Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934
19. Business which the bank may not transact
Save as otherwise provided in sections 17,18, 42 and 45, the
bank may not-
(1) engage in trade or otherwise have a direct interest in any
commercial, industrial, or other undertaking except such interest as it may in
any way acquire in the course of the satisfaction of any of its claims:
PROVIDED that all such interests shall be disposed of
at the earliest possible moment;
(2) purchase the shares of any banking company or of any other
company, or grant loans upon the security of any such shares;
(3) advance money on mortgage of, or otherwise on the security
of, immovable property or documents of title relating thereto, or become the
owner of immovable property, except so far as is necessary for its own business
premises and residences for its officers and servants;
(4) make loans or advances;
(5) draw or accept bills payable otherwise than on demand;
(6) allow interest on deposits or current amounts.