The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has requested the Supreme Court to revoke Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji’s bail in a money laundering case linked to a cash-for-jobs scam. The ED alleges Balaji is obstructing the trial process post-release, raising concerns over his influence on witnesses. The Supreme Court is set to hear the matter on December 18.
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has sought the cancellation of bail granted to Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji in the money laundering case linked to the infamous cash-for-jobs scam. In an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, the ED accused Balaji of “blatant disregard for the judicial process” and deliberately delaying trial proceedings despite explicit directions from the apex court to expedite the case.
Balaji, a key figure in the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government, was arrested on June 14, 2023, on charges of money laundering during his tenure as Transport Minister in the AIADMK regime (2011–2015). After 471 days of incarceration, the Supreme Court granted him bail on September 26, citing the unlikelihood of the trial concluding soon. However, the ED alleges that since his release, Balaji has repeatedly obstructed the trial by seeking adjournments and raising unnecessary procedural requests.
“Despite this court’s directive to expedite the trial, V Senthil Balaji has drawn out the cross-examination of PW-4 (prosecution witness) on one pretext or another for nearly two months,”
the affidavit stated.
The ED further noted that Balaji’s requests, such as seeking copies of digital records and changing legal counsel mid-trial, were attempts to “procrastinate and delay the trial proceedings.”
Balaji was reinstated as a minister in the Tamil Nadu cabinet on September 29, just days after being granted bail. The ED highlighted concerns about potential influence over key witnesses, many of whom were employees under Balaji’s supervision during his tenure as Transport Minister.
“This proximity between V Senthil Balaji and the employees of the transport corporation raises serious concerns about potential influence and impartiality in fair and effective trial,”
the agency said.
The Supreme Court, on December 2, expressed concerns over Balaji’s reinstatement as a minister, given the implications on the independence of the witnesses in the ongoing case.
The cash-for-jobs scam surfaced in 2018 when complaints were filed alleging widespread corruption in recruitment within the Tamil Nadu transport department under Balaji’s leadership. The ED launched its probe in July 2021, filing a prosecution complaint (charge sheet) detailing how the recruitment process had been turned into a “corrupt chiefdom” under Balaji’s authority.
The agency alleged that as a public servant, Balaji “misused his official capacity” to obtain monetary benefits through corrupt and illegal means. The proceeds of crime were directly linked to criminal activities that fall under the purview of money laundering laws.
The Supreme Court bench, led by Justice Oka, has permitted the ED to file its affidavit and scheduled the matter for further hearing on December 18. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the ED, emphasized the urgency of addressing the delays caused by Balaji.
The case has sparked intense scrutiny, particularly regarding the reinstatement of Balaji as a minister and its potential impact on the ongoing trial.
In its affidavit, the ED underscored Balaji’s alleged violation of the Supreme Court’s directions and sought the cancellation of his bail to ensure an impartial and timely trial.
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“The aforementioned facts unequivocally demonstrate V Senthil Balaji’s blatant disregard for the judicial process and his deliberate attempts to delay the trial,”
the ED stated.
The developments in this high-profile case have significant political implications, as Balaji remains a prominent figure in the DMK government. His reinstatement and the allegations against him have reignited debates over governance and accountability in Tamil Nadu politics.
As the Supreme Court gears up for the next hearing, the focus remains on whether the bail cancellation plea will ensure a fair trial in the long-drawn money laundering case.
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