Today(on 21st August),The Madras High Court has adjourned the hearing on V Senthil Balaji’s appeal against the Sessions Court’s refusal to discharge him from a money laundering case. The case relates to a cash-for-jobs scandal from his previous tenure as Transport Minister.
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CHENNAI: Today(on 21st August), The Madras High Court deferred the hearing of former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji’s appeal against a Sessions Court’s decision that rejected his plea for discharge from a money laundering case. The case is a significant legal battle stemming from allegations linked to a cash-for-jobs scam during his tenure as the Transport Minister in an earlier AIADMK regime.
The Division Bench, consisting of Justices S M Subramaniam and V Sivagnanam, decided to adjourn the hearing until August 28. This decision came at the request of advocate Gouthaman, who represents Senthil Balaji.
“We request additional time to prepare and present our case.”
-advocate Gouthaman pleaded, prompting the court to reschedule the hearing.
When the case was brought before the court, Additional Solicitor General A R L Sundaresan informed the bench that significant progress had been made in the trial proceedings.
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“Principal Sessions Judge S Alli has already framed charges against Senthil Balaji in the money laundering case.”
-Sundaresan stated.
He further emphasized that the trial had commenced with the examination of a prosecution witness.
“The trial is ongoing and is set for cross-examination on August 22.”
-Sundaresan added.
In light of the ongoing trial, the court allowed the proceedings to continue as scheduled, even as it adjourned the hearing of the appeal.
“The trial, which has already begun, may continue.”
– the bench remarked, indicating that the legal process would not be delayed by the adjournment of the appeal hearing.
V Senthil Balaji’s legal troubles began on June 14, 2023, when he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate. His arrest was connected to a money laundering investigation tied to the cash-for-jobs scam that allegedly occurred during his tenure as Tamil Nadu’s Transport Minister under an AIADMK government. The allegations have since led to a series of legal challenges, with Balaji seeking to clear his name from the charges brought against him.
