Alakshendra Singh, Pune
The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to former Tamil Nadu minister V. Senthil Balaji, who was arrested in June 2023 on allegations of money laundering. The length of time the matter was heard before Balaji received relief was highlighted by a bench consisting of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih.
The sanction was given on August 23, 2024, but the state government informed the court that they applied for the sanction as early as January 4, 2024. The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) had contended during the hearing that elements such as extended and postponed jail terms, which had supported the bail request of former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the excise policy case, did not apply to Mr. Senthilbalaji’s case.
Balaji was accused of money laundering when he served as the Transport Minister in the AIADMK administration led by then-Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa from 2011 to 2016.
In December 2018, he became a member of the DMK in the presence of MK Stalin, the party’s leader.
During the case hearing, the judge made the observation that bail could not be withdrawn as a form of punishment. Every accused person has an inalienable right to a prompt trial.
DMK MP NR Elango, who represents Balaji, disclosed the terms of the bail to media this morning. Balaji has to appear twice a week before (arresting officials). He cannot tamper with evidence or witnesses and must surrender his passport. The attorney also mentioned that the long period of incarceration and the expected delays regarding the start of the trial are the primary reasons his client has been granted bail.
MK Stalin, the current Chief Minister, welcomed back Balaji on X. “Despite attempts to weaken his will, I have faith that my brother will return stronger than ever.” The chief minister then turned his remarks on the BJP, stating that “no one was lodged in jail for such a long period of time” even during the Emergency.
NR Elango mentioned that the long period of incarceration and the expected delays regarding the start of the trial are the primary reasons his client was granted bail.
Many complications exacerbated the already complex case. The Principal Sessions Court and a special court for MP/MLAs went back and forth when trying to determine who should be looking over the framing of charges. This tussle was then followed by Balaji’s resignation on February 14th, 2024.
As the verdict got out, celebrations started in front of the Puzhal Central Jail, where Senthilbalaji was kept.