Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) officials have launched a crackdown on finance companies that are harassing rickshaw pullers and two-wheeler owners who are facing financial difficulties due to the lockdown in violation of RBI guidelines. The MNS has also warned these finance companies to stop harassing their customers immediately.
The lockdown imposed to prevent the coronavirus outbreak has been difficult for a lot of people. Transport professionals in the state were no different. MNS alleged that the banks and non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) from which they have taken loans for vehicles are resorting to illegal means to recover the loans.
In the last two weeks, MNS officials have raided the offices of companies like Manappuram Finance, IndusInd Bank, Cholamandalam Investment and Finance, IndoStar Capital Finance and demanded relief for transport professionals.
"We have discussed this issue with the management of Manappuram Finance, IndusInd Bank, Cholamandalam Finance, IndoStar Finance, which provides vehicle loans to the transport operators and brought it to their notice,” informed Maharashtra Navnirman Vahatuk Sena president Sanjay Naik.
Out of these, three finance companies have given written assurances in the name of Raj Thackeray and MNS that the legal process will be followed from now on, while the letter will be received from IndoStar Finance soon, said Sanjay Naik.
Last month, Bajaj Finance waived check bounce charges and other overdue charges of about 119,000 rickshaw owners and 12,000 two-wheelers due to MNS intervention. Therefore, these rickshaw owners got financial relief of around Rs 4,000 each, while two-wheelers got financial relief of around Rs 5,000 each.
"There are hundreds of financial institutions in Mumbai, out of which we want to take this issue to at least 60 major banks and finance companies. Recovering and seizing their vehicles is totally wrong. We urge you to take legal action while recovering the debt as well as the vehicle confiscation process,” said Kirti Kumar Shinde, General Secretary, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. Kirtikumar Shinde also accused him of violating the Sarfaesi Act and the Arbitration Act.
Kirtikumar Shinde also alleged that almost all financial institutions were violating the guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India, Supreme Court, Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), Sarfaesi Act and Arbitration Act.
Share
Tweet
