In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India has granted bail to V Senthil Balaji, a former Tamil Nadu minister and prominent DMK leader, in connection with a money laundering case. This case is linked to an alleged cash-for-jobs scam that occurred during his tenure as the transport minister in an earlier AIADMK government.
Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on June 14 last year and has been in judicial custody since then. The ED’s investigation led to the filing of a comprehensive 3,000-page charge sheet against him on August 12 last year. Despite multiple bail petitions being rejected by lower courts, the Supreme Court’s decision marks a turning point in the case.
Supreme Court
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih presided over the bail hearing. The court imposed stringent conditions for Balaji’s release, emphasizing the need for the special court in Chennai to expedite the trial. The Supreme Court directed that the trial be conducted on a daily basis and concluded within three months to ensure swift justice.
The case has garnered significant public attention due to its implications for political accountability and the fight against corruption. The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail, while ensuring a speedy trial, reflects the judiciary’s balanced approach in handling high-profile cases.