Chennai: Tamil Nadu Minister V. A division bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday gave a different verdict on Senthil Balaji’s habeas corpus petition. Senthil was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Justice J. Justice Nisha Banu and Justice D. Bharat Chakraborty delivered a split judgment on the issue. It also decided to recommend the Chief Justice to transfer the case to another bench.
The habeas corpus petition filed by Balaji’s wife Megala was accepted by Nisha Banu and dismissed by Justice D. Bharat Chakraborty. Describing the petition as tenable, Justice Banu directed the police to release Balaji immediately.
But Justice Chakraborty disagreed with Bhanu’s decision and gave his order. Petitioner has not made out any case to show that the arrest was illegal. Senthil may be treated in a private hospital (Kaveri Hospital) till discharge from Balaji Hospital or for 10 days from now. After this, the judge said that treatment can be sought at the jail/government hospital.
Senthil Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on June 14 in a money laundering case related to the ‘Cash for Jobs’ scam.
The ED alleged that the minister misused his position in the alleged ‘cash-for-hire’ scam in state transport bodies in 2014-15. Balaji was earlier in the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kalagam (AIADMK) party and was the Transport Minister in late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s government.
