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The 90-day rule, stated exactly

It is real, it is conditional, and it is not automatic. Here is what it actually says.

You will see this described online as “banks must unfreeze after 90 days”. That is not what the SOP says, and going to a branch with the wrong version of it weakens your position.

What it says

If no lawful direction about continuing or discontinuing the hold is received within 90 calendar days of the bank submitting your grievance, then the bank intimates the law enforcement agency for removal of the hold, and an SMS goes to the station house officer. That intimation is to be sent at least 15 calendar days before the 90 days expire.

The bank then removes the hold, after enhanced due diligence, on a request made by the account holder and as per the instructions of the agency.

The four conditions

• The hold must have been contested through this grievance mechanism. An uncontested hold does not start the clock.
• The amount must not be required to be retained in any other case.
• No petition must be filed in any court for release of that amount.
• The investigating agency must not have requested an extension.

The officer may ask for an extension of up to 90 additional calendar days.

Two dates, not one

The main text counts 90 days from the date you raised the grievance. The notice format annexed to the SOP counts 90 days from the date the amount was put on hold. These are different dates. The deadline tracker on this site shows both, and it is safer to work to the later one.

What this means in practice

Day 90 is not a switch that flips. It is a date on which you become entitled to make a request, with a rule behind it, in writing, to a branch manager. Make the request in writing, keep the acknowledgement, and note the grievance reference number in it.