Government’s New SOP to Unfreeze Bank Accounts
Today, many people believe that cyber fraud simply means “the money is gone forever.” This new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is an effort to change that mindset. If you file a complaint quickly, authorities will try to block the stolen money and return it to you. In the last article, I explained the purpose of this SOP, who it applies to, its guiding principles, the complaint registration process, and the grievance redressal system, do check it out.
In today’s era of cybercrime, almost all of us use digital payments. However, one major fear many citizens now face is bank account freezing. Even if you have done nothing wrong, your account may be frozen because fraudulent money entered it from somewhere in the chain. This means you may suddenly lose access to your salary, rent money, or funds needed for emergency medical care.
To help innocent people caught in such situations, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has issued a new SOP. It is based on a very important principle: “An innocent person should not suffer unnecessary hardship.” In this article, let us understand what to do if your bank account is frozen, the steps to get it unfrozen, and the legal remedies available.
What Should You Do If Your Account Is Frozen?
- Visit the Bank : First, go to your bank branch and ask for information. The bank must inform you which police authority or investigation agency instructed them to freeze the account. Provide Documents – Bank officials will ask for your identity card and details regarding the transaction. Once you provide the correct documents and convince the bank that your transaction is legitimate, the bank will file a complaint on the ‘Grievance Redressal Portal’ within 7 days.
- Police Verification : The concerned investigating officer will review your complaint. In most cases, there is an opportunity for inquiry via video call.
- Grievance Redressal Mechanism : Officers have been appointed for grievance redressal: District-level officers (Addl. SP or Dy SP) in every district and DG or IG rank officers at the state level. Special Facility for
- Senior Citizens and the Disabled : According to this SOP, senior citizens, the disabled, and those with serious illnesses can have someone else file a grievance on their behalf; they do not need to struggle to visit the bank branch. If You Are a Victim of Fraud If you prove that you are a victim of fraud yourself and there are no legal hurdles, the bank must immediately release the freeze on your account.
- Time Limit : If you do not receive a reply within 15 days of filing the complaint, your complaint will automatically go to the District Grievance Redressal Officer.
- Appeal : If you are not satisfied with their verdict, you can appeal against the District Officer’s decision to the State Grievance Redressal Officer.
- Legal Remedies : Available Legal Options You can approach the court at any stage; this is your fundamental right.
- BNSS Section 106(3): The police can submit a report to the Magistrate and release the account after obtaining an indemnity bond from you.
- BNSS Section 497 or 503: You can apply to the court under these sections to request the release of your account or money.
There is a deadline of 15 days for each stage. Within 90 days of submission, there must be a clear legal reason for the account to remain frozen. If there is no FIR, court order, or clear investigation requirement, the bank account must be unfrozen.
Conclusion :
In the digital world, our safety is in our hands. Do not panic if your bank account is wrongly frozen. This new SOP has been prepared specifically for the protection of common people like you. The law is now backing you; make good use of it. The significance of this SOP is that, previously, a frozen account meant months or years of hell for the victim, running between the police and the bank while neglecting their work. After this SOP, the victim has a clear process, a time limit, the right to appeal, and an opportunity for a humanitarian approach.
