The Supreme Court on Monday expressed its concern over Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader Senthil Balaji being reinstated as minister in the M K Stalin-led government in Tamil Nadu shortly after it granted him bail in a money laundering case. A bench of Justices A S Oka and A G Masih agreed to examine if his role as a minister would put the witnesses under pressure when it comes to deposing against him. The court was hearing a plea that sought to recall the September 26, 2024 order granting bail to Balaji on the ground that his reinstatement would put witnesses under pressure. The Supreme Court had granted him bail on the ground that there was no likelihood of the trial beginning anytime soon. Three days later, on September 29, Balaji was made minister in the state government once again. “We grant bail and the next day you go and become Minister? Anybody will be bound to be under the impression that now with your position as a senior Cabinet Minister witnesses will be under pressure. What is this going on?" asked Justice Oka. The court said it would not recall the entire judgment granting bail but would examine the apprehension of witnesses coming under pressure. “The apprehension is that considering the seriousness of allegations against the second respondent in the predicate offences, the witnesses may not be in the frame of mind to depose against the second respondent who is holding the position of cabinet minister… This is the only aspect on which prima facie we are inclined to consider the application…”, the court said. Balaji’s counsel sought time to take instructions following which the court fixed the matter for the next hearing on December 13, 2024. DMK leader Senthil Balaji was arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in June last year in connection with a cash-for-jobs scam. He was then serving as the minister for electricity, prohibition and excise in Tamil Nadu.
