regard which should be sent to the Controlling Authority.

4.3 In small branches where the branch manager is the only supervising officer, the keys should
be held in the joint custody of the branch manager and the head cashier.

Section 5 : Allotment of Lockers

5.1 The locker shall be provided on first-come-first served basis provided the applicant is
eligible for the same (Section 6).

5.2 The requirements of KYC norms as prescribed from time to time need to be complied with
while letting out lockers (Section 9).

5.3 The branches shall invariably maintain a wait list for the purpose of allotment of lockers. A
separate register should be maintained for this purpose. All applications received for allotment of
locker should be acknowledged and given a wait list number. If any hirer vacates a locker or the
branch acquires a new locker cabinet, the allotment of locker should be as per the order of wait
list maintained at the branch. Transparency in allotment of lockers should be ensured. A written

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communication should be sent to the applicants address by registered post giving him sufficient
time, say 15 days, to acquire the locker.

Section 6 : Hirer of Locker

6.1 Lockers can be hired only by Indian citizens or legal persons under Indian law, who are
eligible to enter into a contract. Contrarily lockers cannot be let out to minors either singly or
jointly with others because a minor is not eligible to enter into a contract.

6.2 Lockers can be let out to the hirers either singly or jointly in the form of either or survivor/
anyone or survivor or any combination thereof. The mode of operation so decided by hirers shall
be entered in the locker agreement and in CBS with utmost clarity.

Section 7 : Locker Rent

7.1 A locker would ordinarily be hired out on annual basis. Initially, a locker registration charge,
presently Rs.509/-, shall be recovered from the new hirer. In addition, advance locker rent should
be recovered upto 31st March of the financial year in which locker is hired (i.e. on pro rata
basis), together with 12 months advance rent for the next year. The quarter, in which the locker
is hired, should be reckoned as a full quarter irrespective of the date of hire. After this initial
payment, the locker rent should be recovered on 2nd April for every subsequent year in advance.

7.2 As per current instructions, Bank allows 12 free operations in a year. Operations more than
12 in a year are permitted by payment of Rs.51/- per visit, which should be recovered as and
when such operations are allowed.

7.3 In special cases, the lockers can be hired on quarterly/half yearly basis after obtaining prior
permission of the Controller/ an authority of the rank of AGM. Locker rent shall however be
payable as per para 7.1.

7.4 Allotment of lockers must not be linked with placement of any deposit as this is a restrictive
practice and is prohibited. Branches therefore must not insist on placement of any fixed deposit
while allotting lockers, except as provided in para 7.5 below.

7.5 i) However, branches may face a situation where the locker hirer neither operates the locker
nor pays the rent. Therefore to ensure prompt payment of locker rent, branches may, at the time
of allotment, obtain a fixed deposit as security, which would cover 3 years of rent and the
charges for breaking open the locker in case of such an eventuality. For existing lockers, where
rents are being paid regularly, such fixed deposit should not be insisted on.

ii) Since fixed deposit advices are being issued in lieu of fixed deposit receipts, it is essential
that lien should be marked in the CBS. Due caution must be exercised while renewing or paying
such fixed deposit. Lien can be discharged only at the time of surrender of locker. Therefore lien
will continue as long as the locker is held by the hirer.

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7.6 Whenever there is a revision in rental charges, a notice as per Annexure-I should be sent to
the hirer(s) in duplicate, well before the expiry of the current agreed period. The
acknowledgement by the hirer(s) should be obtained on the duplicate copy which should be filed
along with the locker agreement SBP 240.

Section 8 : Documents for Hiring of a Locker

8.1 After it has been decided to allot a locker to a customer, the following documents should be
obtained.

i) KYC documents, as applicable, including profile as per Annexure-II.

ii) Locker Agreement (SBP 240) : This is a stamped agreement. The value of the stamp should
be as per the stamp duty applicable in the State. The reverse side of this agreement contains the
terms &conditions under which the locker is given on hire by the Bank. This is to be signed by
the hirer/all the hirers both on its front and back, evidencing the fact that the hirer/ hirers have
read and understood the terms &conditions. *
*In case SBP 240 does not contain the following clause, it should be incorporated by affixing a
suitable rubber stamp, made for this purpose.
Further in case the locker is not operated for more than one year by the hirer(s), he/she will
inform the reason for not operating the locker and on his/her failure to inform the Bank the
reasons for not operating the locker, the Bank shall have a right to cancel the agreement after due
notice to the hirer(s) and open the locker irrespective of the fact that the hirer(s) is paying the
locker rent regularly (PSB/PNS/59 dt 21st Aug 2013).

iii) One recent photograph should be obtained which should be affixed on the Locker
Agreement. The photograph should also be uploaded in the CBS.

iv) Nomination Form as applicable. In case locker is being held jointly, the nomination form
must be signed by both (please refer to Chapter on Nomination).

v) Acknowledgement for delivery of key should be obtained and recorded in the Safe Deposit
Locker Key Register (SBP 90).

vi) Wherever the locker hirer has executed a Power of Attorney appointing an agent on his
behalf for operation and other purposes, the same should be obtained in original and kept
attached with the locker agreement. The branch officials must study this Power of Attorney to
ensure that it is in order in all respects and has no clause that affects Banks interest adversely.
(Please also refer to para 14.5 & Section 19).

8.2 Since locker agreement is a contract between two parties, the hirer is entitled to a copy of
thereof. Therefore, the branches should invariably give a copy of the locker agreement to the
locker hirer at the time of allotment.

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Section 9 : KYC Compliance

9.1 KYC guidelines, as stipulated in various HO circulars in respect of opening saving/ current
account are also applicable to locker accounts and therefore these must be fully complied with
while allotting the lockers.

9.2 In case of existing locker hirers where KYC guidelines have not been complied with, the
branches should send by post a profile of the hirer(s) as per Annexure-II to their recorded address
with a request to complete the same and return to the Bank within 15 days. The authorized
official should diarize to obtain such profiles, which, when received, should be kept attached
with the locker agreement. The authorized official should also contact the hirer personally to
complete this KYC process as early as possible. Opportunity for obtaining such profile shall also
arise when the hirer visits the branch for locker operation.

9.3 Such profile must also be obtained from new hirers which should be kept attached with the
locker agreement as part of document.

9.4 (i) The present address of the locker hirer and his identity must be verified from the original
documents and such verification should be recorded on the photocopies under signature of
verifying officer. Such photocopies should also bear the signature of the hirer in token of having
tendered these documents. Such photocopies, bearing the signatures as above, should be kept
attached with the profile.

(ii) The photograph of the hirer should be obtained and pasted on the locker agreement. This
photograph should be verified by the officer under signature across the face of the photograph.
Care should be taken so that the photograph is not defaced.

9.5 Since the contents of locker are not known, there is inherent risk attached with hiring of
locker. Keeping in view this, Bank has prescribed risk classification for the locker hirers, which
can be done on the basis of the profiles obtained as above. In this connection, please refer to cir
no. KYC/KYC/7 dt 20th June 2013, which is applicable, mutatis mutandis. This circular
describes various risk categories and prescribes procedure at different stages, specifying
documents to be taken.

Section 10 : Nomination

10.1 Nomination facility is available to a locker hirer. (Please refer to Chapter on Nomination.)

10.2 It should also be noted that as an exception to the general rule (that only one person can be
a nominee), in a locker held and operated jointly by two or more individuals, the hirers may
nominate one or more persons in terms of Section 45 ZE & ZF of Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Section 11 : Custody of Locker Documents

11.1 All the documents related to locker (Section 8) should be kept under lock & key by the
Custodian who shall be responsible for the same.

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11.2 During business hours, the documents can be kept handy for ready reference and for this,
these may be kept in a locked box or otherwise stored in a receptacle/almirah under lock & key.
After close of business hours, these should be kept in a fire proof safe vault/almirah.

11.3 Under no circumstances, anybody else other than the Custodian should have access to these
documents. Maintaining utmost secrecy in relation to ownership, specimen signatures and
password (if any) is not only a professional duty/obligation on the part of the Banker but it is also
a corporate duty to guard them against misuse by unauthorised persons.

11.4 In case of surrendered lockers, the related documents are not to be destroyed, but are to be
retained on Banks records. Such documents related to a surrendered locker should be withdrawn
and kept in a special file created for this purpose which should be entered in Branch Documents
Register and kept in custody.

Section 12 : Opening of Locker Account and Handing Over of Key

12.1 Under CBS, the locker accounts have to be maintained as per Safe Deposit Vault (SDV)
module.

12.2 After complete documents have been obtained, details of the customer have been verified
and locker number has been allotted, locker account should be opened in CBS. The locker
account number so generated shall be advised to the hirer. In addition, the locker account shall be
opened in the Safe Deposit Locker Ledger (SBP-935) in which the locker account number along
with details of the hirer(s), mode of operation, the number of the locker as well as number of the
respective key shall be recorded. The name of the hirer, locker no. and key no. shall also be
recorded in the Safe Deposit Key Register (SBP-90). Thereafter, the key shall be handed over to
the hirer against his signature in the respective column in the Safe Deposit Key Register (SBP-
90) in token of having received the key. The signature(s) of the hirer(s) shall be uploaded in the
system along with the mode of operation. (Cir SP/SNP/3 dt 13th May 2008).

Section 13 : Password

13.1 As an added security measure to prevent misuse/impersonation, Bank has provided for the
facility of password by the hirer. This password is the sole choice of the hirer(s) and is meant to
serve as a security screen for establishing identity as well as for maintaining secrecy/ security.
The hirer can choose the name of any inanimate / animate object, an abstract term or a name
other than his own or even any sound that can be transcribed into english / hindi / any other
regional language. He should convey this password only to the Custodian in the branch premises
at the time of operation. An illiterate hirer can also choose/ register a password.

13.2 The Custodian should record the password in a separate register in the serial order of the
lockers, which should be kept in the personal custody of the Custodian. Care should be taken to
ensure that no two hirers have the same password.

13.3 Password so chosen by the hirer shall be committed to his memory. He should be advised
not to write or mark it on any book, paper or object which is likely to come to the notice of

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others. Even if he writes it down to serve for remembrance, he should be advised to take utmost
care to prevent it from falling into the hands of or coming to the knowledge of others. He should
also be advised not to convey password to anybody other than Banks Custodian.

13.4 The hirer is at liberty to change the password at will and at any time during the subsistence
of locker agreement i.e. lease. All the changes of password should be sought through a letter
which should be written and signed by the hirer in the presence of the Custodian and within the
branch premises. The letter should only indicate that the hirer is changing his password as well
as the date and time of its effect and it must not indicate the old or changed password.

13.5 As and when such a request for change of password is received, the Custodian should
satisfy himself about the genuineness of the request by verifying the hirers signature on the
letter and thereafter record the changed password conveyed to him in the register of passwords in
the aforesaid manner. All requests for change of password shall be authorised by the Custodian
and held in record along with locker agreement.

Section 14 : Locker Operation

14.1 Operation on lockers can be allowed during the usual public hours.

14.2 Before operation is allowed, the hirer is required to sign Safe Deposit Locker Access Form,
SBP-698, giving his locker number. The Custodian is required to verify the signature of the hirer
and thereafter to allow him access to his locker. In big/divisionalised branches, a junior officer
other than the Custodian can be permitted by the controller to retain the Custodian key during the
day time so as to free the Custodian to attend to other responsibilities. In such a case, request for
access to the locker shall be obtained on Safe Deposit Locker Access Form, SBP-699. The
signature of the hirer shall be verified and access allowed by the Custodian and thereafter,
physical operation can be allowed by the officer who is authorized to keep the custodian key
during the day time. This type of situation arises where there is a large number of lockers
requiring the presence of a separate officer only to get the lockers operated. It shall be the duty
of such an officer not only to collect duly authorized access forms but also to account for the
same at the end of the day by tallying the same with the operations in the Daily Transaction
Register. After these have been tallied, these will be held in record.

14.3 (i) There is no bar to multiple operations by a hirer in a day but each time, access is to be
allowed under hirers signature. Such operation(s) shall also be recorded, in addition to the above
access forms, in a register known as Daily Transaction Register. The hirer shall also be required
to sign this register which shall be duly authorized by the Custodian. This register must contain
the following details.

Sr. Date Time Name of the Hirer Locker Signature of the Signature of the Custodian/
No. No. Hirer Authorised Officer

(ii) Each access should be recorded in CBS under authorisation. It should be ensured that there is
no undue time lag between actual operation and its recording in CBS.

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14.4 Password, if any recorded, shall be enquired and verified while obtaining hirers signature
on the Access Forms, by the Custodian authorizing the access. Likewise, the mode of operation
shall also be verified by him before permitting access.

14.5 The locker hirer/hirers can operate the locker through his agent by executing a Power of
Attorney in his favour. For details, please refer to Section 19.

14.6 The Custodian of the lockers should at the end of the day inspect the strong room where
locker cabinets have been installed/locker room so as to ensure that no valuable/article has been
left behind by the hirer, in which case he will act as per instructions contained in Section 25. The
Custodian shall also inspect every locker that has been operated during the day to ensure that it
has been locked properly. The Custodian, before the locker/strong room is locked at the end of
the day, shall ensure that no hirer is left behind inside the room. Thereafter, he will record a
certificate under his signature in the following manner in the register kept for this purpose in the
locker room.

Verified the lockers operated during the day and found them properly locked. Also verified the
premises. No one has been left behind in the strong/locker room. Sd/- (Custodian)

14.7 Where lockers are provided with separate hasps/latches, it shall be ensured that the hirer
puts his own lock on his locker only and not on anybody elses locker. This can create more
difficulties for the Bank and therefore, either the Custodian or the officer holding key during day
time shall visit the locker room immediately after the operation by the hirer is over to ensure that
such an error is avoided.

14.8 A notice reading, Before leaving the locker room please ensure that your locker has been
effectively locked and you have not left behind any valuable/article in the locker room, should
be displayed prominently inside the locker room.

Section 15 : Illiterate Hirer

15.1 Illiterate persons may be permitted to hire Banks safe deposit lockers either singly or
jointly. Joint holder can also be another illiterate person. However, hirer(s) should fulfill the
criteria laid down in Section 6.1.

15.2 On locker agreement (and on other documents as per Section 8), the thumb impression (left
or right, as applicable) of the hirer(s) should be obtained under simple identification thereon by
two witnesses, who are known and are acceptable outsiders. The witnesses should only identify
the thumb impression under notation thumb impression of Sh/Smt______ identified, without
stating that these have been affixed in their presence. Such identification shall not amount to
attestation under Section 3 of Transfer of Properties Act, 1882.

15.3 Since the customer is illiterate, the contents of documents need to be read out to him for his
understanding. The Bank has prescribed form SBP-790 to be obtained from illiterate customers.
This form contains a certificate that the contents of the documents have been explained in a
language understood by the hirer, in addition to containing simple identification in the manner

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indicated above, of his thumb impression by two witnesses. Therefore, a certificate in the form of
SBP 790 must be taken.

15.4 The supervising officer authorizing hiring of the locker should read out and explain the
conditions on the reverse of the agreement form to the illiterate hirer, before getting the thumb
impression affixed. Therefore, the locker agreement should be executed in the presence of the
officer. Wherever possible, the locker agreement should be in the regional language or in a
language understood by the hirer. Where however this is not possible, an english/hindi form may
be used.

15.5 The access to the illiterate hirer(s) shall be permitted in the usual manner, except that the
hirers left/right hand thumb impression shall be obtained instead of the signature. The officer in
charge of safe deposit locker will need to satisfy himself beyond doubt regarding the identity of
the illiterate hirer by referring to the photograph on record, before permitting him access to the
locker.

15.6 Access to a locker may also be allowed to an illiterate hirers attorney, only if the relative
Power of Attorney is registered and specimen signature of the attorney, who must be a literate
person, has been duly verified by the registering authority or by a Magistrate under Court seal.

15.7 When an illiterate hirer wishes to surrender the locker, it should be explained to him in the
presence of two witnesses that the hiring agreement comes to an end and that he is surrendering
the locker empty. The officer in charge should certify this on the reverse of the agreement which
should be certified by the two witnesses under their signatures.

Section 16 : Surrender of a Locker

16.1 The hirer has right to surrender the locker at any time. Upon such surrender, the agreement
would come to an end.

16.2 Rent already paid at the time surrender shall not be refunded.

16.3 At the time of surrender, the hirer has to surrender the key also which is to be recorded in
the Key Register under his signature. The hirer shall also sign on the certificate in the Safe
Deposit Locker Ledger in token of having terminated the locker agreement as well as in token of
having surrendered all his rights thereunder.

16.4 In case of joint hirers, both or all of them should call on the branch for surrender of the
locker. All of them shall be required to sign the Key Register as well as the Safe Deposit Locker
Ledger as per para 16.3.

16.5 (i) Where the lockers are hired by more than one person on survivorship basis, the key
surrendered either in person or by post by one of the hirers may be accepted without the
termination agreement being signed by all the hirers. Where some of the hirers attend the Bank, a
letter should be forwarded to other hirer(s) for signature and return. However, pending receipt of
the letter signed by them, the locker may be allotted to a new hirer.

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(ii) In case of joint operations, the letter to terminate the agreement needs to be signed by all the
hirers even if the key has been surrendered, before it should be allotted to a new hirer.

16.6 A Power of Attorney holder, though authorized for locker operations, does not have any
authority to surrender the locker. However there can be situations where the locker hirer is
unable to be present personally for genuine reasons to surrender the locker and may wish to
surrender through a 3rd party. In such a case, a Power of Attorney, specifically authorizing the
agent to not only surrender the locker but also to take away the contents should be insisted on
and obtained. KYC formalities including obtention of photograph and signature must be
completed in respect of the agent. This is to secure Banks interest in case of any future dispute.
The agent shall also sign the locker termination agreement in locker ledger SBP 935 as well as
Key Register SBP 90, specifying his authority. All other formalities for locker operation like
signing the Access Letter and Daily Transaction Register shall be complied with. The original
Power of Attorney shall be taken into custody and kept along with other locker documents.
(Please also refer to Section 19)

16.7 There can be instances where the locker has already been cleared of all the contents and is
lying vacant. The hirer merely wants to surrender. In such instances, the Power of Attorney as
above, need not be insisted on. However the hirer shall be required to give a specific letter of
authority signed by him and addressed to the Bank, bearing the specimen signature of the agent
duly attested by him and specifically stating that the locker is vacant. In addition to verifying the
signature of the hirer, the holder of this letter of authority shall be identified by his signature as
well as by obtaining suitable documents like voter identity card, driving licence, pan card etc.,
before he is permitted access to the locker as well as to surrender it. While surrendering, he shall
also sign the locker termination agreement in locker ledger SBP 935 as well as Key Register SBP
90, specifying his authority. All other formalities for locker operation like signing the Access
Letter and Daily Transaction Register shall be complied with. The original letter of authority
shall be taken into custody and kept along with other locker documents.

16.8 The lock of a surrendered locker must be interchanged with that of another locker. For this
purpose, one locker should be kept un-allotted in each cabinet. Alternately, one extra lock for
each cabinet of the same size and make should be purchased and kept at the branch, duly
recorded in branch books as a safe custody article so that locks can be interchanged even when
all lockers have been rented out.

Section 17 : Addition of Name in Locker Account

17.1 When an existing hirer requests the Bank to add another persons name to the locker
account, the existing account must be closed and a new account must be opened in the joint
names. Such a person could be his wife, son, daughter etc or simply any other person.

17.2 While opening the new account, all formalities required for opening a new account must be
followed. KYC requirements must be complied with in respect of the new hirer. Fresh
photograph should be taken and uploaded. A fresh locker agreement should be obtained which
must be signed by both or all joint hirers. New mode of operation i.e. either or survivor or any

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one or survivor, or any combination thereof, should be duly recorded afresh and uploaded in the
system. Likewise, fresh nomination should be obtained and taken on record.

17.3 Since only another name is being added, there is no requirement to charge fresh rent for the
remaining currency of the old locker account. Similarly, vacation of locker and interchanging of
lock may not be insisted on. However, as a precautionary measure, a letter as per Annexure-III
should be obtained from the joint hirers and kept with the locker agreement.

Section 18 : Measures Relating to Locker Remaining Un-operated

18.1 Where locker has remained un-operated for more than 3 years (for medium risk category)
for one year (for higher risk category), the branch should immediately contact the locker hirer
and advise him to either operate the locker or surrender it. This exercise should be carried out
even if the locker hirer is paying the rent regularly. Further, branch should ask the locker hirer to
give in writing, the reasons for non operation for such a long period. In case, the locker hirer has
some genuine reason i.e. if he is an NRI or he has been out of town due to a transferable job etc.,
branch may allow the hirer to continue with the locker. The reasons, if any, advised by him,
should be placed on record and a review may be made to KYC Deptt at Head Office with
appropriate recommendation. Such review may also be made in case the reasons profered by the
hirer are not upto the satisfaction of the branch manager.

18.2 In case the locker hirer does not respond nor operate the locker, branch can consider
opening the locker after giving due notice to the hirer. An enabling clause as prescribed in
Section 8.1 (ii) should be incorporated in the locker agreement. While this may be done in case
of new locker account, for old hirers, this additional condition in terms of hire should be advised
by means of a letter and an acknowledged copy thereof should be kept attached with the locker
agreement. (please refer PSB/PNS/59 dt 21st August 2013)

Section 19 : Operation through Power of Attorney

19.1 Bank permits the lockers to be operated by the locker hirers through their authorized
agents. For this, the hirer is required to execute a Power of Attorney authorizing another person
to operate the locker on his behalf. Joint hirers can also authorize another person through Power
of Attorney.

It should be ensured that such a power of attorney is presented only by the Principal. In
exceptional cases, if the same is produced by the POA Holder, before acting on it, the
authenticity of the POA should be got confirmed from the Principal and confirmation held in
record.

19.2 Such Power of Attorney is to be executed on appropriate stamp paper bearing stamp duty
as applicable in the State. The Bank has prescribed a format for such Power of Attorney which is
SBP 667 R (applicable to both single hirer and joint hirers). Such Power of Attorney must be a
registered one.

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19.3 Before the Power of Attorney is taken on record, the same must be scrutinized by the
branch head / MOD to ensure that it is in order in all respects. Thereafter its summarized
particulars should be entered in the Power of Attorney Register SBP 68. The Power of Attorney
should be kept along with the locker agreement and suitable notation should be recorded in the
locker ledger SBP 935.

19.4 Access to the locker shall be permitted against a Power of Attorney only and after the
above formalities have been completed. KYC formalities should be completed for the Power of
Attorney holder too, whose photograph and signature should be taken into record and duly
verified.

19.5 The Power of Attorney must not be returned to the hirer even after the powers granted
under it are withdrawn or the locker is surrendered. This is to safeguard Banks interest against
potential litigation. The legend Power of Attorney Cancelled and/or Locker Surrendered should
be branded/written across the face of the POA on all its pages before it is consigned to the
records as per para 11.4.

19.6 The Power of Attorney holder, though having authority for operation, cannot surrender the
locker itself. In this connection, please refer to Section 16.

Section 20 : Rent in Arrear

20.1 If the rent on a locker is not received when it falls due on 2nd April, the hirer should be
requested on form SBP-336-A to arrange for payment. A red tape should be tied to the relative
locker to indicate non payment.

20.2 When hirer visits the branch to operate the locker, he should be reminded of his dues. If the
rent is still unpaid, access to the locker may be disallowed. A reminder should be sent to him
three months after the due date and if, at the end of six months from due date, the rent still
remains unpaid, a notice on form SBP-524 should be sent by registered post with
acknowledgement due. Only after this notice has been issued and either there is no response or
the rent is still unpaid, the procedure for breaking open the locker should be initiated (please
refer to Section 21).

20.3 Overdue charges are leviable when rent is overdue and should be recovered along with
overdue rent. Presently, overdue charges are prescribed by the Bank as under.

During the 1st Quarter @ 10% of annual rent

During the 2nd Quarter @ 25% of annual rent
During the 3rd Quarter @ 40% of annual rent
During the 4th Quarter @ 50% of annual rent

Section 21 : Procedure for Breaking Open a Locker

21.1 Breaking open of a locker should be undertaken only with the approval of the Controlling
Authority for which a recommendation must be made by the branch head, which should be done

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after expiry of a reasonable period after the issue of notice on SBP-524 with rent still remaining
unpaid/hirer remaining unresponsive.

21.2 Once the branch decides to break open a locker, it should arrange for two independent
witnesses (who would be present at the time of breaking open) by obtaining their verbal consent
and should also arrange to fix a date (for breaking open the locker) with the manufacturer who
has supplied the lockers.

21.3 After the above are decided, the branch should send recommendation to the Controlling
Authority apprising the following.
(i) circumstances of the case
(ii) names of the witnesses as above
(iii) date fixed with the manufacturer for breaking open

21.4 The locker shall be broken open in the presence of:

(i) one of Banks representatives like the Custodian, the BM or Manager of Division
(ii) two respectable and independent witnesses (one of whom should be a Notary Public/Oath
Commissioner or a senior lawyer and the other should be Bank's approved lawyer or a
respectable person known to the BM).

21.5 After permission from Controlling Authority is received, formal letters of appointment as
witnesses should be sent to the persons already identified as above. These formal letters should
be as per Annexure-IV. The manufacturer who has supplied the lockers, should be notified of the
date and time set for breaking open the locker and they should be requested to send their
authorized personnel for the purpose.

21.6 After the locker is broken open by the authorized personnel in the presence of the witnesses
as above, a detailed inventory of the contents found shall be made in triplicate as per Annexure-
V which shall be signed by all the witnesses. Out of the three copies, one copy of the inventory
shall be kept with the articles, one copy to be kept attached with the locker agreement and the
other copy should be sent to the Controlling Authority with reference to their approval.

21.7 Bank is not aware of the contents before breaking open. In case cash is found, the same
should be credited to the sundry deposit account. The voucher should contain complete details of
the cash and should be signed by all the witnesses/BM or MOD. Thereafter the recovery of rent
along with overdue charges should be made and complete details should be either attached with
the voucher or recorded at the back of the voucher. If complete recovery is possible, the same
should be made with residual cash remaining credited in the sundry account. In case the cash is
insufficient, partial recovery to the extent possible should be made. The details of recoveries
should be recorded on the list of the inventory under the joint signatures of the Custodian and the
branch head.

21.8 (i) In case there are valuables like jewellery etc. found in the locker, the same can be sold
off for recovery purposes only with the approval of the Controlling Authority. Here there are
possibilities of either full or partial recovery. On the basis of recommendation of the BM,
Controlling Authority will decide how much of the valuables are required to be sold. Please note

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that at this stage, the recommendation/approval can only be tentative as the contents are yet to be
valued. Once such approval is available, the valuables can be valued and their worth known. The
valuer should be preferably a Govt Valuer and his certificate of valuation must be kept attached
with the list inventory for future reference and scrutiny.

(ii) In case of partial or no recovery i.e. when the locker is empty or contains only papers
(security or otherwise), this fact should be noted and kept on record and in such cases, the Bank
may bear the expenses.

(iii) In case of full recovery, some valuables can still be available. These should be sealed in
separate packet(s) under the Banks seal and joint signatures of all the witnesses and the
Custodian and the BM/MOD. Such packet(s) along with the copy of inventory shall be deposited
in safe deposit with the Bank for subsequent delivery to the hirer(s) or his claimant. The
procedure for safe deposit should be followed (please refer to Chapter on Safe Deposit Articles).

21.9 After the above steps have been taken, the complete details should be reported to the
Controlling Authority with reference to their approval already given.

21.10 (i) Whenever the hirer or his claimant calls on the Bank subsequently, the contents of the
locker found and sealed in the above mentioned manner, can be delivered to him only after full
recovery of the overdue rent and charges, if any, and on the BM being satisfied about the
bonafides of the claimant and his request. (Here, it is to be noted that such claimant can be his
nominee, his legal heir(s), Court appointed administrator/executor or any other legally authorized
person. In such cases, procedure as appropriate should be obtained. (Please refer to Chapter on
Disposal of Assets of Deceased Constituents).

(ii) For opening the sealed packet, the consent/request by the hirer or his claimant should be
obtained in writing and the sealed packet should be opened in the presence of two officials of the
Bank. A copy of the inventory should be given to the hirer/the claimant. While delivering the
contents along with the list of inventory, a receipt should be obtained as per Annexure-VI which
should be kept attached with the locker documents. Suitable noting should be made in the Safe
Deposit Locker Ledger and the locker agreement.

21.11 The charges for breaking open the locker should be recovered along with overdue rent
either from the cash recovered or from the proceeds of sale of valuables or at the time of delivery
of contents to the hirer/claimant subsequently. When recovery in above manner is not possible,
the Bank may bear the cost.

21.12 The locker so broken open can be allotted to any other hirer only after fixing of new lock
by the manufacturer.

Section 22 : Breaking Open a Locker in case of Loss of Key

22.1 Whenever a hirer reports loss of key and requests for breaking open the locker, the
approval of the Controlling Authority should be obtained for breaking open the locker and
necessary arrangements may be made with the manufacturers. If the locker is held jointly, all the

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hirers should sign the letter advising the loss of key as well as the request letter for breaking
open. In case any of the hirer(s) is deceased or not available, his nominee or legally constituted
representative should sign the letters along with other hirers.

22.2 The charges for breaking open should be ascertained and recovered from the hirer(s) along
with service charge which is presently Rs.509.

22.3 The locker should be broken open in the presence of all the hirers along with
representative, if any. The hirers can also authorize one or more of them to be present. An
inventory should be made of the articles found in the locker, which should be signed by all the
hirers and representative, if any and a copy thereof should be retained along with locker
documents.

22.4 In the above cases, lock can be changed by the manufacturer with the number of the key
remaining the same. This should be done in the presence of the hirers as above. Normally there
should not be any need to execute a fresh locker agreement.

22.5 In case the hirer has expired, his nominee/ legal representative can report loss of key and
request for breaking open the locker. The Bank, after ascertaining the bonafides of the nominee/
legal representative and his request, can allow breaking open by following the procedure given
above in Section 21.

Section 23 : Termination of Agreement

23.1 As per the terms & conditions of the locker agreement, either the Bank or the hirer, can
terminate the locker agreement by giving seven days notice to the other party. The Bank
therefore can call upon the hirer(s) to withdraw the articles from the locker at any time without
assigning any reason.

23.2 In terms of conditions of the locker agreement, the Bank may at any time, at its discretion
and without assigning any reason, call upon the hirer to withdraw the articles from the locker
failing which the Bank will be absolved of its responsibility. Such situations occur when either
the locker room is flooded with water or the locker cabinet is being shifted to some other
premises or for any similar exigency.

Section 24 : Access to Locker On Death of Locker Hirer

Please refer to relevant sections of Chapter on Disposal of Assets of Deceased Constituents.

Section 25 : Valuables Left Outside Locker

25.1 Whenever the hirer of a locker leaves any valuable/goods in the vault room outside the
locker, the branch shall have no alternative but to retain the same in safe custody. Such
valuables/goods should be sealed in a packet, appropriately secured under the seal of the Bank
and the joint signatures of the custodians of cash. Thereafter, the packet should be deposited in
the safe custody like any other safe custody article. The matter should be reported to the

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Controlling Authority. As and when there is a change of incumbency of either of the joint
custodians, the packet should be opened and contents verified and resealed under signatures of
new joint custodians. This is to prevent any pilferage and to discharge responsibilities as a bailee.

25.2 As per Section 71 of Indian Contract Act, any person, who finds goods belonging to
another person and takes them into custody, will attract the same responsibility as that of bailee.
Therefore, when goods are found outside locker and are taken into custody as above, the
relationship of the hirer and the Bank becomes that of bailor and bailee.

25.3 The branches should thereafter send a notice under postal certificate (UPC) to all the hirers
who have operated the lockers on that day, without disclosing the identity and details of the
valuables/goods and advising them to contact the branch manager with sufficient proof of
ownership. The branch manager must satisfy himself with regard to the claim of ownership and
must verify the same beyond reasonable doubt, before delivering the valuables/goods.

25.4 If the claimant does not turn up within a reasonable period of time or if he fails to establish
his claim, the branch shall retain the packet in safe custody for a minimum period of three years.
In case the true owner is still untraceable after three years, there are provisions under law to hand
over the articles to the police authorities. But before doing this, legal advice must be obtained in
the matter after obtaining approval from the Controlling Authority.

Section 26 : Search and Seizure of Locker by I-Tax Authorities

26.1 The Income Tax authorities are empowered to carry out searches and seizures of safe
deposit lockers/vault. This is done through a search warrant which specifies the officers
authorized to carry out such acts, by name and designation. The warrant also specifies the date
and place of such searches and is issued under signature of the Commissioner.

26.2 When such a warrant is presented, the branch manager is required to verify the authenticity
of the search warrant by checking whether the warrant is on the prescribed form and bears the
seal and signature of the Commissioner of Income Tax. He should call for and verify the identity
of the officers named in the warrant for carrying out searches and seizures. These officers have
also been instructed by Income Tax authorities to establish their identity before commencing the
search. Therefore the branch manager should satisfy himself in this regard. Normally, the search
parties bring with them witnesses and other experts for the job. Therefore the branch officials
should not undertake the work of weighing, testing or valuing the ornaments or articles, though
the Income Tax Officers should be extended all facilities consistent with their job.

26.3 There is no provision in the rules for a copy of the search warrant to be given to the Bank.
However, the branch manager is free to go through the warrant and satisfy itself that it relates to
his branch and that it clearly mentions the names of the person(s) whose lockers are to be
searched. The branch manager may sign the warrant in token of having read it before returning it
to the Income Tax officers. He should note under his signature in the concerned locker ledger,
the brief details of the search i.e. search date and time along with the details of the search warrant
including the name of the issuing authority as well as the name of the officer carrying out the
search. This should be done for future reference although some of these particulars will appear in

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the panchnama that would be handed over to the branch at the end of the search. The panchnama
shall contain the inventory of documents and valuables seized. This is a very important
document and has legal implications. Therefore this should be entered in Branch Document
Register and kept under custody.
26.4 The search can be carried out at any time and not necessarily during the hours the Bank is
open to the public. Branch Manager should be present during the search seizure but his absence
which should be for any valid reason, cannot hold up the procedure.

26.5 If the customer key of the locker is not readily made available, the Authorised Officer has
power to break open the locker and search it. He would not ordinarily do this without giving a
reasonable opportunity to the hirer to produce the key, unless he has reasons to believe that the
key is being intentionally held back by the hirer to gain time.

26.6 When the Authorised Officer of the Income Tax Department decides to postpone the
opening of the locker, he will proceed to seal it and serve a prohibitory order on the Bank under
appropriate sections of Income Tax Act, directing that the locker should not be opened or
allowed to be opened without their knowledge and written permission. They may also prescribe
any appropriate condition which should be carefully noted for compliance.

26.7 The Authorised Officer(s) and the search party accompanying him have instructions to
offer themselves for search both before and after the search operation. This is meant to guard
against any allegation that evidence has been brought in and planted or that anything valuable
has been clandestinely taken away. Where the hirer or his authorized representative is not
present, it would be preferable to ask one of the two independent witnesses present to search the
Authorised Officer and his party before the commencement and after completion of the search.
The panchnama itself contains suitable provisions for recording that this has been done.

Section 27 : Court Orders

27.1 Court orders are binding. Such orders should be complied with carefully. Normally Courts
restrain Bank from allowing operations on a locker or order attachment of the contents of the
locker.

27.2 On receipt such an order, red tape should be tied to the locker and a caution notice reading
as under should be pasted on the locker Under attachment of _______. No Operation Allowed.
This fact should also be recorded in Safe Deposit Locker Ledger and in CBS.

27.3 The Court order should be entered in the Branch Document Register and kept in custody.

27.4 The orders remain valid unless withdrawn by the issuing authority or a higher Court.

Section 28 : Searches by Police

28.1 The police have powers to search and seize the property, which is in the illegal possession
of any citizen, or conduct detection exercise where theft is being investigated. Therefore, any

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order/notice served under CrPC should be taken cognizance of and all possible assistance should
be extended to the authorities in carrying out the exercise.

28.2 The branch manager should examine the order and satisfy himself. The copy of the order
should be entered in the Branch Document Register and kept in custody.

28.3 The orders remain valid unless withdrawn by the issuing authority or a higher Court.

Section 29 : Restraint Orders

29.1 When a restraint order is received from any of the authorities, including a Court, the
Branch should immediately paste a caution notice on the locker reading, "Under attachment
of_____________ No Operation Allowed". This fact should also be noted on relevant records
related to the case.

29.2 The orders remain valid unless withdrawn by the issuing authority or a higher Court.

Section 30 : Identity of the Authorities

30.1 Wherever any authority visits the branch with appropriate order, for inspection, search,
seizure or for carrying away contents, it is incumbent on the branch officials to satisfy
themselves as to their identity by calling for appropriate documents. Usually such authorities are
also under direction from their department to establish their identity before the branch officials.
Sometimes this needs to be recorded also. The branch manager should follow instructions
contained in the order.

30.2 If the visiting authorities are unable to establish their identity to the satisfaction of the
branch manager, no operation can be allowed till such time the identity is established beyond
doubt. This is to provide safeguard against false representation, misrepresentation or
impersonation. Therefore due care should be exercised.

Section 31 : Searches and Carry

31.1 The branch manager should not permit the search party to carry away any of the articles,
unless such direction is specifically given and recorded in the notice served on the Bank or the
hirer himself permits such carriage. Branch should be highly alert in cases where a search is
attempted in the absence of the hirer, as all searches should be conducted in the presence of the
hirer only.

31.2 The seizure memo must give exact details of the articles/papers being carried away along
with the name of the authority so doing. The branch manager should check the details and
confirm that there is no discrepancy.

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Section 32 : Legal Penalty

32.1 The branch should not deliberately cause any impediment in the discharge of the functions
of statutory authority to help the hirers or for any other reason. Indian Penal Code provides for
jail term and fine or both in cases where public servants are prevented from discharging their
lawful duties. Any punishment under IPC shall expose the concerned official to disciplinary
action.

Section 33 : Secrecy/Confidentiality of Lockers

33.1 The branches shall maintain utmost secrecy of the safe deposit lockers hired by the
customer and shall not divulge any information about hiring of lockers, mode of operation etc.,
to anyone except when the disclosure is required to be made with clear consent of the hirer or in
compliance of the orders of competent authority having statutory powers.

x-x-x-x

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Annexure-I

Shri _________ Private & Confidential

_____________
No.
Dear Sir/Madam, Date:

Locker No. _

On account of steep rise in operational cost, we have decided to increase the rental on the
lockers, Therefore, the annual rental on your above locker would stand increased with effect
from 2ndApril 20__ from Rs._________ to Rs._______ per year.

Please return the enclosed duplicate copy of this letter duly signed by you in token of your
acknowledgement.

Yours faithfully,

Branch Manager

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Annexure-II

PROFILE OF CUSTOMERS
. Customer No._________________________
. Nature of account______________________ Account No.___________________________
. Name of account holder - Shri/Smt./Miss_________________________________________
. Father's/Husband's name (whichever applicable) __________________________________
. Residential address__________________________________________________________
(Complete postal address) ____________________________________________________
(Attach copy of Election I-card or driving licence/ passport/ telephone/electricity bills, etc.)
(If present & permanent residence addresses are different, both addresses to be recorded.)
. Address of office/ work/ business ______________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
. Source of livelihood 1. Service - Govt/bank/PSU/Public Ltd. Co./Pvt. Ltd.Co./ Partnership
Firm/ Proprietorship firm/ casual labour (specify nature).
1A Service- Permanent/ Temporary transferable/ non-transferable.
2. Profession - Doctor/ Lawyer/ Chartered Acctt./ Engineer/ Architect/ Interior
Decorator/ Beautician/ Other (specify).
3. Retired - from where and whether getting pension, specify
4. Self employed - ___________________________ (specify).
5. Business (specify nature) _____________________________
. Monthly income/ salary /pension Rs._______________
. Annual income Rs.______________
. Whether filing income tax return Yes/ No
. If yes, PAN NO.________________ (Attach copy of PAN Card)
. Date of birth (if available) or age____________________
. Educational qualification: Illiterate/ below metric/ metric/ inter/ graduate/ post graduate/
Professional qualification (specify) __________________
. Whether married or single ________________________
. Details of family* - Number of males _____________ Number of Females ____________
Details in respect of relatives residing abroad, if any - Name and address and vocation
1.
2.
. Whether hold credit card - Yes/No
. If yes, name of bank ___________________________________
. Whether holds passport - Yes/No
. Whether traveled abroad - Yes/No, if yes how many times ____.
. Whether borrower of a bank - Yes/No
. If yes, name of the bank and nature and purpose of borrowing _______ __________ _____
. Assets - House where living now - own/ rented Car - Yes/No Two wheeler - Yes/No
. Own house anywhere - Yes/No
. Details of deposit/ borrowal accounts with other banks
Name and address of the bank(s A/c no.
______________________________ ________________________
______________________________ ________________________
. Whether nomination made for locker- YES / NO
. If not, obtain nomination form

STATE BANK OF PATIALA SIGNATURE OF LOCKER HIRERS

_________________BRANCH

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 Chapter B-9

Annexure-III

The Manager
State Bank of Patiala
_____________.

Sir,

Reg: Locker No.______ in my/our Name(s)_____________

I/We desire to have the above locker standing in my/our joint name(s) __________ to be
changed to stand in the name(s) of ____________________.

Yours faithfully,

( )

I/We the new hirer(s) hereby agree, at our/my own risk and responsibility to retain and use the
existing locker key without requiring the lever of lock changed which the Bank would otherwise
have done. All necessary charges in respect of the locker may be debited to my/our _______
Account No._______.

Yours faithfully,

( )

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 Chapter B-9

Annexure-IV

FORMAT OF THE LETTER TO BE ADDRESSED TO THE

SOLICITOR FIRM /INDEPENDENT PERSON TO BE PRESENT AT THE
TIME OF BREAK OPEN OF LOCKERS AS WITNESS

_________________
_________________
_________________
_________________

Dear Sir,

SAFE DEPOSIT LOCKERS

With reference to your verbal approval communicated to our representative, we beg to advise
having arranged for the opening of our safe deposit lockers on ________ from __________
A.M. onwards and shall be obliged if you will be good enough to arrange for a member of your
firm to be present at the vault with your seal to act as an independent witness.

Yours faithfully,

BRANCH MANAGER

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 Chapter B-9

Annexure-V

FORM OF INVENTORY OF CONTENTS OF

SAFE DEPOSIT LOCKER HIRED FROM BANK

The Following inventory of contents of safety locker No._______ located in the Safe Deposit
Vault of _____________ branch, at _______________ was taken on ____________ (weekday)
the __________________ (Date, Month, Year) at ________ AM/PM by breaking open the
locker under his/ her/ their instructions / due to non payment of rent by the hirers.

*The locker is hired by Shri/ Smt ______________________ in his/her sole name. OR

* The locker is hired by Shri/Smt. Jointly (i) ______________________
(ii) ______________________
(iii) _____________________

S.N. Description of articles in safety locker Other identifying particulars, if any

The above inventory was taken in the presence of

Shri/Smt. _____________________ (Bank Representative) ___________________

Address ______________________ (Signature)

AND

Shri/Smt._____________________ (notary public) ___________________

Address_______________________ (Signature)

Shri/Smt._____________________ (witness) ___________________

Address______________________ (Signature)

Shri/Smt.___________________ (Mechanic) ___________________

____________________ Company (Signature)

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 Chapter B-9

Annexure-VI
Application and receipt to be obtained from the hirer/claimant
in case of broken open locker for recovery of overdue rent

The Branch Manager

State Bank of Patiala
_____________

Dear Sir,

SAFE DEPOSIT LOCKER NO___________

STANDING IN THE NAME OF SHRI / Smt______________

Please deliver to me the contents of locker No ................ standing in my name ................. which
was broken open by you on account of non- payment of overdue rentals of the locker.

I have no objection if the sealed packet pertaining to the locker is opened in the presence of
myself, the Branch Manager and the Custodian of the safe deposit vault in the absence of the
other witnesses whose seals and signatures appear on the packet.

I am prepared to pay the arrears of rental and other expenses incurred by the Bank in connection
with the breaking open of the locker.

Yours faithfully,

(Hirer / Claimant)

RECEIPT

RECEIVED all the contents of the above sealed packet complete and in order. All the seals
on the packet were intact before opening.

(Hirer / Claimant)
Date:

306