Santosh Das v. The Inspector Of Police

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 10.03.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN Santosh Das ... Petitioner -Vs1. The Inspector of Police, J-7, Velachery Police Station, Chennai.

2. The Branch Manager, ICICI Bank, Velachery Branch, Velachery, Chennai.

3. The Branch Manager, ICICI Bank Ltd., Jaleswar Branch, Baleshwar District, Sate of Odisha.

... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to defreeze the bank account bearing Account No.096201500812, UPI No.DASSANTOSH7917 @OKICICI maintained by the second respondent in pursuant to petitioner representation dated 06.11.2024.

For Petitioner : Mr.P.Muthamizhselvakumar For Respondents For R1 : Mr.A.Gopinath Government Advocate (Crl. Side)

ORDER

This petition has been filed for direction directing the respondents to defreeze the petitioner's account bearing Account No.096201500812 maintained by the second respondent.

2.

It is seen that the petitioner is an accused in Crime No.317 of 2024 registered for the offences punishable under Sections 8(c) & 20(b)(ii)(B) of the Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, on the file of the first respondent. In pursuant to the registration of FIR, the account of the petitioner has been frozen on the request made by the first respondent, since the crime proceeds were deposited into the petitioner's accused. While the investigation is pending, the prayer sought for by the petitioner to defreeze the account cannot be considered and the writ petition is devoid of merits and liable to be dismissed. However, the first respondent is directed to complete the investigation in Crime No.317 of 2024 and file final report within a period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this Order.

3.

With the above directions, the Writ Petition stands dismissed. There shall be no order as to costs.

10.03.2025 Index : Yes/No : Yes/No Speaking/non-speaking order rts To

1. The Inspector of Police, J-7, Velachery Police Station, Chennai.

2. The Branch Manager, ICICI Bank, Velachery Branch, Velachery, Chennai.

3. The Branch Manager, ICICI Bank Ltd., Jaleswar Branch, Baleshwar District, Sate of Odisha.

4. The Public Prosecutor, Madras High Court, Chennai.

G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN, J.

rts 10.03.2025