"We Grant Bail And Next Day You Become Minister": Supreme Court Expresses Shock Over Senthil Balaji's Reinduction Into Tamil Nadu Cabinet

The Supreme Court expressed its surprise over the recent appointment of Senthil Balaji as a Minister in the Tamil Nadu government, shortly after he was granted bail in the money laundering case connected to the cash-for-jobs scam.

On Monday (2 December), a bench, consisting of Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih, was considering a plea to recall the judgment that granted bail to Balaji. The plea raised concerns that Balaji’s appointment as a Minister could potentially pressure witnesses in the case.

Justice Oka voiced his astonishment during the hearing, saying, "We grant bail and the next day you go and become Minister! Anybody will be bound to be under the impression that now with your position as a senior Cabinet Minister, witnesses will be under pressure. What is this going on?" reported LiveLaw.

Despite expressing concerns, the bench indicated that it would not interfere with its earlier bail judgment, which was passed on 26 September. The Court acknowledged the possibility of undue influence on witnesses due to Balaji’s new position, but it emphasised that it would not revisit the judgment on its merits.

The Supreme Court had earlier granted bail to Balaji, despite finding a prima facie case against him in the money laundering matter. The Court had based its decision on Balaji’s prolonged incarceration since June 2023 and the fact that his trial was unlikely to commence in the near future.

The case has drawn attention due to Balaji’s swift political appointment. Just three days after his release on bail, on 29 September, he took an oath as a Cabinet Minister in Chief Minister MK Stalin’s administration, overseeing critical portfolios such as electricity, non-conventional energy development, and prohibition and excise. This rapid elevation has raised questions regarding the appropriateness of such an appointment, especially given the serious charges against him.

The bench made it clear that it was not issuing a notice in the case for now but sought time for Balaji’s counsel to obtain instructions on how to proceed. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on 13 December.