Supreme Court Warns Senthil Balaji: 'Resign As Minister Or Lose Bail'

The Supreme Court has issued a strong warning to Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji, instructing him to resign from his ministerial post or face the possibility of having his bail revoked in the ongoing money laundering case linked to the widely publicised 'cash-for-jobs' scam.

SC Warns Minister Senthil Balaji

During a hearing held on Wednesday, a bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and AG Masih directed Balaji to make a choice between remaining in office or preserving his liberty. The court granted him time until the following Monday to arrive at a decision, placing the onus squarely on the minister, as per a report on Live Law.

This warning came as the court considered petitions submitted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which argued that Balaji had been 'attempting to influence witnesses involved in the case'. The justices voiced serious concern over Balaji’s swift reappointment to the cabinet shortly after receiving bail, raising critical questions about the ethics of allowing someone facing such serious allegations to return to a position of power, reported The New Indian Express.

Referring to findings from an earlier ruling, the court highlighted that Balaji, during his previous term as minister, had allegedly coerced complainants into withdrawing their cases filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The bench underscored that these actions reflect poorly on the standards expected of public officials, especially those holding ministerial office.

Justice Oka clarified that the court had granted bail to Balaji in September of the previous year strictly on the grounds of prolonged pre-trial incarceration and delays in the judicial proceedings. Despite these conditions, Balaji was swiftly reinstated—just three days after his release—into Chief Minister MK Stalin’s cabinet, where he resumed control of crucial portfolios including electricity, non-conventional energy, and excise.

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