‘Won’t intervene in search scheduled at Senthil Balaji’s house’

Justice P D Audikesasvalu’s response was based on a mention made by Senthil Balaji’s counsel on Wednesday about police taking coercive steps by affixing search notice directing him to appear contrary to court direction not to take any coercive steps like arresting him.

However, State public prosecutor A Natarajan, informed the court that the search operation is being undertaken after getting due orders from the concerned Magistrate. He also informed the court that the proposed search is part of the investigation and the police had informed in the notice that either Senthil Balaji or his authorised representative can be present during the search procedure. Hence, no coercive step is taken as claimed by the former minister’s counsel, the State public prosecutor said.

Based on this, Justice Audikesavalu informed Senthil Balaji’s counsel that such type of remedy cannot be sought in an anticipatory bail application and if he is aggrieved by the magistrate’s order then the same must be challenged by filling a different petition.

As per the case, Senthil Balaji while being the Transport Minister had allegedly obtained money from aspirants through his associates for appointment as drivers, conductors and technicians in State transport corporations.

Balaji was among the 18 disqualified AIADMK MLAs who had thrown their lot with rebel leader TTV Dhinakaran. He later joined the DMK and got elected in the by poll held last year.