WP CRL.(MD)/5852/2026 of Selvi Vs The Branch Manager on 28 October 2026

ORDER

The writ petition has been filed seeking a direction to the first respondent Bank to defreeze the petitioner’s bank account in Account No.1656155000036411, Karur Vysya Bank, Paramakudi Branch, Ramanathapuram District namely Selvi, W/o.Malaikannan

2. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner’s bank account has been subjected to a debit freeze pursuant to a complaint registered by the second respondent. The petitioner is aggrieved by the continued freezing of the account and seeks a direction to the first respondent to permit her to operate the account.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the first respondent Bank submitted that the account was frozen pursuant to instructions received from the law enforcement authorities and that the Bank is bound to comply with such instructions in accordance with law.

4. The learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing for the second respondent submitted that the debit freeze is connected with a

WP Crl.(MD) No. 5852 of 2026 complaint under investigation and that the matter requires examination by the competent authority in accordance with the applicable provisions of law.

5. This Court is not inclined to exercise its jurisdiction to adjudicate upon the merits of the complaint or the legality of the investigation merely on the basis of the averments made in the writ petition. At the same time, the grievance of the petitioner that his bank account has been subjected to a debit freeze and that he is unable to operate the account requires consideration by the competent authority.

6. The competent authority shall examine whether the continuation of the debit freeze is legally sustainable and whether the statutory requirements governing such freezing have been duly complied with. The authority shall also consider whether the disputed amount can be retained while permitting the petitioner to operate the account in respect of the remaining balance, in accordance with law.

7. Accordingly, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the complaint or the investigation, the second respondent is directed to examine the legality and necessity of continuing the debit freeze and determine the amount, if any, required to be retained in connection with the complaint. The second respondent shall communicate the necessary instructions to the first respondent Bank to permit the petitioner to

WP Crl.(MD) No. 5852 of 2026 operate the account in respect of the balance amount, after withholding the disputed amount, if such release is permissible under the applicable provisions of law.

8. The above exercise shall be completed within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

9. With the above directions, this writ petition is disposed of. 28-10-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No skn To

1. The Station House Officer Karwar Town Police Station Green Street Kodibag Karwar Karnataka

2. The Additional Public Prosecutor Madurai Bench of Madras High Court Madurai

WP Crl.(MD) No. 5852 of 2026 K.GOVINDARAJAN THILAKAVADI, J. skn WP Crl.(MD) No. 5852 of 2026 28-10-2026