The Supreme Court has granted bail to former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji, who was arrested last year by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a high-profile money laundering case. The decision came with stringent conditions attached, reflecting the court’s cautious approach in this significant legal development.
The bail order was issued by a bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih, concluding a judicial review that began with the court reserving its verdict on August 12. During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented the ED, while senior advocates Mukul Rohatagi and Sidharth Luthra appeared on behalf of Balaji.
The High Court had previously denied Balaji’s bail, arguing that releasing him could send a detrimental message to the public and compromise the broader public interest. The court emphasized the serious nature of the allegations, which warranted prolonged custody of over eight months to ensure a thorough investigation.
However, acknowledging the prolonged duration of Balaji’s custody, the Supreme Court directed the Principal Special Court in Chennai to expedite the trial. The court mandated that the case be concluded within three months from the date of receiving the order and that the proceedings be held on a day-to-day basis, adhering strictly to guidelines previously issued by the top court.
