SC slams Senthil’s reinstatement as minister post bail

The Supreme Court on Monday expressed concern over Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji's reappointment to a cabinet position immediately after securing bail in a money-laundering matter arising out of an alleged cash-for-jobs case, emphasising the potential impact of the move on witnesses.

- Utkarsh Anand

A bench of justices Abhay S Oka and AG Masih voiced surprise at the development, noting that Balaji's appointment raised legitimate concerns regarding the independence and confidence of people deposing in the case.

"We grant bail, and the next day, you go and become a minister! This must stop. Anybody will be bound to think that witnesses will now be under pressure because of your position as a senior cabinet minister. What is going on?" asked the bench as it heard a plea seeking recall of the court's September 26 judgment that released Balaji on bail after his incarceration since June 2023.

On September 29, Balaji took the oath as minister in chief minister MK Stalin's cabinet.

Balaji, represented by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi in the court, faces allegations of being the "central and pivotal figure" in an alleged job racket scam linked to his tenure as transport minister.