The Madras High Court on Wednesday approved the anticipatory bail pleas of DMK legislator Senthil Balaji and his brother, Ashok Kumar, who face allegations of attempting to bribe an opposition lawmaker to influence an Assembly Speaker election.
Justice Ilanthiraiyan granted the pre-arrest bail subject to several conditions. Under the court’s directives, both Balaji and his brother must cooperate with the ongoing investigation and report to the investigating officer on a daily basis until further orders are issued.
The case stems from allegations that the brothers offered a Rs 35 crore bribe to a TVK MLA. The alleged payoff was intended to secure the legislator’s vote during the election for the Assembly Speaker.
Defense Highlights Absence Of Audio Recordings
During the court proceedings, Senior Advocate N.R. Elango, representing Balaji, contested the basis of the prosecution’s case. He argued that the official complaint was registered two days after the alleged telephone conversation occurred. Furthermore, Elango emphasized that investigators do not possess an audio recording of the call in question, relying instead on call detail records.
The defense counsel also characterized the accusations against the DMK legislator as presumptions. This included prosecution claims suggesting there was an active attempt to topple the state government.
Court Questions Lawmaker’s Role In FIR
Elango maintained that the state’s case against Balaji was built solely on the geographical coincidence of his presence in Erode on the same day as the prime accused in the case.
According to legal reports of the hearing, Justice Ilanthiraiyan questioned the prosecution regarding the specific allegations against the lawmaker. The judge observed that the First Information Report did not specify a clear role or action attributed to Balaji.
