The Supreme Court expressed surprise on Monday upon learning that Senthil Balaji was appointed as Tamil Nadu’s minister shortly after being granted bail in the cash-for-jobs money laundering case.
Court Raises Concerns Over Timing
Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih questioned the timing of Balaji’s ministerial appointment. They said, “We grant bail and the next day you go and become Minister. Anybody will be bound to be under the impression that now with your position as a senior cabinet minister, witnesses will be under pressure. What is this going on?”
Hearing on Bail Reconsideration
The court was hearing a plea to reconsider its September 26 ruling, which granted bail to Balaji. The petition argued that his appointment as a minister could lead to witness intimidation. However, the court decided not to revoke the bail but focused on whether the witnesses were under pressure due to his new position.
Court Limits Inquiry to Witness Pressure
The bench instructed Balaji’s lawyer to get instructions and scheduled the next hearing for December 13. The court emphasized that its review would only focus on the possibility of witness intimidation, not the merits of the bail ruling.
September 26 Judgment Details
In its September 26 ruling, the Supreme Court granted Balaji bail despite acknowledging a prima facie case against him. The court considered his prolonged detention since June 2023 and the likely delays in the trial. Balaji was sworn in as a minister just three days after the bail was granted, on September 29.
Background of the Case
Balaji was arrested on June 14, 2023, in connection with a money laundering case linked to the cash-for-jobs scam during his time as Transport Minister in the AIADMK government. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in 2021 based on three FIRs filed against him in 2018. These FIRs allege his involvement in the 2015 scandal. Balaji served as transport minister from 2011 to 2015 before joining the DMK in December 2018. After DMK came to power in May 2021, he was appointed Electricity Minister.