Supreme Court Questions Senthil Balaji's Reinstatement as Minister After Bail

The court expressed concerns about potential witness intimidation following the DMK leader's swift reappointment to a Cabinet position in Tamil Nadu.

The Supreme Court criticized Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji's reappointment to the Cabinet just days after being granted bail in a money-laundering case.
The court raised concerns that Balaji's ministerial position could create pressure on witnesses in the ongoing corruption case tied to his tenure as transport minister.
Balaji, who was arrested in June 2023, was granted bail on September 26, 2024, after more than a year in custody, and rejoined the Cabinet on September 29 with key portfolios.
The court upheld its earlier decision to grant bail, emphasizing constitutional principles like personal liberty and the need to avoid prolonged pretrial detention under stringent laws like PMLA.
A hearing on whether Balaji's reinstatement has compromised the independence of witnesses is scheduled for December 13, as the court limits its review to this specific concern.