The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has accused former minister Senthilbalaji of filing multiple petitions with the intent to delay the proceedings of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case against him. This assertion was made before the Principal Sessions Court in Chennai.
The Principal Sessions Judge S Alli heard Senthilbalaji’s plea to stay the judgment on his discharge petition. Senthilbalaji had requested the stay until the disposal of a case registered against him by the Central Crime Branch (CCB). This case involves allegations that he promised government jobs in the transport department in exchange for bribes.
The ED’s counsel argued that Senthilbalaji’s numerous petitions are a tactic to stall the PMLA proceedings. The counsel urged the court not to grant any more time to the petitioner and to dispose of the case promptly. Following the submissions, Judge S Alli scheduled the matter for July 3, allowing time for Senthilbalaji’s response.
The CCB has booked Senthilbalaji on allegations of bribery linked to promises of government jobs. As this case remains pending, Senthilbalaji sought to stay the PMLA proceedings by filing a petition in the sessions court. After the sessions court refused his plea, Senthilbalaji moved to the High Court for relief.
Awaiting a hearing from the High Court on his appeal, Senthilbalaji filed another petition in the sessions court to stay the judgment on his discharge petition from the PMLA case. Additionally, he filed a petition seeking to direct the ED to provide original bank documents and challans related to the PMLA case.