Case Summary: Jagtial, Telangana | May 7, 2025

In a powerful stand for due process and the rights of senior citizens, the Telangana High Court on May 7, 2025, directed State Bank of India (SBI) to immediately unfreeze the bank account of a 71-year-old businessman whose funds had been frozen in connection with a ₹16.5 lakh cyber fraud complaint.

Despite the fact that no direct link had been established between the account and the alleged crime, the bank had failed to lift the freeze even after a Trial Court’s earlier order permitting access to funds. The High Court stepped in to enforce the trial court’s ruling and criticized the delay by SBI.

⚖️ Key Details of the Case

Complainant: A senior businessman based in Jagtial District, Telangana.

Bank Involved: State Bank of India (SBI)

Amount Frozen: Entire account, allegedly connected to a ₹16.5 lakh cyber fraud.

Issue: Despite a trial court order to defreeze the account, SBI did not comply.

HC Ruling Date: May 7, 2025

Bench: Telangana High Court, Hyderabad

📌 Highlights of the High Court Judgment

✅ 1. Trial Court Orders Must Be Honoured Promptly

The High Court observed that SBI was in contempt of an earlier order by the Magistrate Court, which had allowed the account to be unfrozen based on insufficient evidence linking the accused.

✅ 2. Violation of Fundamental Rights

Freezing the bank account of a senior citizen without conclusive proof or chargesheet was held to be a violation of Article 21 (Right to Livelihood and Dignity) of the Constitution.

✅ 3. Lack of Proportionality in Action

The freeze order affected the entire balance, including the individual’s pension and personal savings, which were unrelated to the disputed ₹16.5 lakh transaction. The court said this was disproportionate and excessive.

✅ 4. Bank’s Responsibility

The court emphasized that banks are not above judicial orders. Failure to act on court directions undermines the justice system and results in unnecessary harassment of innocent individuals.

🛑 What Went Wrong?

• SBI froze the entire account based on a generic police communication.

• The complainant, despite being a senior citizen, had no access to basic funds for months.

• The Magistrate had already directed the bank to allow operations on the account.

• SBI, without explanation, failed to implement the judicial order.

🧑‍⚖️ Court’s Directions

• SBI was directed to immediately lift the freeze on the businessman’s account.

• The High Court warned the bank and local cyber police to not overstep their authority and to ensure that freezing is only done on valid legal grounds, not mere suspicion.

• SBI was further advised to issue internal compliance instructions ensuring no future delay in obeying court orders.

Legal Precedents Supporting the Decision

✅ Learnings from the Case

🗣 Advocate Adarsh Singhal’s Expert Opinion

“This case reinforces a citizen’s right to financial dignity and the principle that investigations must not override judicial orders. A cyber complaint cannot be used as a tool to arbitrarily freeze someone’s entire livelihood—especially without timely evidence or judicial backing. The High Court has rightly stepped in to restore balance.”

📞 Need Help with Frozen Bank Accounts?

If your account has been frozen due to a cybercrime complaint and you are not at fault, we can help you:

📱 Cyber Legal Helpline

📞 +91-95096-22662

📞 +91-91160-14622

🌐 www.advocateadarsh.com

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