Taking serious note of Senthil Balaji's resignation, the Supreme Court on April 28, 2025, refused to cancel the bail granted to him in the money laundering case linked to the "cash-for-jobs" scam.
Earlier, a witness and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had filed applications, alleging that Balaji was trying to misuse his ministerial position to influence the trial. Both applications were disposed of today by a bench comprising Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice A.G. Masih.
Last week, the Court had issued a warning to Balaji, asking him to choose between "his post and freedom." Following this strong warning, Balaji tendered his resignation on April 27 night.
"Your apprehension is that he will again become minister? At that stage, you can apply for cancellation of bail,"
Justice Oka remarked when Solicitor General Tushar Mehta requested the Court to bar Balaji from holding any ministerial position during the pendency of the case.
The Solicitor General argued that Balaji, despite being jailed, wielded heavy influence over the state government. He pointed out that even during his imprisonment, Balaji continued as a minister without any portfolio. He feared that Balaji’s influence could delay the trial of the corruption charges against him.
However, the Supreme Court bench observed that since Balaji had already resigned, there was no need to interfere further. The Solicitor General also sought an order for fast-tracking the trial, claiming Balaji was deliberately slowing it down. This was contested by Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Balaji. The Court declined to issue any directions regarding the trial speed.
Earlier, on April 23, 2025, the Supreme Court had firmly told Balaji to either resign from his post or face cancellation of bail. In response, Balaji chose to step down to retain his liberty.
In the previous hearing, Justice Oka highlighted the Court’s strong objection to Balaji being sworn in as a Minister immediately after getting bail. He mentioned that Balaji was granted bail due to delays in the trial process and violation of his rights under Article 21, not because he was found innocent.
"The bail was given only because of trial delay and long incarceration, not on the merits of the case," Justice Oka emphasized.
He also expressed concern about political leaders misusing the new liberal bail standards in money laundering cases. The judge pointed out that Balaji used his resignation as a tactic to seek bail from the High Court but took office again immediately after securing bail from the Supreme Court.
Background
In September 2024, Balaji was granted bail by the Supreme Court, considering his long jail time since June 2023 and the uncertainty of an early trial. Although a prima facie case existed against him, the Court prioritized the principle of a speedy trial.
Soon after his release, Balaji was reappointed as Minister for Electricity, Prohibition, and Excise under Chief Minister MK Stalin’s government. This action surprised the Court, which later sought detailed reports from the state government regarding Balaji’s cases and the witnesses involved.
The Enforcement Directorate, in its December 2024 affidavit, alleged that Balaji, even during his jail term, continued influencing officials and that his reinstatement as Minister could further delay the proceedings. The ED specifically raised concerns over the possible intimidation of witnesses, especially public servants linked to Balaji’s earlier roles.
On December 20, 2024, the Supreme Court directed the Tamil Nadu government to furnish detailed information about pending cases against Balaji, victims involved, and to ensure a distinction between public servants and other witnesses.
Case No: MA 2454/2024 in Crl. A. No. 4011/2024
Case Title: K. Vidhya Kumar v. Deputy Director and Anr.
