CHENNAI: A recent judgment in the case of Minister Senthil Balaji’s recruitment petition has left differing opinions among the judges involved. Consequently, the case has been recommended to be heard by a 3rd Judge, whose verdict will determine its conclusion. The arrest of Minister Senthil Balaji under the Unlawful Money Transfer Prohibition Act by the Enforcement Department last month prompted his wife, Megala, to file a writ petition in the Madras High Court, claiming that his arrest was illegal.
During the hearing, Advocate N.R. Elango, representing Megala, and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, on behalf of the enforcement department, presented their arguments. The verdict was finally passed by a bench consisting of Justices Nisha Banu and Bharata Chakraborty after the completion of these arguments.
Justice Nisha Banu ruled that “this petition is fit for trial, and Minister Senthil Balaji has been arrested illegally and should be released immediately.” However, Justice Bharata Chakraborty had a different opinion, stating that “this petition is not fit for trial, and Senthil Balaji should be jailed after the completion of custody.” As the two judges reached contrasting verdicts, the case has been referred to a 3rd judge, whose decision will ultimately settle the matter.
The hearing and subsequent differing opinions have garnered attention, emphasizing the significance of the final verdict in the case. All eyes now turn to the 3rd Judge, whose decision will determine the fate of Minister Senthil Balaji and bring the case to a close.