The Reserve Bank of India has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 4.85 lakh on Punjab National Bank due to a shortage of notes at one of its currency chests. PNB confirmed the issue has minimal operational or financial impact, reflecting RBI’s stringent monitoring of currency chest compliance across banks.
Punjab National Bank has disclosed that the Reserve Bank of India has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 4.85 lakh on the bank. The penalty was levied due to a shortage of notes observed at one of the bank’s currency chests, as confirmed by the latest regulatory communication dated January 6, 2026.
Punjab National Bank, one of India’s leading public sector banks, stated that the penalty relates solely to the shortage detected and does not have any material impact on its financial or operational performance. The Reserve Bank issued the direction and penalty order on January 6, 2026, emphasizing its continued vigilance over currency chest management and compliance processes among banks.
Key Details
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Imposing Authority - Reserve Bank of India
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Penalty Amount - Rs 4,85,000
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Date Of Order - January 6, 2026
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Reason - Shortage Of Notes At Currency Chest
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Impact - Only to the extent of the amount of penalty
This regulatory action underscores RBI's insistence on strict adherence to handling and reporting norms for currency chests, which serve as critical nodes in India’s cash supply chain.
Source: Punjab National Bank stock exchange filing (NSE, BSE)