Chanda Kochhar Loan & Bribery Case – What Happened Inside ICICI Bank?

The name Chanda Kochhar was once synonymous with leadership in Indian banking. As the former Managing Director and CEO of ICICI Bank, she was widely recognized for her contributions to the sector. But over time, her career took a turn that few expected. Now, the headlines are focused on something far more serious — the Chanda Kochhar bribery case linked to a ₹3,250 crore loan to the Videocon Group.

The Loan and the Bribe

This story traces back to 2012, when ICICI Bank, under Kochhar’s leadership, approved a loan worth ₹3,250 crore to the Videocon Group. While loans of such magnitude aren’t uncommon in the corporate banking world, what raised questions was a ₹64 crore transaction that followed — money routed to a company managed by Kochhar’s husband, Deepak Kochhar.

Investigations revealed that a part of the loan amount made its way to NuPower Renewables, a firm owned by Deepak Kochhar. This raised red flags and eventually led to allegations of bribery and conflict of interest. The term Chanda Kochhar loan quickly began trending as reports surfaced around the suspected quid-pro-quo deal between ICICI Bank and Videocon’s then-promoter, Venugopal Dhoot.

Tribunal Verdict and Findings

In July 2025, an appellate tribunal upheld the findings of the investigating agency that Chanda Kochhar had indeed accepted undue benefits. According to the reports, the ₹64 crore payment was not a mere business transaction but part of a larger arrangement — allegedly in return for greenlighting the massive loan from ICICI Bank to Videocon.

The ruling has put the spotlight back on corporate governance in India’s banking sector. It has also raised concerns about accountability at the senior-most levels of financial institutions.

Impact on ICICI Bank and Market Reaction

While ICICI Bank has distanced itself from the issue and has stated that all lending decisions followed standard procedures, the bank’s reputation has taken a hit. Share price movement, however, has remained largely stable, with markets seeming to separate the past actions of individuals from the institution’s current performance.

What This Means for Investors

For those following ICICI Bank as a stock, the Chanda Kochhar ICICI case is a reminder that corporate governance matters. While the bank continues to perform operationally, long-term investors may be watching more closely for transparency, internal checks, and independent board oversight going forward.

Broader Implications

This case has also triggered discussions around the role of whistleblowers, regulatory audits, and the need for stricter norms to prevent personal interests from affecting lending decisions. The Chanda Kochhar bribery issue isn’t just about one person—it’s about strengthening institutional credibility across the board.

Disclaimer

This article is meant for informational purposes only. It should not be considered investment or legal advice. Investors are advised to do their own research or consult a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.