Tamil Nadu
Senthil Balaji asked to approach Madras High Court
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) minister Senthil Balaji who is presently lodged at the Puzhal prison in Chennai, after the extension of his judicial custody till 15 September, is finding it difficult to obtain bail as both the Principal Sessions Court and the MP/MLA Special Court have said that the matter is not under their jurisdiction.
Balaji had first moved the Special Court for bail on Monday (28 August). It then asked him to move the Principal Sessions Court for bail.
The Principal Sessions Court on Tuesday (29 August) however said that the Special Court had the power to grant bail and Balaji should approach it.
When Balaji returned to the Special Court as per the direction of the Principal Sessions Court, the Special Court said that it did not have the jurisdiction to hear the matter as it is under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). It asked him to approach the Madras High Court for clarification on the matter.
After the conclusion of its five-day custody of Balaji, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had filed a chargesheet against him at the Principal Sessions Court. It took cognisance of it and transferred the case to the MP/MLA Special Court.
The judge of the MP/MLA Special Court then asked the prison authorities to produce Balaji in person before it on 28 August. On that day, Balaji was provided with a copy of the chargesheet and his judicial custody was extended till 15 September.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest