Murugesan 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 and W.M.P.No.39358 of 2025 Murugesan ... Petitioner Vs 1.The Branch Manager, Indian Bank, Gajalnaikanpatti Branch, Kandili Post-635 901 Tirupatur Taluk and District.
2.The District Collector, Collectorate, Tirupattur District.
3.The Superintendent of Police, Tirupattu District.
4.The Welfare Officer, District Child Welfare committee, Tirupattur District.
... Respondents PRAYER: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the 1st Respondent Bank to release the pledged gold ornaments standing in the name of late Mugugammal, who died on account of homicidal violence, in favour of the petitioner to hold in trust for the welfare of the minor child of the deceased account holder, pursuant to the petitioner having repaid the entire gold loan, by to consider the petitioner's representation dated 12.07.2022 to release the ornaments to the petitioner, to 1/5
hold and safeguard them solely for the welfare of the minor children. For Petitioner : Mr.S.Gopinath For Respondents : Mrs.S.Anitha, Special Government Pleader for RR-2 & 4 : Mr.S.Balaji, Government Advocate (Crl.Side) for R-3
O R D E R
The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the 1st Respondent Bank to release the pledged gold ornaments standing in the name of late Mugugammal in favour of the petitioner on the basis of the petitioner's representation dated 12.07.2022.
2. Mrs.S.Anitha, learned Special Government Pleader takes notice on behalf of respondents 2 & 4 and Mr.S.Balaji, learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) takes notice on behalf of the 3rd respondent. As no adverse order is being passed against the 1st respondent, notice to the 1st respondent is dispensed with.
3. It is the case of the petitioner that his late daughter namely Murugammal had availed a gold loan from the 1st respondent bank by pledging her gold ornaments. Despite the petitioner having discharged the entire gold 2/5
loan, the 1st respondent has not released the pledged jewels. The petitioner thereafter submitted a representation dated 12.07.2022 to the 1st respondent bank seeking return of the ornaments but, no action has been taken on the same till date and therefore, in order to espouse the said cause, the petitioner has come up with the present Writ Petition.
4. 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 12.07.2022 and pass orders on the same within the time that may be stipulated by this Court.
5. On the above contention, this Court heard the learned counsel appearing for respondents 2 to 4.
6. In view of the limited relief sought for by the petitioner, this Court without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, directs the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 12.07.2022 and pass appropriate orders on the same in accordance with law within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, after affording an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner and any other interested parties. 3/5
M.DHANDAPANI, J Nhs
7. This Writ Petition stands disposed of with the aforesaid direction. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, the connected Miscellaneous Petition stands closed.
16.09.2025 Index : Yes / No Speaking Order / Non-speaking order Nhs To 1.The Branch Manager, Indian Bank, Gajalnaikanpatti Branch, Kandili Post-635 901 Tirupatur Taluk and District.
2.The District Collector, Collectorate, Tirupattur District.
3.The Superintendent of Police, Tirupattu District.
4.The Welfare Officer, District Child Welfare committee, 4/5
Tirupattur District.
and W.M.P.No.39358 of 2025 5/5