Former TN Minister Released from Jail After SC Grants Bail in Money Laundering Case

Former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji was released from Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai on Thursday after the Supreme Court granted him bail in a money laundering case related to the cash-for-jobs scam. Balaji, who had been in judicial custody since his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on June 14, 2023, walked out of prison following the top court’s decision.

Background of the Case

The money laundering charges against Balaji stem from his alleged involvement in a cash-for-jobs scam during his tenure as the Transport Minister in the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) government from 2011 to 2015. The Enforcement Case Information Register (ECIR) was filed based on three FIRs lodged against him by local police in 2018.

The alleged scam dates back to his time in former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s Cabinet in 2015. He later joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in December 2018 and became the electricity minister when the party took power in May 2021.

Previous Bail Rejections

Before the Supreme Court’s ruling, Balaji’s bail petitions had been dismissed multiple times. The Madras High Court rejected his bail plea on February 28, 2024, and earlier on October 19, 2023. Additionally, his bail petitions were dismissed by a local court on September 20, 2023, and again by the Chennai Sessions Court on January 12, 2024.

Balaji’s release marks a significant turn in the legal proceedings, as he now steps out on bail after over a year in custody related to the high-profile money laundering case.