R.Vanaja v. The Manager

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 30.08.2023 CORAM: JUSTICE N.SESHASAYEE WP.No.4518 of 2023 R.Vanaja

...Petitioner

-VsThe Manager Union Bank of India, (formerly Andhra Bank) Triplicane Branch Big Street, Triplicane Chennai - 600 005 Rep. by its Branch Manager

...Respondent

Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent herein to permit the petitioner to operate the locker No.60 in the Respondent Bank without any conditions whatsoever.

For Petitioner : Mr.Prakash Goklaney For R1 : Mr.S.Parthasarathy 1/4

ORDER

The petitioner intends to open the locker which she has with the respondent bank. She is not allowed to operate it as her husband was proceeded against by the CBI under a certain criminal case, which according to the petitioner had ended in acquittal. 2.Even this statement is her presumption, as she is yet to be informed by the respondent Bank under what circumstance her account came to be frozen by the Bank.

3.The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that if involvement of the petitioner's husband under the criminal case registered by the CBI is the cause, then he had already been acquitted Vide judgement of this Court dated 02.11.2021 in Crl.A.No.635 of 2008. 4.Mr.S.Parthasarathy, learned counsel takes notice for the first respondent.

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5.This Court now directs the respondent;

(a) to abide by the Judgment of this Court dated 02.11.2021 in Crl.A.No.635 of 2008, if the registration of this criminal case by the CBI is the cause for its decision to freeze the locker of the petitioner;

(b)if (a) is not the ground for freezing the account of the petitioner, then to disclose to the petitioner the ground on which it has decided to freeze the account.

6.The Writ Petition is accordingly disposed of. No costs. 30.08.2023 Index : Yes/No Internet : Yes/No Tsg 3/4

N.SESHASAYEE, J., Tsg Order made in 30.08.2023 4/4