Section 37: Freezing of assets, etc.

37. Freezing of assets, etc.___(1) Where the Special Court trying an offence punishable under this Act is satisfied that there appear reasonable grounds for believing that the accused has committed such an offence, it may order the freezing of the assets of the accused, his relatives and associates. (2) Where in the opinion of the Director-General or an officer authorised under section 21 an offence is being or has been committed, he may freeze the assets of such accused and within 1[thirty] days of the freezing shall place before the Court the material on basis of which the freezing was made and further continuation of the freezing or otherwise shall be decided by the Court. (3) The said officer shall trace, identify and freeze the assets during the investigation or trial for the purpose of forfeiture by the Special Court: Provided that the Director-General, or as the case may be, the officer freezing any asset shall, within three days, inform the Special Court about such freezing and the Special Court shall, after notice to the person whose assets have been frozen, by an order in writing, confirm, rescind or vary such freezing.

Effective date: 1997-07-11

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