Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court questions Senthil Balaji’s appointment as Tamil Nadu Minister after bail, citing potential witness intimidation.
- Senthil Balaji was granted bail in a money laundering case linked to the cash-for-jobs scam, but was sworn in as Minister shortly after.
- The Supreme Court will focus on the potential impact of Balaji’s ministerial position on witness testimonies, without revisiting the merits of the bail decision.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday expressed surprise over Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji’s reappointment as a Cabinet Minister shortly after being granted bail in a money laundering case linked to the cash-for-jobs scam.
A bench of Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih was hearing a plea challenging the September 26 judgment granting Balaji bail.
The plea raised concerns that witnesses in the case might feel intimidated due to his position as a Cabinet Minister.
Justice Oka remarked, “We grant bail, and the next day you become Minister! This could give an impression that witnesses might face pressure due to your position.”
However, the bench clarified that it would not recall the judgment as it had set legal principles benefiting others. Instead, the Court agreed to focus on the limited question of whether witnesses were under undue pressure.
The Court said it would focus solely on the potential impact of Balaji’s ministerial position on witness testimonies, without revisiting the merits of the bail decision.
The bench directed Balaji’s counsel to take instructions and file the reply. The case was scheduled for further hearing on December 13.
The Court’s September 26 judgment granted Balaji bail despite acknowledging a prima facie case against him.
The decision cited his extended detention since June 2023 and the unlikely commencement of the trial soon, emphasising the importance of speedy trials even in cases with stringent bail conditions.
Balaji was sworn in as Minister on September 29, taking charge of portfolios such as electricity, non-conventional energy development, prohibition, and excise under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s government
