After months in judicial custody, Senthil Balaji secured bail from the Supreme Court in September 2024. Although he resigned post-arrest, his swift reappointment sparked judicial concerns over witness influence
Published Apr 28, 2025 | 5:59 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 28, 2025 | 5:59 PM
Supreme Court closes case on Senthil Balaji’s bail after His Resignation
Synopsis: The Supreme Court on 23 April closed the proceedings seeking cancellation of former Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji’s bail after he resigned from the Cabinet. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih said no further hearing was needed. Earlier, the Court had criticised Balaji for holding office despite conditions set during bail.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday, 23 April, closed the proceedings seeking the cancellation of former Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji’s bail, following his resignation from the Cabinet.
A two-judge bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih noted that with Balaji’s resignation now on record, there was no need for further hearing.
During the previous session, the Court had sharply questioned Balaji’s simultaneous holding of ministerial office despite bail conditions, warning that he must choose between his freedom and his post.
“We granted bail believing you would not hold ministerial office or influence proceedings. Instead, you resumed office immediately. Is this how you respect the court’s order?” the bench asked during the earlier hearing.
Senthil Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in June 2023 over allegations of accepting bribes in exchange for jobs in state transport corporations during his tenure as Transport Minister in the AIADMK government between 2011 and 2015. He later joined the DMK in 2018.
After spending months in judicial custody, Balaji was granted bail by the Supreme Court in September 2024. Though he initially resigned following his arrest, he was soon reappointed as Minister for Electricity and Prohibition and Excise, raising concerns within the judiciary about potential influence over witnesses.
Rejecting his counsel’s insistence that there had been no interference, the Court firmly observed, “We gave you three opportunities to clarify your stance. Your past conduct shows actions capable of influencing the case.”
With Balaji stepping down from his ministerial role, the Court has now formally closed the matter.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
