Chennai: The Madras High Court delivered a split verdict on Tuesday regarding the Habeas Corpus plea filed by Senthil Balaji's wife, challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money-laundering case. The plea will now be referred to a larger bench for further consideration.

The division bench comprising Justices Nisha Banu and D Bharatha Chakravarthy presented differing opinions. Justice Nisha Banu maintained that the habeas corpus plea for Balaji's release is valid and should be granted, while Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy dissented from this view. Due to the split verdict, the current status quo remains unchanged, as explained by NR Elango, the lawyer representing the petitioner.

"The split verdict has resulted in the continuation of the current status quo. One of the judges has acknowledged our plea that the Enforcement Directorate lacks the authority to seek Police custody. Moreover, it has been established by one of the judges that this is an instance of an illegal arrest," stated senior advocate and DMK Rajya Sabha MP Elango.

Senthil Balaji, the Tamil Nadu minister, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) concerning a money laundering case. His wife, S Megala, filed a habeas corpus plea against his arrest before the High Court on June 14.

Justice Nisha Banu opined that the ED is not authorized to seek police custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). During the court proceedings, Senior Counsel NR Elango argued that Balaji's arrest was conducted without prior notice, rendering it unlawful.

"The procedure employed by the Enforcement Directorate is entirely unlawful and unconstitutional. Balaji was taken into custody by the ED without being informed of the reasons for his arrest. We will pursue this case through legal means," stated Elango during a press briefing on June 14.

In an earlier development in June, the Supreme Court declined to intervene in the Madras High Court's order, which allowed Balaji to be transferred to a private hospital in Chennai. The apex court also entertained a habeas corpus petition challenging his arrest.

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