Locker break open refers to the process where a bank, following due procedure, opens a safety deposit locker without the consent of the locker holder. This action is typically taken when the locker rent has not been paid for an extended period.
Circumstances Leading to Locker Break Open
Banks do not arbitrarily break open lockers. This action is generally a last resort, and specific conditions must be met. One common trigger is:
- Non-payment of rent: As per the provided reference, banks have the discretion to break open a locker if the rent remains unpaid for three consecutive years. This rule is in place to address cases where the locker holder is no longer using the facility and has abandoned it, preventing the bank from reallocating the locker to another customer.
Bank's Responsibilities
Before breaking open a locker, banks must follow a defined procedure and adhere to certain responsibilities. This includes:
- Notification to locker-hirer: The bank is obligated to notify the existing locker holder before making any changes to the locker, including breaking it open. This notification is a measure to inform the holder of the intended action and provide them with a final opportunity to clear their dues and prevent the locker break open.
Procedure Involved
Here's a general idea of the procedure a bank might follow (while specifics may vary between different banks and countries):
- Issuing notice: After the rent has remained unpaid for a considerable period (e.g., three years), the bank sends a formal notice to the locker holder, informing them of the impending action.
- Wait period: The bank typically waits for a certain period after issuing the notice to allow the locker holder to respond. This period varies but is crucial to ensuring that the action is not taken without proper notification and waiting time.
- Breaking open: If the locker holder still does not respond or clear the dues, the bank, following its internal protocol, can proceed to break open the locker in the presence of a designated committee.
- Inventory and storage: The bank carefully inventories the contents of the locker. These contents are usually stored in a safe deposit facility for a specified period, during which the former holder can claim them by clearing their outstanding dues.
Summary Table
| Action | Trigger | Bank's Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Locker Break Open | Rent unpaid for three consecutive years | Notify locker holder beforehand |
