Tamil Nadu minister V. Senthil Balaji has informed the Supreme Court that his reappointment as a cabinet minister did not violate the bail conditions set by the court in his money laundering case. In an affidavit, Balaji emphasized that his appointment was lawful and argued that seeking political office following a popular mandate should not be viewed negatively. He also questioned the motives of the petitioner who sought to have his bail order revoked, suggesting that the application might be politically motivated.

Previously, on December 2, 2024, the Supreme Court expressed concern over Balaji’s reinstatement as a minister shortly after he was granted bail. The court agreed to examine a plea that raised apprehensions about the independence of witnesses in the case.

Balaji was arrested on June 14, 2023, in connection with a money laundering case linked to a cash-for-jobs scam during his tenure as Transport Minister in the previous AIADMK regime. He was granted bail by the Supreme Court on September 26, 2024, after over 15 months of incarceration. Subsequently, he was reappointed as a minister in the Tamil Nadu government on September 29, 2024.

The Supreme Court has sought details from the Tamil Nadu government regarding the cases pending against Balaji and the witnesses involved. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 15, 2025.

Sources