Supreme Court: SC reserves verdict on Balaji, wife Megala’s plea
The Supreme Court has reserved its decision on the petition of Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji and his wife Megala. In the petition, the Madras High Court’s decision to maintain the arrest of Senthil Balaji in the money laundering case has been challenged. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the minister, completed their arguments. After this, a bench of Justice AS Bopanna and Justice MM Sundaresh said that the arguments have been heard. The judgment is reserved.
Presenting its arguments, it was argued on behalf of the Anti-Money Laundering Agency that it has the necessary power to arrest the accused minister and conduct custodial interrogation. Its purpose is to collect evidence and ensure its validity. On the other hand, Rohatgi, with the help of advocate Amit Anand Tiwari, said that the ED has no inherent power under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to interrogate an accused in custody.
ED has arrested in money laundering case
Senthil Balaji was arrested by the ED last month in a money laundering case. Senthil Balaji’s health deteriorated due to ED’s action, after which he was admitted to a private hospital in Chennai.
challenged the arrest by ED
Megala filed a habeas corpus petition in the Madras High Court challenging the arrest of Senthil Balaji by the ED. However, the Madras High Court, while upholding the order of the lower court, ordered Senthil Balaji to be kept in ED’s judicial custody.
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