R. SAMPATH Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Criminal Revision case is filed against the order passed in Crl.M.P.No.3298 of 2021 in C.C.No.7 of 2021 on the file of the learned XIV Additional Special Judge for CBI cases, Chennai.

(2.) Crl.M.P.No.3298 of 2021 was filed under Sec. 451 of Cr.P.C for the following reliefs:-

(3.) The case of the petitioner is that he was working as Deputy Director General, CPWD and retired from service on 31/12/2016. On 10/3/2017, the respondent police searched his official residence at Besant Nagar and took an inventory of articles available and prepared inventory memo listing out the articles found at his residence. He also seized certain documents and articles enumerated in the search list. The documents included title deeds of the properties owned either by him or by his wife, insurance policies held in his name besides, certain cheques, mobile phone and keys relating to locker No.HH12 held jointly by him and his wife in Oriental Bank of Commerce, Adyar. On 16/3/2017, respondent called him and his wife to the Oriental Bank of Commerce, Adyar branch for opening the locker No.HH12. They took a list of articles available in the locker and proceedings were drawn by the respondent in the presence of him, his wife and the Branch Manager of Oriental Bank of Commerce and other officials. Locker was then closed and keys were handed over to the Inspector of Police Smt.Bindhu. Respondent directed Branch Manager to maintain "status quo" with regard to operation of the locker. Respondent issued instruction to freeze his account and his wife held in the following Banks:-