The Supreme Court has reserved its decision on the bail application of V Senthil Balaji, the former Tamil Nadu minister entangled in a money laundering investigation. The hearing, held on Monday, saw arguments from both sides with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Sidharth Luthra advocating for Balaji.
Balaji, a member of the DMK and former AIADMK transport minister, was arrested by the ED on June 14 last year. The charges against him are linked to an alleged cash-for-jobs scam during his tenure as transport minister. Since his arrest, Balaji has been in custody, and his legal team has been vigorously seeking his release on bail.
During the proceedings, Solicitor General Mehta argued against the bail, suggesting that the delay in the trial could be attributed to the actions of Balaji himself, who is claimed to have used his influence to slow down the process. On the other hand, Rohatgi emphasized Balaji’s health concerns and the prolonged duration of the trial, arguing that there is no immediate end in sight which justifies the grant of bail.
Balaji’s argument touched upon his reduced influence since he no longer holds a ministerial portfolio, and his recent surgery, questioning the necessity of continued incarceration under these circumstances.
Previously, the High Court had denied Balaji’s bail, citing that releasing him could send a wrong signal and might conflict with the larger public interest. The court also mandated that the trial be expedited, ordering it to conclude within three months and to be conducted on a day-to-day basis, as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court.
Also Read
The ED’s case against Balaji is substantial, having filed a 3,000-page charge sheet on August 12 last year. His requests for bail have been consistently denied, with a local court rejecting his petitions three times, and a prior refusal by the High Court on October 19.
