Supreme Court questions TN government’s move to arrest Rajenthra Bhalaji

The Supreme Court on Thursday took strong note of arrest of former AIADMK minister K T Rajenthra Bhalaji during the pendency of his appeal before it against the denial of anticipatory bail by the Madras High Court in an alleged government job scam case.

A bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana was also irked over the raids conducted by state police on the lawyers representing Bhalaji who was swiftly arrested following the rejection of pre-arrest bail plea by the high court.

”What is this? Is it proper for the government to go ahead when this court is considering the matter? With COVID-19, we are unable to list all matters. Heavens were not going to fall if you could have restrained yourself. Why do you attack and raid lawyers… Is it your intention that the Supreme Court should be deprived of hearing the matter,” observed the bench also comprising justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli.

The observations came when senior advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for the former minister, raised the issue and sought an urgent hearing on the plea. The apex court, which issued notices on separate pleas filed by several people who are accused in the case, listed the matter for hearing on January 10.