INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
CHENNAI: Confusion over the jurisdictions of a sessions court and a special court in taking up the bail plea of arrested Tamil Nadu minister
V Senthil Balaji has delayed the hearing of his petition although his stay in prison has crossed 75 days
During this period, he has spent five days in custody of the Enforcement Directorate, and the central agency has filed a chargesheet and
court for cases against MPs and MLAs here
The court, however, directed him to approach the regular principal sessions court, which had originally remanded him in judicial
custody.Accordingly, Senthil Balaji filed a bail petition before the principal sessions court on Tuesday
When it came up for hearing on Wednesday, judge S Alli said the special court for cases against MPs and MLAs could hear his bail plea and
passed an order saying the special court had the power to hear the bail plea.However, when the case was mentioned before special judge Ravi,
the latter refused to take up the case for hearing, saying his court lacked jurisdiction and power to hear cases registered under the
Prevention of Money Laundering Act
The judge directed Senthil Balaji to approach the Madras high court for clarity and necessary orders.Senthil Balaji is now expected to
approach the Madras HC on Thursday for clarity and orders in the matter.
