Anil Ambani (File photo)
MUMBAI: Bombay HC dismissed Friday a writ petition filed by Anil Ambani against SBI, challenging its decision to classify the loan account of Reliance Communications as “fraud”. SBI’s order dated June 13, 2025 said Ambani shall be reported to RBI.Challenging the order, Ambani claimed principles of natural justice were flouted and that he was granted no personal audience.Anil Ambani’s petition lacks merit, says bench, dismisses itSuch classification… has drastic civil consequences,” said Anil Ambani in his petition. He said that SBI’s action was arbitrary and in violation of all known canons of fairness and transparency by not providing copies of documents the bank was relying on.Ambani’s plea named RBI as respondent too.A division bench of justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale orally said the petition lacked merit and dismissed it. The detailed order would be uploaded later.Ambani may now approach Supreme Court.A spokesperson for Ambani said: “We are awaiting the order. Once we have reviewed it, we will evaluate the next course of action, as legally advised.”For Ambani, senior counsel Darius Khambata argued that in response to the bank’s showcause notice dated Dec 20, 2023, the bank sent an incomplete report. SBI said it issued notices to RCom and Ambani to make submissions in writing in 15 days as to why the account and name should not be categorised and reported as “fraud”.Its reply in HC said it received no explanation.In July, in a separate petition filed by Ambani against public sector lender Canara Bank over similar action, the bank informed HC of the withdrawal of its order.
