Urdu Report Editorial Team
LAHORE: In an unusual banking case, Rs3 million (Rs30 lac) was allegedly transferred to a citizen’s bank account from MCB due to a technical error. The account holder withdrew Rs25 lac(Rs2.5 million) and spent the money, after which the bank demanded its return.
According to the case Tariq Rehman Chohan Vs The state the bank mistakenly transferred Rs3 million to the citizen’s account in a single transaction. After discovering the Rs3 million bank transfer, the bank contacted the account holder and asked him to return the money.
The accused reportedly issued a cheque to the bank for repayment. However, the cheque was dishonoured due to insufficient funds in his account.
Following the bank’s complaint, a criminal case was registered against the accused in Lahore under Sections 406 and 489-F of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
Lahore High Court’s Ruling
During the hearing, Lahore High Court Justice Tanvir Ahmad Sheikh observed that money mistakenly credited to a person’s bank account can, depending on the circumstances, be legally treated as entrusted property.
The court held that knowingly using or spending money that does not belong to the account holder may constitute criminal breach of trust.
The court further observed that proceedings under both Section 406 PPC and Section 489-F PPC can be initiated simultaneously where the facts of the case support both offences.
Bail Petition Rejected
The accused’s post-arrest bail petition was initially rejected by the magistrate’s court. He subsequently approached the Sessions Court, but his bail plea was rejected there as well.
The accused then moved the Lahore High Court for bail. However, the High Court also dismissed his post-arrest bail petition.
How Was Rs3 Crore Transferred?
One of the most striking questions arising from the case is how Rs3 million, could be transferred in a single transaction to an individual’s account because of an alleged technical error.
The incident raises questions about the bank’s internal controls, transaction verification procedures and financial monitoring systems.
However, it would be premature to conclude that the transfer involved anything beyond a technical error or serious negligence.
Whether the incident was simply a banking mistake, a major operational lapse or involved any possible collusion would require further investigation and examination of the bank’s transaction records.
The Lahore High Court’s ruling also highlights an important legal principle: money mistakenly credited to a person’s account does not automatically become the recipient’s property. Knowingly using or spending such funds can potentially result in criminal proceedings.
