Overview
- Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi issued notice to the Enforcement Directorate on Balaji’s application to relax bail conditions in the PMLA case.
- The court sought the agency’s response within 10 days and listed the matter for hearing on December 1.
- Balaji asks to modify two terms: twice‑weekly attendance at the ED’s Chennai office with monthly appearances before investigating officers, and compulsory presence before trial courts.
- The bench indicated it will first examine the necessity of his personal attendance at the ED, as the ED opposed any dilution citing smooth trial progress and potential witness influence.
- Balaji’s counsel argued the probe is complete and a chargesheet filed, noting 116 appearances; he was granted Supreme Court bail on September 26, 2024 after over 15 months in custody, with the court recording prima facie material including certified pen‑drive files and deposits of about ₹1.34 crore.