If you are preparing for a government job in a bank or a bank, then it is not enough to pass the exam and clear the interview. Your CIBIL score has become equally important now. Recently, a case came to light in which the candidate had completed all the formalities to get SBI job, but his poor credit history took away his hand.
What was the matter?
A young man, who had been a deputy manager at ICICI Bank and then HDFC Bank, took several personal loans to help his younger brother’s business. Initially, business went well, but after an accident, there was a loss in business and it became difficult to repay the loan. As a result, he could not repay the amount of several loans and credit cards on time.
Later, this person applied for the post of Circle Based Officer (CBO) of SBI. He passed the exam, cleared the interview and medical test and also got an appointment letter. But when SBI saw its CIBIL report before joining, many defaults and collection complaints came to light.
What did SBI say?
According to its rules, SBI, citing Claus 1 (E), said that the candidates whose loan history is not good or those who hold bad records in the CIBIL score are not eligible for a bank job. The bank argued that bank employees work related to public money i.e. people’s money, so their financial discipline also must be strong.
What did the candidate do?
This candidate filed a writ petition in the Madras High Court. He said that the situation had become such that it had become difficult to repay the loan, but his intention was not bad. He also argued that SBI had said in a letter that the loan default could be given a chance to improve before joining, so he should also get this opportunity.
What did the High Court say?
On 2 June 2025, the Madras High Court ruled and said that SBI’s decision is correct. The court clearly stated that bank employees deal with public money. In such a situation, if someone’s own financial history is not good, then giving this responsibility on him is not free from danger. The court dismissed the SBI’s decision, dismissing the petition.
What was in the CIBIL report?
Several personal loans and credit cards were taken between 2017 and 2020.
Repeatedly delayed in paying EMI and some loans were also write-off.
ICICI Bank also filed a case on a loan.
HDFC Bank suffered a loss of ₹ 40,000 due to credit card default.
CIBIL report showed more than 50 times a credit inquiry, which suggests that the candidate was constantly applying for the loan.