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Madras High CourtWP/2779/2024dismissed as infructuous

S.Sankaravadivel v. The International Ombudsman

2026-03-24Honourable Mr Justice M.Dhandapani4 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 24-03-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI S.Sankaravadivel ... Petitioner (s) Vs 1.The Internal Ombudsman, Indian Bank, No.66, Rajaji Salai, Chennai-600001.

2.The Branch Manager, Indian Bank, Gudiyantham Branch, Vellore Branch - 632602.

..Respondent(s) Prayer : Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing the 1st respondent to consider the representation/complaint dated 12.09.2023, within a time limit stipulated by this Hon'ble Court.

For Petitioner(s): Mr.S.Sairaman For Respondent(s): Mr.T.Sundar Rajan for R-2

ORDER

The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the 1st respondent to consider the representation/complaint dated 12.09.2023 within the time that may be stipulated by this Court.

2. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner's wife who was employed as a cashier in the 2nd respondent and had been maintaining a bank locker with the said bank. Following the demise of his wife on 14.11.2009, the locker was transferred to his name on 24.05.2011 as he was a nominated beneficiary. Despite such transfer, the 2nd respondent has not permitted the petitioner to operate the locker. Aggrieved by which, the petitioner submitted a representation/complaint dated 12.09.2023 to the 1st respondent seeking to break open the locker and access the jewels kept therein. Since, no action has been taken on the same, the present Writ Petition has been filed.

3. When the matter is taken up for hearing, learned counsel appearing for 2nd respondent submitted that, a complaint of the petitioner had already been considered and a reply letter dated 26.09.2023 was also issued informing the petitioner that the locker in question had been closed due to non-payment of rent for the past 11 years. Therefore, the prayer sought for in this Writ Petition has become infructuous.

4. Recording the said submission of the learned counsel appearing for the 2nd respondent, the Writ Petition stands dismissed as infructuous with liberty to the petitioner to challenge the letter dated 26.09.2023 issued by the 2nd respondent in the manner known to law. There shall be no order as to costs. 24-03-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order NHS

M.DHANDAPANI, J.

NHS To 1.The Internal Ombudsman, Indian Bank, No.66, Rajaji Salai, Chennai-600001.

2.The Branch Manager, Indian Bank, Gudiyantham Branch, Vellore Branch - 632602.

24-03-2026