Madras High Court grants sessions court 4 more months to complete Senthil Balaji money laundering trial

The Madras High Court granted the Principal Sessions Court, Chennai, an additional four months to complete the trial in a money laundering case against former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji, filed by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED). Justice G Jayachandran extended the deadline after Principal Sessions Judge S Alli reported her inability to conclude the trial within the previously mandated three months due to delays caused by multiple petitions filed by Balaji. The sessions court only received the initial order on March 6, and Balaji's subsequent legal maneuvers led to repeated adjournments. Special Public Prosecutor N Ramesh confirmed these delaying tactics. Justice Jayachandran granted the extension, suggesting further appeals could be taken to the Supreme Court. Balaji, arrested on June 14, 2023, has had multiple bail applications rejected. His medical bail plea was denied by both the High Court and the Supreme Court, which found his medical condition insufficient for bail.