SUPREME COURT REFUSES TO APPOINT SPECIAL PUBLIC PROSECUTOR FOR SENTHIL BALAJI'S TRIAL, ASKS WHY TN GOVERNOR TOOK 7 MONTHS TO GRANT SANCTION

The Supreme Court in the case Y.Balaji V. Assistant Commissioner of Police Central Crime Branch, Job Racketing & Anr. observed and has refused to appoint a Special Public Prosecutor for the trial of former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji in corruption case which arose out of the cash of jobs allegations.

The bench comprising of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih was hearing the present matter.

The bench in the case observed and has stated that as of now, there is no material on record suggesting that the current Public Prosecutor is not competent enough.

The court remarked that, 'When the Public Prosecutors are appointed to deal with prosecutions against Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assembly, which is pending before the Special Courts constituted under the orders of the said Court, this court is sure that the concerned Public Prosecutors are aware about the nature of the responsibilities which are entrusted to them and the burden on them is greater as the trials before the Special Courts which deals with the cases of Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assembly, are being monitored by this Court. The Prosecutor has to act as an officer of the Court.' The court in the case observed and has refused to consider the request of certain victims of the scam seeking appointment of an SPP.