The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court seeking the cancellation of bail granted to Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji, accusing him of obstructing the ongoing trial in the alleged cash-for-jobs scam. The affidavit, submitted before a bench led by Justice Abhay S Oka, responds to an application filed by K Vidhya Kumar, a complainant in the case, who has called for Balaji’s bail to be revoked.
Balaji, a senior leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party, is accused of laundering money through a racket that sold government jobs during his tenure as the state’s transport minister. After being in custody since June 2023, he was granted bail by the Supreme Court on September 26. However, the ED argues that Balaji’s conduct post-release has significantly delayed the trial, prompting the agency to request his bail be canceled.
The affidavit highlights multiple tactics allegedly employed by Balaji and his legal team to prolong the trial. The ED specifically pointed to numerous requests for adjournments, extended cross-examinations, and strategic legal maneuvers that have stalled progress. A key example cited by the agency was the cross-examination of a forensic expert, which dragged on for nearly two months due to repeated absences and delays.
Additionally, the ED claims that Balaji’s reappointment to the state cabinet within 48 hours of his release on bail has raised concerns over possible witness intimidation. Balaji now holds oversight of the electricity, prohibition, and excise portfolios, which may give him direct influence over witnesses employed in state-run transport corporations. The ED believes this proximity could compromise the integrity of the trial, given that some of the witnesses in the case previously worked under Balaji’s supervision.
The Enforcement Directorate further argues that Balaji’s actions in stalling the trial violate the Supreme Court’s instructions, and has urged the bench to take appropriate action. The affidavit stressed that the accused’s attempts to delay proceedings are not based on legitimate grounds but are part of a deliberate strategy to obstruct justice.
This development comes ahead of a crucial Supreme Court hearing on December 18, during which the court will review the plea to recall Balaji’s bail. On December 2, the court had raised concerns about Balaji’s quick reappointment as a cabinet minister, questioning whether his position could put pressure on witnesses. The bench had remarked that his ministerial role, just after being granted bail, raised “legitimate concerns” over potential witness intimidation.
While the Supreme Court’s September 26 bail order emphasized Balaji’s right to liberty and addressed concerns over prolonged pretrial detention, the court had also sought responses from both the ED and Balaji on the impact of his reappointment on the trial. The case now continues to develop with the next hearing scheduled for later this month, which will be crucial in determining the future of Balaji’s bail and the progress of the trial.
Sources By Agencies
