M/S.Ragul Agencies v. The Branch Manager,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 30.04.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN M/s. Ragul Agencies Rep. By its Proprietor, Mr.Siyaram Pandey S/o. Markandey Pandey No.70, 1st Floor, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.

... Petitioner Vs

1. The Branch Manager, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Parrys Corner Branch, Chennai.

2. The Branch Manager, Indian Overseas Bank, College Road, Branch, Chennai.

3. State rep by Inspector of Police, F-2, Sipcot Police Station, Gumudipoondi, Thiruvallur District.

... Respondents 1/5

PRAYER: Criminal Original Petition is filed under Section 528 of B.N.N.S., to direct the first and second respondents, viz., Kotak Mahindra Bank, Parrys Corner Branch, Chennai and Indian Overseas Bank, College Road Branch, Chennai to de-freeze the petitioner's Bank accounts bearing account No.9840939905 and account No.209502000003721 respectively in their bank.

For Petitioner : Mr.R.Asokan For Respondents : Mr.A.Gopinath, Government Advocate (Crl.Side) for R3

O R D E R

This petition has been filed to direct the first and second respondents to de-freeze the petitioner's Bank accounts bearing Account No.9840939905 and Account No.209502000003721 respectively.

2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) appearing for the third respondent and perused the materials placed on record.

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3. On perusal of the records, it reveals that the petitioner maintained accounts with the first and second respondents. He was arrested and remanded to judicial custody in pursuance of the registration of the First Information Report in Crime No.715 of 2024 for the offences punishable under Sections 274, 275, and 123 of BNS, 2023, alleging that the petitioner was found in possession of tobacco products weighing 10 tons in an Eicher Lorry bearing Registration No.TN 13D 5127 and another Eicher Lorry bearing Registration No.TN 21 AF 8662. Now, the investigation is still pending. Further, the third respondent also invoked the provision under Section 106 of Cr.P.C. after freezing the accounts of the petitioner. In view of the above, this Court is not inclined to de-freeze the accounts of the petitioner.

4. Accordingly, this Criminal Original Petition is dismissed. 30.04.2025 Index:Yes/No kv 3/5

To

1. The Branch Manager, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Parrys Corner Branch, Chennai.

2. The Branch Manager, Indian Overseas Bank, College Road, Branch, Chennai.

3. The Inspector of Police, F-2, Sipcot Police Station, Gumudipoondi, Thiruvallur District.

4. The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras.

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G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN, J.

kv 30.04.2025 5/5