from them. However, the RTI replies of some of the Opposite Parties suggest that they are not completely absolved for loss of valuables kept in their locker. For instance, the reply dated 7th October, 2015 of Bank of Baroda inter alia states that in case of loss suffered by the lessee due to theft or burglary etc. of safe custody locker, the liability of the bank will depend upon the facts and circumstances surrounding the burglary. Further, the reply dated 13th October, 2015 of Dena Bank states that the responsibility of the bank shall be governed by the terms and conditions laid down in the memorandum of hiring of locker and the guidelines issued by RBI from time to time. Reply dated 19th October, 2015 of Andhra Bank states that the relationship between the bank and its customer, in case of safe deposit locker, is that of ‘lessor and lessee’ and the particulars of the articles kept in safe deposit locker will not be disclosed by the customer to the bank and hence, the bank cannot take responsibility for compensating any loss as the extent of such loss cannot be assessed. It has been further stated that the bank, however, takes all necessary measures and precautions to safeguard the lockers provided to the customers. Similarly, the reply dated 30th October, 2015 of Corporation Bank states that its liability in case of theft/ loss of valuables kept in its safety lockers depends upon the parameters on which the bank takes insurance on the lockers and the same parameters will be adopted while settlement of claims in case of theft. Taking into consideration all these replies and in the absence of any material suggesting collusion amongst the Opposite Parties, it cannot be said that a uniform practice is followed by all the Opposite Parties to avoid responsibility/ liability for loss of valuables kept by customers availing their safety deposit locker facility.
