Sundaravalli v. The District Collector

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 23.06.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE Mr.JUSTICE N. ANAND VENKATESH Sundaravalli .. Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector District Collector Office Kallakurichi 606 202 2.The Designated Officer The Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration Department (Kallakurichi) Collectorate Building Kallakurichi District 605 602 3.The Branch Manager Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) Ulundurpet, Virudhachalam Road Kallakurichi District 606107 4.The Sub Inspector of Police Eadaikal Police Station, Asanur Ulundurpet Taluk Kallakurichi District .. Respondents 1/4

Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the respondents 2 and 3 to defreeze the savings bank account of the petitioner bearing account No.014501000130534, (IFSC code: IOBA0000145), Indian Overseas Bank, Ulundurpet Branch, Kallakurichi District in accordance with law. For Petitioner : Mr.S.Ramajayam For RR1 & 2 : Mr.E.Sundaram Government Advocate For R3 : Mr.Rajendran Ragavan For R4 : Mr.Leonard Arul Joseph Selvam Government Advocate (Crl. Side)

O R D E R

This writ petition has been filed for a direction to the respondents 2 and 3 to defreeze the savings bank account of the petitioner maintained with the rd respondent.

2. Heard both sides and perused the materials placed on record.

3. The 4 th respondent registered an FIR in Crime No.18/2025 for offence under Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Acts, 2003. The shop was sealed and the bank account of the petitioner maintained with the 3 rd respondent was also 2/4

freezed. The petitioner paid the fine amount and later, the shop was desealed. However, freezing of the bank account continued and it is under these circumstances, the present writ petition has been filed before this Court.

4. Taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the case and the materials available before this Court and also considering the fact that hardly Rs.600/- is available in the bank account of the petitioner, no useful purpose will be served in continuing with the freezing of the bank account of the petitioner. In view of the above, there shall be a direction to the 4 th respondent to immediately issue a letter to the 3 rd respondent to defreeze the bank account of the petitioner and such communication shall be made within a week from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

This writ petition is disposed of on the above terms. No costs. 23.06.2025 Index : Yes/No gya 3/4

N. ANA ND VENKATESH , J.

gya To 1.The District Collector District Collector Office Kallakurichi 606 202 2.The Designated Officer The Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration Department (Kallakurichi) Collectorate Building Kallakurichi District 605 602 3.The Branch Manager Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) Ulundurpet, Virudhachalam Road Kallakurichi District 606107 4.The Sub Inspector of Police Eadaikal Police Station, Asanur Ulundurpet Taluk Kallakurichi District 23.06.2025 4/4