Today(on 12th August),The Supreme Court reserved its judgment on former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji’s bail plea in a money laundering case linked to an alleged cash-for-jobs scam. The hearing involved arguments from the Enforcement Directorate and Balaji’s defense team.
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NEW DELHI: Today(on 12th August), The Supreme Court reserved its judgment regarding the bail application of former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji, who was apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in June of last year on charges related to a money laundering case. The arrest stems from an alleged cash-for-jobs scam dating back to his tenure as the transport minister in the previous AIADMK government.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih presided over the hearing. The session saw compelling arguments from both sides, with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta representing the Enforcement Directorate, and senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Sidharth Luthra advocating on behalf of Balaji.
Arguments Presented in Court
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta vocally opposed the bail application, citing concerns that the former minister’s influence could hinder the proceedings. Mehta stressed that –
“Ex-minister is responsible for the delay in the trial.”
arguing that granting bail could potentially obstruct the ongoing investigation and trial.
On the other hand, Mukul Rohatgi, representing Senthil Balaji, argued in favor of bail, highlighting that his client has already spent over a year in jail. Rohatgi emphasized the improbability of the trial concluding in the near future, saying-
“The allegation was that I was influential, but I no longer hold the position and have just undergone surgery. What more is needed?”
Rohatgi’s argument was rooted in the assertion that Balaji’s continued detention was no longer justified, especially considering his health condition and the substantial time he has already spent in custody.
ALSO READ: Supreme Court to Hear Senthil Balaji’s Bail Plea in Money Laundering Case Toda
High Court’s Previous Ruling
Earlier, the Madras High Court had dismissed Balaji’s bail petition. The court maintained that releasing him on bail would send a “wrong signal” and would be contrary to “larger public interest.” The court’s decision was influenced by the nature of the charges against Balaji, suggesting that granting bail in such a case could undermine public confidence in the judicial process.
The High Court had also directed that the special court expedite the trial, stating-
“It would be appropriate to instruct the special court to resolve the case within a specified timeframe.”
Specifically, the High Court ordered the Principal Special Court in Chennai to conclude the trial within three months of receiving the court’s directive, mandating that the proceedings be conducted on a day-to-day basis in accordance with the guidelines laid out by the Supreme Court.
Background of the Case
V Senthil Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on June 14, 2023, under allegations of money laundering related to a cash-for-jobs scam. The alleged scam dates back to his tenure as the transport minister during an earlier AIADMK government. The case took a significant turn when the ED, on August 12, 2023, filed a voluminous charge sheet against Balaji, spanning 3,000 pages.
Despite multiple attempts to secure bail, Balaji’s petitions have been repeatedly dismissed. On October 19, 2023, the High Court dismissed his previous bail plea, reinforcing the seriousness of the charges against him. Additionally, a local court has turned down his bail applications on three separate occasions, indicating the judiciary’s consistent stance on keeping Balaji in custody until the completion of the trial.
The Supreme Court’s impending verdict on Balaji’s bail plea is highly anticipated, given the high-profile nature of the case and its implications for the political landscape in Tamil Nadu. The case has garnered significant attention due to the serious allegations of corruption and the involvement of a senior political figure. The decision will not only impact Balaji’s immediate future but could also set a precedent for similar cases involving political leaders and allegations of corruption.
