The Supreme Court has clarified that the RBI’s power to take over troubled multi-State co-operative banks isn’t limited by the 6-month cap under Article 243ZL. Why does this matter? Because banks like Abhyudaya Co-operative Bank; which serves depositors across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka; can now be stabilized without rushing into elections. The RBI can extend control for up to 5 years, giving time to fix balance sheets, protect small depositors, and restore trust. This isn’t about stripping democracy; it’s about saving savings. When a bank teeters on collapse, forcing elections before it’s ready could make things worse. The Court made it clear: protecting depositors comes before political timelines. Smart move? You decide.