A retired senior civil judge’s son received Rs 1.62 crore from his late father’s bank account as a nominee , but his mother and sister moved the Madras High Court seeking their share in the money. Clarifying that being a “nominee does not make someone the sole owner of the funds”, the court has directed the bank to prevent the son from withdrawing the amount for two weeks, giving the mother and sister time to approach a civil court to protect their interests.

Justice N Dilip Kumar was hearing a complaint filed by the mother and daughter seeking directions to the bank to seize the amount of Rs 1.62 crore from the son’s account and to release an equal share to her and the daughter.

“The mere availability of nomination with the second respondent (son) would not mean that he alone is entitled to the entire amount,” the October 26 order read.…