PMLA Case: Madras HC Grants 4 More Months To Complete Trial Against Senthil Balaji

The Madras High Court on Wednesday has granted 4 more months’ time to the Principal Sessions Judge here to complete the trial in a money laundering case registered against former Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthil Balaji, who was arrested by the ED last year.

Initially, Justice N Anand Venkatesh of the Madras HC denied bail to Senthil Balaji on February 28, citing his nearly 8 months in custody.

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The Special Court, mandated to hear Prevention of Money Laundering Act cases, was instructed to conduct the trial expeditiously, ideally on a day-to-day basis, and complete it within 3 months.

However, as the initial 3-months period approached its end without commencing the trial, Principal Sessions Judge S Alli sought an extension through a letter to the Madras High Court.

Responding to the request, Justice G Jayachandran granted an additional 4 months to the Principal Sessions Judge to finalize the trial. The judge emphasized that Senthil Balaji must cooperate fully in the proceedings.

Senthil Balaji, a prominent DMK leader, was arrested on June 14, 2023, by the ED. The case revolves around allegations of money laundering linked to a cash-for-jobs scandal during his tenure as Transport Minister under a previous AIADMK government.