‘We grant bail and the next day you become a minister’: SC rapes Senthil Balaji for reinstatement

Last update:02 December 2024, 12:43 IST

Senthil Balaji of DMK was granted bail by the Supreme Court in September. He was reinstated as minister shortly after, sparking strong reactions from the highest court.

The Supreme Court on Monday convicted DMK leader Senthil Balaji for taking oath as a minister in the Tamil Nadu government soon after being granted bail in a money laundering case, saying it would put witnesses under pressure. Live Law reported.

Balaji was arrested by the ED in a money laundering case linked to the ‘cash for job’ scam and he was granted bail by the top court in September.

The Supreme Court comes down heavily on Senthil Balaji

A bench comprising Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih was hearing a plea seeking to withdraw the order granting bail to the DMK leader on the grounds that witnesses would be under pressure after his reinstatement as minister.

“We grant bail and the next day you become a minister!” Anyone will surely have the impression that now, because of your position as a senior cabinet minister, the witnesses will be under pressure. What is happening?” said Judge Oka, quoted by Live Law.

Bench refuses to vacate order

The bench, however, said it would not overturn the judgment as it helped many others. He clarified that he would focus only on whether the witnesses had been pressured. The court then asked Balaji’s lawyer to seek directions and fixed the next hearing for December 13.

“We reiterate the right set forth in the said decision. However, the current request is based on the fear that immediately after enlarging the respondent number. 2 (Balaji) released on bail by order dated September 26, 2024, the second respondent was appointed as a Cabinet Minister… the fear is that given the seriousness of the allegations made against the second respondent in the underlying offenses, the witnesses could not be in the frame of mind to depose against the second respondent who occupies the post of minister”, observed the bench, cited by Live Law.

In its September 26 order, the top court granted bail to Balaji while acknowledging that there is prima facie evidence against him.

The decision was based on his prolonged detention since June 2023 and the low likelihood of the trial starting soon.