CHENNAI: In a setback to arrested Tamil Nadu electricity minister V Senthil Balaji, the Chennai principal sessions court on Friday granted eight days of his custody to the Enforcement Directorate (ED). However, the court made it clear that the ED can interrogate him only on the hospital premises where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Senthil Balaji was arrested by the ED in the early hours of June 14 in connection with a cash-for-job case registered in 2014.
District judge S Alli dismissed the bail application moved by the minister. The ED has been directed to produce Senthil Balaji through video conferencing on June 23.
When the application moved by the ED seeking 15 days custody of Senthil Balaji came up for hearing on Friday, the minister appeared through video conferencing and objected to the same.
He submitted that doctors were planning to perform a bypass surgery to remove three blocks in his heart and granting custody to the ED at this juncture would affect his health.
Counsels for the minister pointed out that a division bench of the Madras high court in its order permitting his transfer from Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital to Kauvery Hospital had made it clear that he shall remain in the hospital during his remand period.
Senthil Balaji was arrested by the ED in the early hours of June 14 in connection with a cash-for-job case registered in 2014.
District judge S Alli dismissed the bail application moved by the minister. The ED has been directed to produce Senthil Balaji through video conferencing on June 23.
When the application moved by the ED seeking 15 days custody of Senthil Balaji came up for hearing on Friday, the minister appeared through video conferencing and objected to the same.
He submitted that doctors were planning to perform a bypass surgery to remove three blocks in his heart and granting custody to the ED at this juncture would affect his health.
Counsels for the minister pointed out that a division bench of the Madras high court in its order permitting his transfer from Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital to Kauvery Hospital had made it clear that he shall remain in the hospital during his remand period.
