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RBI Updates KYC Master Direction for UAPA Compliance

No longer current — withdrawn, no replacement on file yet
Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2020-21/110 · issued 23 Mar 2021 · ~2 min read
Quick answerRBI has amended its KYC Master Direction to align with MHA's revised UAPA order of February 2, 2021, replacing the earlier 2019 order. Regulated entities must now follow the updated procedure and refer to MHA's website for the nodal officer list.

What changed

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a revised UAPA order on February 2, 2021, superseding the March 14, 2019 order. Consequently, RBI amended Sections 52 and 54 of the KYC Master Direction to reflect the new order and added a requirement to check MHA's website for the nodal officer list.

What it means for you

Banks and other regulated entities must update their internal KYC procedures to comply with the latest UAPA order from MHA. The change ensures that entities use the most current government directives for implementing Section 51A of UAPA, including accessing the nodal officer list online.

Historical instruction — do not use for current compliance. This is what was required at the time; it no longer reflects current RBI requirements. If no replacement rule is linked above, that only means none is recorded on our register yet — it does not prove no later applicable rule exists. Confirm on the official RBI source below.

What banks were required to do at the time

Who it affects

All regulated entities under RBI (banks, NBFCs, payment system operators, etc.), KYC compliance teams, AML/CFT officers

❓ Common questions

Regulatory timeline

Built from our lineage records — each fact carries its provenance; missing history simply is not shown (never guessed).

What is the key change in this amendment?

The amendment replaces the reference to the March 14, 2019 UAPA order with the revised February 2, 2021 order from MHA, and adds that the list of nodal officers for UAPA is available on MHA's website.

When does this amendment take effect?

The changes come into force with immediate effect from the date of the circular, March 23, 2021.

Do we need to update our KYC policy documents?

Yes, you must update your internal KYC policies and procedures to reflect the revised UAPA order and the new source for the nodal officer list.

📜 This document’s life story (1 recorded event, each backed by RBI’s own words)
Repealed by RBI/2025-26/100 — Consolidation of Regulations — Withdrawal of circulars (28 Nov 2025)
RBI’s words: “Official withdrawal register entry #323: DOR.AML.REC.48/14.01.001/2020-21 — "Amendment to Master Direction (MD) on KYC - Procedure for Implementation of Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevent”
📜 Read the original circular — full text as issued by RBI
RBI/2020-21/110 DOR.AML.REC.48/14.01.001/2020-21 March 23, 2021 The Chairpersons/ CEOs of all the Regulated Entities Dear Sir/Madam, Amendment to Master Direction (MD) on KYC – Procedure for Implementation of Section 51A of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 Please refer to Chapter IX (‘Requirements/obligations under International Agreements Communications from International Agencies’) of the Master Direction on KYC dated February 25, 2016 . In terms of instructions contained therein, Regulated Entities (REs) have been instructed, inter alia, that the procedure laid down in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, (UAPA) Order dated March 14, 2019, as provided in the Annex-II to the Master Direction, shall be strictly followed and meticulous compliance with the order issued by the Government shall be ensured. 2. In this regard, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a revised order dated February 2, 2021, in supersession of the earlier order dated March 14, 2019. 3. In line with the revised order dated February 2, 2021, issued by the MHA, Sections 52 and 54 of the Master Direction on KYC dated February 25, 2016 , are hereby amended. 4. Further, Section 54 has been amended to include the following: “The list of Nodal Officers for UAPA is available on the website of Ministry of Home Affairs.” 5. These changes in the Master Direction shall come into force with immediate effect. Yours faithfully, (Thomas Mathew) Chief General Manager
Reproduced for reference with acknowledgment — Source: Reserve Bank of India · RBI/2020-21/110 · issued 23 Mar 2021. The plain-English explanation above is BankPulse’s own independent summary.
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Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=12042&Mode=0 — Plain-English summary by BankPulse (bankpulse.ai), reviewed by our expert reviewer, CA Amit Jain. Independent platform, not affiliated with the Reserve Bank of India; is our own plain-English paraphrase, not RBI’s original wording.
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