Tamil Nadu: After Back And Forth On Bail Plea Between Special Court And Sessions Court, 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.

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