Former Minister Senthil Balaji, who got arrested in a case related to the Prohibition of Illegal Money Transfer Act, stepped down from his position on the 12th. Yesterday, which was the 16th of February 2024, was set as the day when the charges against him would be officially registered by the Enforcement Directorate.
Judge Alli from the Madras Principal Sessions Court had ordered that Senthil Balaji must appear in court in person for this matter. Now, let’s take a look at the four important updates that occurred on this day regarding this case.
Rejection of the Request
Senthil Balaji filed a review petition in the High Court. He wanted to challenge the decision of the First Session Court, which had rejected his request to delay the hearing of the case filed against him by the Enforcement Directorate under the Prohibition of Unlawful Money Transfer Act. His lawyer, Senior Advocate S. Prabhakaran, asked the court to consider the petition urgent.
They argued that if the review petition is not heard urgently, the charges would be filed against him. However, the High Court declined to prioritize the case, saying it would be placed on the regular list.
No Charges Filed
No charges were filed against Senthil Balaji today. Last year, the enforcement department had filed a chargesheet against him in August. Despite being ordered to appear in person today to face charges, Senthil Balaji’s defense filed a petition in the Chennai Principal Sessions Court. They requested his release from the enforcement department’s case until investigations regarding three cases registered in the Chennai Central Crime Branch for job fraud in transport companies were completed.
In the petition, they asked for the charges against him to be postponed until a decision was made on the petition seeking his acquittal. However, during the hearing before Principal Sessions Judge Alli, it was revealed that there was no chargesheet against Senthil Balaji today. Therefore, there was no need for him to appear in person.
Furthermore, Senthil Balaji instructed his defense to provide video evidence for an extension of court custody. This indicates a strategic move to support his case while awaiting further legal proceedings.
Senthil Balaji files dismissal petition
Senthil Balaji has filed a new petition, asking to be discharged from the enforcement department’s case. In this petition, he argues that the accusations against him have no merit. He is also requesting to delay the registration of charges until a decision is made on the discharge petition.
In simpler terms, Senthil Balaji is saying that he shouldn’t be involved in the enforcement department’s case because he believes the allegations against him are unfounded. He wants the court to wait before officially charging him until they’ve considered his request to be discharged from the case.
This new petition adds another layer to Senthil Balaji’s legal proceedings, as he continues to defend himself against the accusations brought against him by the enforcement department.
Extension of Court Custody
As Senthil Balaji’s time in custody was ending today, he was brought before Madras District Principal Sessions Court Judge Alli via video from Puzhal Jail. The judge decided to extend Senthil Balaji’s custody until February 20. This marks the 21st time his custody has been extended.
This extension means that Senthil Balaji will remain in the custody of the court for a little longer. It’s part of the legal process to ensure that all necessary steps are taken before a final decision is made in his case.
Despite being brought before the judge via video, the decision to extend his custody shows that the legal proceedings concerning Senthil Balaji are ongoing. This extension gives authorities more time to complete their investigations and make informed decisions regarding his case.
Also Read: Senthil Balaji Case: Will Senthil Balaji Be Released On Bail?
