British authorities on Wednesday said the Indian Government would have to make a fresh request seeking a freeze on the controversial bank accounts of Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi.
There has to be a fresh application by India satisfying the usual criteria while seeking a fresh freeze on the accounts of Quattrocchi, an accused in the Bofors payoff case, a spokeswoman of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.
"No, an order cannot be reinstated. It would have to be a fresh application satisfying the usual criteria. However, the High Court is likely to query any application for further restraining order given the application to discharge the original order. The court is likely to ask for evidence as to how and why there has been a change in circumstances," she said.
To a question on how long it would take once the Indian authorities make a fresh request to freeze the accounts again, she said based on the request the CPS would have to make a fresh application. "Generally speaking, these requests can be actioned by the court in a matter of days and in extreme circumstances even quicker."
Even if the British authorities dealt swiftly with a new Indian request, processing it would take a few days.
{{/usCountry}}Even if the British authorities dealt swiftly with a new Indian request, processing it would take a few days.
{{/usCountry}}"We have not taken any further action after the High Court removed the restraints on the accounts on January 11," the spokeswoman said.