Justice G. Jayachandran underscored the importance of safeguarding individuals’ rights to their livelihood, asserting that account holders should not be deprived of their means of earning a living by having their funds frozen.
In a notable ruling, the petitioner was granted permission to manage his bank account, provided he maintained a minimum balance of ₹2.48 lakh, allowing him some degree of financial independence during the legal proceedings.
Furthermore, the court clarified that law enforcement is permitted to freeze only the specific funds tied to the alleged fraud, rather than the entirety of the individual’s bank account, ensuring that innocent bystanders are not unduly impacted.
This decision stemmed from the prolonged freeze on the account of Mohammed Saifullah, which lasted over a year due to his involvement in a cryptocurrency-related case, highlighting the necessity of striking a balance between legal caution and individual rights.