B.Satyavathi v. The Branch Manager

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 16.09.2025 C O R A M THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI B.Satyavathi ... Petitioner Vs 1.The Branch Manager, Indian Overseas Bank, Branch No.2811, Kambar Colony Branch, Villivakam, Chennai-600049.

2.Umasankari ... Respondents PRAYER : Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus to direct the 1st Respondent to consider the petitioner request letter dated 12.02.2025 to provide alternative bank locker key to the petitioner to operate her bank locker No.178 or break open the bank locker No.178 in the presence of the petitioner within the time frame fixed by this Honourable Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.S.Vinoth Kumar For Respondents : Mr.V.Kathirvel for R-1

O R D E R

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This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the 1st respondent to consider the request letter dated 12.02.2025 given by the petitioner to provide alternative bank locker key to the petitioner to operate her bank locker or break open the bank locker in the presence of the petitioner within the time frame to be fixed by this Court.

2. Mr.V.Karthivel, learned counsel takes notice on behalf of the 1st respondent.

3. Since, no adverse order is being passed as against the 2nd respondent, notice to the 2nd respondent is dispensed with.

4. Brief facts that are necessary for the disposal of this Writ Petition are:- The 4th respondent herein is the daughter of the petitioner. It is the case of the petitioner that the petitioner and the 4th respondent are maintaining a joint locker account with the 1strespondent bank. However, there was a property dispute between the petitioner and the 4th respondent due to which, the petitioner had lodged a complaint before the District Collector, Thiruvallur as against the 4th respondent under the Senior Citizen Act, 2007 which was forwarded to the 2/4

District Revenue Officer and the same is pending due to the non-cooperation of the 4th respondent. Whileso, the petitioner had inadvertently lost a key to the said joint locker due to which, she could not operate the said locker. Therefore, the petitioner had addressed a request letter/representation dated 12.02.2025 to the 1st respondent requesting to provide a duplicate key to the above joint locker account or break open the same. However, the same has not been considered so far. Hence, the present Writ Petition.

5. Though very many grounds have been raised, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that it would suffice, if this Court issues a direction to the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 12.02.2025 and pass appropriate orders on the same in accordance with law within the time that may be stipulated by this Court.

6. Learned counsel appearing for the 1strespondent submitted that the petitioner's representation dated 12.02.2025 will be considered and appropriate orders will be passed on the same.

M.DHANDAPANI, J.

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7. In view of the aforesaid submissions, this Court without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, directs the 1strespondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 12.02.2025 and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, after providing an opportunity of personal hearing to the petitioner as well as the 2nd respondent.

8. This Writ Petition stands disposed of with the aforesaid direction. There shall be no order as to costs.

16.09.2025 Index:Yes/No Internet:Yes Speaking/Non-Speaking order Nhs 4/4