Title: Minister Senthil Balaji’s Bail Plea Involving Unlawful Money Transfer Act Remains in Limbo, High Court Intervention Sought
Date: [Insert Date]
CHENNAI: A unique legal battle has unfolded as Minister Senthil Balaji’s bail plea, filed after his arrest under the Unlawful Money Transfer Act, faces uncertainty amid conflicting jurisdiction claims. The situation has prompted the judge to seek clarification from the High Court on whether the high-profile case should be heard by a special court.
The Enforcement Directorate recently presented a massive 3,000-page case file and a 120-page chargesheet against Senthil Balaji. These documents were handed over to the minister by the special court designated to hear cases involving Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) on August 28. Subsequently, the minister filed a petition seeking bail.
However, the special court ruled that it lacked the jurisdiction to hear the bail plea due to the registration of the case under the Special Act, specifically the Prohibition of Unlawful Money Transfer Act. The court advised Senthil Balaji to approach the District Principal Sessions Court for the bail petition.
Following this directive, a petition was filed on behalf of Senthil Balaji at the Chennai District Principal Sessions Court seeking bail. However, the petition did not come up for hearing on the scheduled day, prompting the minister’s lawyers to approach the Sessions Court for clarification.
The lawyers were presented with an order issued by Judge S. Alli stating that the bail petition should be filed in the special court. Acting on this information, Senthil Balaji’s legal team appeared before Special Court Judge K. Ravi and presented a copy of the order from the Principal Sessions Judge. They appealed for the bail plea to be accepted for hearing.
In response, Judge K. Ravi highlighted the need for a clear explanation regarding the jurisdiction over the bail petition. He noted the absence of any notification on bail pleas being heard by a special court in such cases. The judge suggested that if the High Court is approached for guidance and clarity, the special court will decide accordingly.
Meanwhile, Senthil Balaji’s lawyers approached the special court yesterday morning seeking permission for the bail plea to be heard. However, journalists covering the case were denied entry by the police and court staff. The reporters then made a formal request to the special court judge for access to observe the proceedings. However, their request was denied, and they were instructed to leave the premises.
The legal battle surrounding Minister Senthil Balaji’s bail plea continues to unfold in a standoff between the special court and the District Principal Sessions Court. With the judge now seeking clarification from the High Court, the fate of Senthil Balaji’s bail plea remains uncertain.