Senthil Balaji Case: Madras HC Says Principal Sessions Court Should Hear Bail Application, Not MP/MLA Special Court

A Madras High Court bench comprising Justices R Suresh Kumar and Kumaresh Babu today (4 September) said that the Principal Sessions Court had the power to hear minister Senthil Balaji's bail application.

The matter had reached the High Court after the Principal Sessions Court and the MP/MLA Special Court, to which Balaji's case was transferred had said that his bail plea does not come under their jurisdiction.

The High Court also stated that the case should not have been transferred to the MP/MLA Special Court as the Principal Sessions Court is the court designated by the Centre for cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

On 28 August, the Special Court had provided Balaji a copy of the Enforcement Directorate's (ED's) chargesheet against him and extended his judicial custody till 15 September.

Balaji then applied for bail at the Special Court, which directed him to the Prinicipal Sessions Court. The Principal Sessions Court, however, said that the matter would be heard by the Special Court. The Special Court judge then asked him to approach the High Court for clarification.

Also Read: Tamil Nadu: After Back And Forth On Bail Plea Between Special Court And Sessions Court, Senthil Balaji Asked To Approach Madras High Court