In an important ruling, the Supreme Court on Wednesday (December 10) ruled that the police/investigating agencies are empowered to freeze the bank account of a person under Section 102 Code of Criminal Procedure (now Section 106 Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita)., against whom a proceeding is initiated under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (“PC Act”).

Dismissing a challenge raised by a public servant accused of amassing assets disproportionate to known sources of income, the Court clarified that the general seizure powers under the CrPC operate independently and are not displaced by the special attachment mechanism provided in the PC Act.

The Court held that the power of seizure under Cr.P.C. and attachment under the PC Act, are separate and distinct. Hence, bo

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