Supreme Court concerned over Senthil Balaji's reinstatement as Tamil Nadu minister

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday raised eyebrows on the swiftness with which Senthil Balaji was re-inducted as a minister in the Tamil Nadu government, immediately after getting bail in a money laundering case registered against him by the Enforcement Directorate.

A bench comprising justices Abhay Oka and Augustine George Masih verbally remarked: "This court grants bail; next day you become minister! Anyone will be bound to be under the impression that you will put pressure on witnesses. What is going on here?"

The bench expressed serious concern on the pressure that the witnesses - who are yet to depose against Balaji - may face owing to the swift reinstatement of Balaji as a minister. The bench, however, turned down a demand for recalling the bail granted to him in September this year.


The bench added that it would examine whether witnesses would be in a 'frame of mind' to give fair testimony without any pressure against Balaji, considering his reinstatement as a state Cabinet minister. The Tamil Nadu government has been asked to respond in this regard. ED arrested Balaji last June in a recruitment case.

The case pertains to alleged irregularities in appointing bus conductors in the Tamil Nadu transport department as well as appointment of drivers and junior engineers. Balaji has repeatedly denied allegations against him.

After the trial court and the Madras High Court rejected his bail petitions, he eventually approached the Supreme Court for bail. On September 24 this year, the top court allowed his release on bail subject to various conditions, including a direction that he won't contact or communicate with witnesses.