Tamil Nadu: Madras HC Refuses Bail To Senthil Balaji; Mentions Continuation As Minister, Attack On Income Tax Officials As Reasons

Justice G Jayachandran of the Madras High Court today (19 October) refused to grant bail to minister Senthil Balaji, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the cash-for-jobs scam during his tenure as Transport minister.

Balaji had applied for bail on medical grounds days after he was taken to the state government-run Stanley Medical College Hospital on experiencing sudden chest pain and discomfort.

According to a report by The Hindu, in its counter affidavit, the ED opposed his bail plea stating that the medical conditions he had cited were just a means to get bail and that he was healthy. It also stated that he had not cooperated with the investigation and his claim of spending over 100 days in incarceration was not true as a large number of days were spent in hospital.

The judgement stated, "The Line of judgments on either side taken into consideration. The health report of the petitioner does not appear to be a medical condition which could be taken care only if he is released on bail.

"That apart, his past conduct, his present position as Minister without Portfolio and the abscondence of his brother Mr.Ashok Kumar, coupled with the attack on the Income Tax Officials, all cumulatively leads to an irresistible conclusion that, certainly, he will directly and indirectly influence or cause deterrence to witnesses, if released on bail.

"The non-cooperation of the co-accused Mr.Ashok Kumar, who is blood brother of the petitioner also justifies the apprehension of Enforcement Directorate that, there is flight risk causing impediment in progress of trial.

"For the above reasons, this Court is not inclined to grant bail to the petitioner. Accordingly, this Criminal Original Petition is dismissed."

(Updated 13.15 PM)