MADURAI
PRP Exports moved the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday seeking a direction to the Investigating Officer of Prohibition Enforcement Wing to send letters to port authorities and banks clarifying that there was no impediment on it to operate its bank accounts.
The petitioner, P. Senthil Kumar of PRP Exports, said that the firm, an export-oriented unit, was recognised by the Madras Export Processing Zone. It was engaged in the manufacture of granite blocks, slabs, tiles and other articles under the Export Oriented Units provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy.
In 2005, it set up its unit in Melur near Madurai. After being caught up in legal embroilment over operation of granite sites, the Investigating Officer of the Prohibition Enforcement Wing wrote to the port authorities of Chennai and Thoothukudi and State Bank of India and Indian Bank to freeze its bank accounts.
The investigation was with regard to quarrying operations in Madurai and not other districts. This being the case and with its accounts frozen, the firm was unable to carry out its business since 2012. The Investigating Officer had no jurisdiction in passing such a blanket order and this was in violation of procedures laid down under Section 102(3) of the CrPC, the petitioner said.
Justice N. Seshasayee ordered notice to the Investigation Officer, Prohibition Enforcement Wing, and sought a counter. The case was adjourned for further hearing.