Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Supreme Court to contest a recent decision by the Madras High Court. The order, which permitted Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji to be transferred to a private hospital for a crucial bypass surgery, has raised eyebrows and sparked a legal battle.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta urgently mentioned the matter before a bench of Justices Surya Kant and MM Sundresh, seeking a prompt hearing. Responding to the gravity of the situation, the bench has scheduled the case for Wednesday, indicating the importance attributed to the appeal.

V Senthil Balaji, a prominent figure in the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led government in Tamil Nadu, found himself in the clutches of the ED due to alleged involvement in a cash-for-job scandal. The charges stem from his tenure as the transport minister during the AIADMK government from 2011 to 2015.

Balaji's health complications added another layer of complexity to the situation. After experiencing chest pain, he was initially admitted to a government hospital, where he underwent a coronary angiogram. The City Civil and Sessions Court, Chennai subsequently remanded Balaji to judicial custody until June 28, taking into consideration his medical condition.

The Sessions judge allowed Balaji to continue receiving medical treatment at the government hospital. However, his wife, S Megala, took legal action by filing a habeas corpus petition with the Madras High Court, contesting his arrest.

On June 15, the High Court rendered a groundbreaking decision, permitting Balaji to be transferred to Kauvery Hospital, a private healthcare facility in the city, for an emergency bypass surgery. This verdict left the door open for potential complications, given the ongoing legal proceedings against him.

Adding to the intrigue, the Principal Judge at the City Civil and Sessions Court, Chennai, S Alli, granted the ED's request for custodial interrogation of the minister. However, it was explicitly stated that the interrogation should take place at the hospital, highlighting the delicate balance between legal obligations and the minister's health concerns.

As the ED challenges the Madras High Court order, the fate of V Senthil Balaji hangs in the balance. The Supreme Court's imminent hearing on this matter is poised to shape the course of events, revealing the intricate interplay between justice, politics, and healthcare.