Authority: Madurai Bench of Madras High Court
Order Date: 09 July 2026
Case Overview
- Parties: petitioner G. Lakshmanan vs. 1) Branch Manager, Indian Bank, Savalaperi, Thoothukudi District; 2) State of Tamil Nadu represented by Inspector of Police, District Crime Branch, Thoothukudi District.
- Nature of Petition: Writ Petition (W.P(MD) No.18893 of 2026) under Article 226 seeking a writ of mandamus for the return of a Murukku Chain weighing about 48 grams, pledged under Jewel Loan No.8191037114.
- Background: Petitioner availed two gold loans from Indian Bank by pledging gold jewellery. He claims full repayment of all loan liabilities but the bank has not returned the pledged gold ornaments.
- Bank’s Submission: During verification, the bank discovered that one of the two loans was secured by genuine gold jewellery, while the other was secured by counterfeit gold jewellery. A criminal complaint was lodged, resulting in registration of Crime No.4 of 2026 under Sections 316(2), 318(4) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Investigation is pending. The bank states there is no impediment to returning the genuine gold jewellery; the counterfeit pieces have been seized by the investigating agency.
- Petitioner’s Representation: Dated 11 June 2026, requesting prompt return of the pledged gold ornaments.
Final Outcome
- The Court directs Indian Bank to return the original (genuine) gold jewellery pledged by the petitioner, for which the loan amounts have been fully discharged, within the time stipulated by the Court.
- Regarding the counterfeit jewellery seized by the investigating agency, the petitioner is granted liberty to approach the competent criminal court or the investigating agency for a remedy.
- The order is limited to borrowers who have fully discharged the entire gold‑loan liability for the concerned accounts.
- The writ petition is disposed of with no costs awarded.
Topics: Court Order, Gold Loan Dispute, Banking