Sibal's remarks have sparked a debate whether ED is threatening Senthil Balaji to surrender and join BJP as he has been one of the important leaders of the DMK.

The apex court's verdict on Thursday - July 27 came at a high time when the Enforcement Directorate has come under a sharp public scrutiny over its raids against the opposition leaders and critics of the BJP regime.

Senthil Balaji was arrested by the ED, after hours of raids, from his residence in connection to a money laundering case that was filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). 

Seven teams of ED are conducting searches in Ponmudi's residencies in Chennai and in Villupuram and some of his educational institutions are also being searched.