The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the petitions seeking release of Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji, who was apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in June last year in a money laundering case.
A bench of Justice AS Bopanna and Justice MM Sundresh also granted the ED custody of Balaji for five days until August 12, 2023.
The order was passed on two pleas put forth by Balaji and his wife, S Megala. Concurrently, a connected plea moved by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was also heard along with the pleas for Balaji’s release.
The Supreme Court had reserved its judgment on this matter on Wednesday, August 2.
Previously, the Madras High Court had ruled against releasing the minister, prompting Balaji and his wife to approach the apex court. Meanwhile, the ED had also approached the top court, arguing that the High Court had erred in even considering a habeas corpus petition submitted by Balaji’s wife subsequent to his remand. The ED’s plea was adjudicated alongside the petitions filed by Balaji and his wife.
The charges against Balaji emanate from purported irregularities in the selection of bus conductors within the Tamil Nadu transport department, along with the recruitment of drivers and junior engineers. These appointments were executed during Balaji’s tenure as the Transport Minister in the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) government between 2011 and 2015. Balaji subsequently aligned with the DMK in 2018.
Subsequent to his remand by a sessions court, Balaji was subjected to judicial custody. However, instead of being incarcerated, he was eventually relocated to a private hospital, where he underwent bypass surgery.
Concurrently, his wife filed a habeas corpus petition before the High Court, seeking his liberation. Following a split verdict by a division bench of the High Court on this plea, a third judge was designated to adjudicate upon the matter. Ultimately, the third judge ruled against Balaji’s release.
