Enforcement Department Granted Authority to Detain and Interrogate Minister Senthil Balaji
Chennai: The Madras High Court has ruled that the Enforcement Department has the authority to detain and interrogate minister Senthil Balaji in connection with the Anti-Money Laundering Act case. This decision was made by the third judge assigned to the case, C.V. Karthikeyan, on Friday.
The case involves the murder petition filed by Senthil Balaji’s wife, Megala, who was seeking his release. A two-judge bench of the Madras High Court had previously given two different verdicts on the matter. However, Judge Karthikeyan’s judgment clarified that the enforcement department has the power to detain and interrogate Senthil Balaji, while also affirming his right to prove his innocence.
“The Enforcement Directorate has the authority to detain and interrogate Senthil Balaji. Arrested persons cannot claim any stay of investigation,” stated Judge Karthikeyan. He further emphasized that the power of arrest also grants the enforcement department the ability to detain and interrogate individuals. Judge Bharat Chakravty accepted and concurred with this ruling.
The decision has paved the way for Senthil Balaji’s wife, Megala, to file an appeal in the Supreme Court. In anticipation of this, the Enforcement Department filed a caveat petition in the Supreme Court on Saturday, ensuring that their defense will be heard if an order is issued in Senthil Balaji’s manslaughter plea.
Advocate Mukesh Kumar Maroria, representing the Enforcement Department, submitted the petition requesting that Megala’s appeal be duly considered. The petition stresses the need for a fair hearing and the inclusion of the department’s side in the proceedings.
In the midst of this ongoing legal battle, Minister Senthil Balaji continues to assert his innocence. While the Enforcement Department carries out their investigation, his wife’s appeal in the Supreme Court may shed further light on the matter.