Enforcement Order
An enforcement order is a legal direction that puts a decision into effect, such as freezing an account.
Sources checked 2026-09-17 to 2026-09-29
What is an enforcement order?
An enforcement order is a legal direction that puts a decision into effect. For a frozen account, it is the instruction that stops money moving. The bank follows it because it carries legal authority.
Not all orders are the same. They come from different laws, last for different periods and open different ways to respond. Your first step is to find out which one applies to your account.
Who can issue an enforcement order?
Under section 116D of the Criminal Procedure Code, added in 2024, a police officer of Sergeant rank or above can freeze an account and block transactions straight away. No court order is needed, but the officer must suspect a link to unlawful activity. [f1]
Under the anti-money-laundering law (AMLA), the Public Prosecutor can order a bank not to let suspected proceeds of unlawful activity be dealt with. [f2] An enforcement agency can also issue a freeze under section 44. Knowing which authority acted tells you which rules apply.
How long can it last?
An enforcement order is not open-ended. An AMLA seizure or Public Prosecutor order lapses after 18 months if you have not been charged. [f3]
A section 44 freeze by an enforcement agency ends after 90 days if you are not charged. A police freeze under section 116D lapses 18 months after the order if nobody is prosecuted over the money. Each time limit depends on the power used, so check which one applies.
Can I ask for it to be changed?
Yes, but the route depends on the order. For a section 44 freeze, you apply in writing to the agency that issued it, and a more senior officer decides. For a section 116D police freeze, you apply to the Sessions Court.
A lawyer can work out which order you have, prepare the application and explain what the decision-maker will look at.
Sources
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Who can issue an order to freeze my account?
It depends on the law used. Under section 116D of the Criminal Procedure Code, a police officer of Sergeant rank or above can freeze an account straight away without a court order. Under AMLA, the Public Prosecutor can order a bank not to let the money be dealt with, and an enforcement agency can issue a freeze under section 44.
Does an enforcement order last forever?
No. An AMLA seizure or Public Prosecutor order lapses after 18 months if you have not been charged. A section 44 freeze ends after 90 days if you are not charged. A police freeze under section 116D lapses after 18 months if nobody is prosecuted over the money. A lawyer can check which one you have.
Can I challenge an enforcement order?
Yes, there are ways to ask for a change, and they depend on the order. For a section 44 freeze, you apply in writing to the agency that issued it. For a section 116D police freeze, you apply to the Sessions Court. Nobody can promise the result, so ask a lawyer about your own order.
Related pages
If your situation is a little different, these pages cover the closest topics.
Need a Lawyer for Your Frozen Account Case?
Request Lawyer ContactFor people seeking legal representation. For general information, use our guides and tools.
Independent information resource, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice. Where appropriate and with your consent, we can connect you with an independent lawyer. Availability and acceptance of a case are not guaranteed. How referral works