Madras High CourtWP/6637/2026disposed of

S.Ranganathan v. The Authorized Officer

2026-02-25Honourable Ms. Justice P.T. Asha4 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 25-02-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA S.Ranganathan ..Petitioner(s) Vs The Authorized Officer Tamilnadu Mercantile Bank Limited No.54 Pulla Avenue Shenoy Nagar, Chennai 600030.

..Respondent(s) Prayer:- Writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a writ of Mandamus Directing the Authorized Officer, Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Limited, the respondent herein, to consider the representation dated 29.01.2026 for return of all the original documents pertaining to the mortgaged property of vacant land to the extent of 5400 sq.ft at New S.No. 136/6E, Old S.No. 136/6A1, Plot No. 32, 33 and 34 at K.S.M. Nagar PeriyaThottam Village, Kancheppuram Town and Taluk and District. For Petitioner(s):

Mr.R.Sugumaran For Respondent(s):

Mr.P.Tamilavel, Standing Counsel

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed for the following reliefs:- "Directing the Authorized Officer, Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Limited, the respondent herein, to consider the representation dated 29.01.2026 for return of all the original documents pertaining to the mortgaged property of vacant land to the extent of 5400 sq.ft at New S.No. 136/6E, Old S.No. 136/6A1, Plot No. 32, 33 and 34 at K.S.M. Nagar PeriyaThottam Village, Kancheppuram Town and Taluk and District."

2. Today, a letter addressed by the respondent Bank to the petitioner has been produced before this Court, wherein it is stated as follows:- "We wish to inform you that the loan account to which the subject property was originally mortgaged stands closed. Accordingly, the Bank is in the process of releasing the original title deeds pertaining to the said property. We wish to clarify that the subject property, though pertaining to the loan account which stands closed, has been attached to another existing loan account availed by you in the name of M/s. Everest Minerals with Account Nos.105700050900086 and 105700460100198. The said attachment has been effected pursuant to orders passed by the Hon'ble Debt Recovery Tribunal-III through Recovery Officer.

Further, as you are aware, the bank has filed an appeal before the Hon'ble Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal (DRAT) seeking inclusion of interest in the order issued by the Hon'ble DRT in the Original Application filed by us for reccovery of money in your existing loan account. The matter is presently under adjudication.

The release of the original documents is being effected without prejudice to the Bank's rights and shall not be construed as removal of the charge or the attachment created pursuant to the orders of the Hon'ble DRT. You are hereby advised that, in view of the subsisting attachment, you shall not create any encumbrance, transfer, or otherwise deal with the property without prior approval of the competent authority and until the attachment is duly lifted."

3. Recording the same, the Writ Petition is deposed of. No costs. 25-02-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SHR To The Authorized Officer Tamilnadu Mercantile Bank Limited No.54 Pulla Avenue Shenoy Nagar, Chennai 600030.

P.T.ASHA J.

SHR 25-02-2026