R.Govindaraj v. The Regional Director

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 07.04.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN R.Govindaraj ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The Regional Director, The Reserve Bank of India, 16, Rajaji Road, Fort St. George, Chennai - 600 001.

2. The Branch Manager, ICICI Bank Limited, 39, Nelson Manickam Road, Chennai - 600 029.

3. The Inspector of Police, Cyber Crime Police Station, Hyberabad Commissionerate, Gachibowli, Hyderabad - 500 032.

... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the second respondent to defreeze the petitioner's ICICI bank account No.027605006253 as per the representation dated 06.03.2025.

For Petitioner : Mr.L. Infant Dinesh For Respondents For R1 & R3 : No appearance For R2 : Mr.V.Adhivarahan

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed for direction directing the second respondent to defreeze the petitioner's ICICI bank account No.027605006253 by considering his representation dated 06.03.2025. 2.

The petitioner is having account with the second respondent in account No.027605006253. While being so, on the instructions received from the third respondent, the second respondent had frozen the account of the petitioner and refused to permit the petitioner to operate his account.

3.

Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials placed before this Court. Though notice served on the third respondent and name also printed in the cause list, no one is appeared before this Court either by person or through pleader.

4.

On perusal of records revealed that in pursuant to the registration of FIR in Crime No.8948 of 2024 on the file of the third respondent, the third respondent requested the second respondent to freeze the petitioner's account No.027605006253. On the said request the second respondent freezed the said account. However, the petitioner is not an accused in this case. In fact, on summoning, the petitioner had appeared before the third respondent and he was informed that on wrong information the petitioner's account has been frozen. 5.

Considering the above facts and circumstances, the second respondent is directed to defreeze the petitioner's account No.027605006253 and permit the petitioner to operate his account, forthwith. Accordingly, the Writ Petition stands allowed. There shall be no order as to costs.

07.04.2025 Index : Yes/No : Yes/No Speaking/non-speaking order rts

G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN, J.

rts To

1. The Regional Director, The Reserve Bank of India, 16, Rajaji Road, Fort St. George, Chennai - 600 001.

2. The Branch Manager, ICICI Bank Limited, 39, Nelson Manickam Road, Chennai - 600 029.

3. The Inspector of Police, Cyber Crime Police Station, Hyberabad Commissionerate, Gachibowli, Hyderabad - 500 032.

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

07.04.2025