Madras HC Closes Habeas Corpus Petition Filed By Senthil Balaji's Wife, Leaves It For SC

Justice Nisha Banu reiterated her stance that the detenu should be set at liberty.

Balaji was shifted to the Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai from a private hospital a few days back.

Madras High Court closed habeas corpus petition filed by Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji's wife Megala as the matter was pending before the Supreme Court. A division bench of justices J Nisha Banu and D Bharatha Chakravarthy closed the petition after the hearing on Tuesday. 

According to PTI, Madras High Court heard the submissions of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate and senior counsel NR Elango, who represented Balaji as the HCP was listed to decide on the date ED can take Balaji into custody. 

On Tuesday, Nisha Banu said, "Since there was a split verdict in the case earlier, the matter was referred to a third judge who concurred with the conclusion of Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy."

"I stand by my judgment dated July 4, 2023. I have nothing to say further in this matter," she said, as per PTI.

Mehta said that the issue was merely brought before this division bench to determine the day the ED would take custody. Justice Nisha Banu reiterated her stance that the detenu should be set at liberty.

She said that HC will close the case since the Supreme Court was seized of the matter. Justice Nisha Banu said, "Now we have nothing to say since the Supreme Court is seized of the matter." Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy said, "Yes, we will close the matter." Subsequently, the division bench closed the HCP.

Balaji was shifted to the Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai from a private hospital a few days back. Balaji was arrested by ED and shifted to the hospital after he developed chest pain. Later, he was lodged in prison in connection with a cash-for-job scam. The scam allegedly took place in the previous AIADMK government when Balaji served as the then Minister of Transport.