Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji has asserted to the Supreme Court that his recent appointment as a cabinet minister does not breach the bail conditions set forth following his involvement in a money laundering case. Balaji, a leader from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), addressed the apex court through an affidavit, arguing that holding a political office is a right upheld by the popular mandate and should not be restricted unjustly.
The Supreme Court had previously granted bail to Balaji on September 26, 2024, after he spent over 15 months incarcerated. His reappointment as a minister by Governor R N Ravi on September 29, 2024, raised eyebrows and legal inquiries, especially concerning the potential influence over witnesses in the ongoing trial related to a cash-for-job scam during his tenure as Transport Minister from 2011 to 2015.
In his defense, Balaji highlighted that the petitioner’s request to revoke his bail seems to stem from political rivalry rather than genuine legal concerns. He emphasized that his ministerial appointment adheres to the conditions stipulated in the bail judgment and aligns with the legal frameworks governing such appointments.
“The appointment of respondent number 2 (Balaji) as a minister was neither contrary to the bail conditions prescribed nor was it contrary to any law,” stated the affidavit. Balaji further argued that his right to participate in public life is protected under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which advocates for living with dignity rather than mere existence.
The affidavit also refuted allegations from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) suggesting that Balaji’s presence in office could delay the trial or influence witnesses. It stated, “There was no ground whatsoever to suggest that respondent number 2 was either delaying the ED trial or attempting to influence any witnesses.”
The Supreme Court is set to examine the plea concerning the independence of witnesses, following concerns raised about Balaji’s reinstatement just days after his bail. The court had noted in its bail grant that there was no immediate expectation for the trial’s completion, which contemplates a lengthy judicial process.
Balaji’s tenure has been controversial, marked by accusations of transforming the recruitment process in the state transport department into a “corrupt chiefdom,” as per the ED’s chargesheet based on FIRs registered by Tamil Nadu police in 2018. Despite these challenges, Balaji maintains that any witness who feels threatened has the recourse to seek protection under the state’s Witness Protection Scheme.
