(1.) The primordial issues involved are qua the continuation of V. Senthil Balaji as a Cabinet Minister of the State of Tamil Nadu consequent to his arrest and as to whether a Minister could continue in Office without being assigned any responsibilities and duties, that is without any Portfolios, while in Judicial custody.
(2.) The entire controversy triggered off as a sequel to the action taken by the Enforcement Directorate pursuant to the direction given by the Apex Court in the Judgment, dtd. 16/5/2023 passed in S.L.P.(Cri) No.12779 to 12781 of 2022, whereby the Enforcement Directorate was directed to proceed with the case registered against V. Senthil Balaji and conclude the investigation within two months.
(3.) Pursuant to the aforesaid Direction given by the Apex Court, the Enforcement Directorate registered a case on 14/6/2023 under Sec. 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 and V. Senthil Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on 14/6/2023.