On December 2, the Supreme Court expressed surprise that Senthil Balaji was appointed as a Cabinet Minister in Tamil Nadu shortly after being granted bail in a money laundering case linked to the cash-for-jobs scam. A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih remarked on the potential impact of Balaji’s position on witnesses, raising concerns that his appointment as a senior minister could create pressure on those testifying against him.
The Court was hearing an application seeking to recall the September 26 judgment granting Balaji bail. Although the bench clarified it would not disturb the judgment’s legal reasoning, it agreed to examine whether witnesses were under duress due to his ministerial position. The bench sought instructions from Balaji’s counsel and listed the matter for further hearing on December 13.
In its earlier judgment, the Supreme Court granted bail to Balaji, despite a prima facie case against him, citing prolonged incarceration since June 2023 and the remote likelihood of trial commencement soon. Balaji was re-inducted into the Tamil Nadu Cabinet three days later on September 29, taking charge of electricity, non-conventional energy development, prohibition, and excise portfolios under Chief Minister MK Stalin.
The application challenges the propriety of this appointment, arguing that it undermines judicial efforts to ensure a fair trial in cases involving serious allegations.
Case Details:
Case Title: K. Vidhya Kumar vs. Deputy Director and Anr.
MA No.: 2454/2024 in Crl.A. 4011/2024
Hearing Date: December 13, 2024
Lawcutor 