The Kerala High Court on 15 October directed Axis Bank to allow Radhika Menon, an LPG distributor, to operate her current account despite 21 requisitions involving a total lien amount of Rs. 1.16 crore, after she alleged that fraudsters had used her account to route disputed transactions.

Justice M.A. Abdul Hakhim held that a bank could permit a customer to operate her account by disregarding lien requisitions where the disputed transactions appeared to have resulted from fraud against her. The Bench observed:

“….the Petitioner can be permitted to operate the account, ignoring the 21 requisitions for Rs.1,16,32,892/- stated in the Statement and Additional Statement of the Respondent/Bank”

Menon approached the Court seeking to unfreeze her current account maintained with Axis Bank. She submitted that an establishment named Zenith Finance had defrauded her by offering a loan through WhatsApp.

After she shared her bank account details and Aadhaar information, several disputed transactions were allegedly routed through her account between 8 and 11 January 2026.

Axis Bank informed the Court that it had received 21 requisitions involving a total lien amount of Rs. 1,16,32,892. The Bank also confirmed that Menon had promptly reported the fraudulent use of her account.

The Bench also recorded Menon's submission that she wished to close the account and directed Axis Bank to process any such request without considering the aforesaid requisitions.

Accordingly, the High Court disposed of the writ petition.

For Petitioner: Advocate Azeem Salih

For Respondents: Advocate Premchand M

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Case Title :  Radhika Menon v. Branch Manager and OrsCase Number :  WP(C) No. 3948 of 2026CITATION :  2026 LLBiz HC(KER) 204
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