Crime Today News | Latest Crime Reports

SC declines former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji’s plea against order forcing him to resign

SC declines former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balajis plea


The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji’s plea against its order from April that forced him to resign from the state’s Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government, Bar and Bench reported.

Balaji was granted bail in a money laundering case on September 26, 2024, and was reinstated as a minister in the state Cabinet three days later.

On April 23, the court warned Balaji that his bail would be cancelled if he did not resign from his post, following which he stepped down for a second time on April 27.

In his petition, Balaji sought a clarification about whether the April order passed by a bench led by Justice Abhay S Oka, who has since retired, prevented him from becoming a minister during the course of trial in the money laundering case.

The court stated that it had not prevented Balaji from becoming a minister but said that “the day you become minister, when we find that you have earlier been accused of influencing the witnesses, we cancel the bail again”, Bar and Bench reported.

The order in April was passed while the court was hearing a petition seeking to recall the September 26 judgement granting bail to Balaji in the case, which is related to a cash-for-jobs scam.

The Enforcement Directorate had arrested him in June 2023 for allegedly conspiring with transport corporation officials to appoint candidates recommended by his aides in exchange for money.

Balaji allegedly laundered the proceeds of the crime in violation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Before his arrest, Balaji was the minister for electricity, prohibition and excise. He was a minister without a portfolio after his arrest until he resigned in February 2024.

In December, the Supreme Court had expressed surprise about Balaji’s re-appointment as a Tamil Nadu minister. The court had also said it would examine whether the witnesses in the case, who are meant to depose against Balaji, were under any sort of pressure.


Source

📰 Crime Today News is proudly sponsored by DRYFRUIT & CO – A Brand by eFabby Global LLC

Design & Developed by Yes Mom Hosting

Crime Today News

Crime Today News brings you breaking stories, deep investigations, and critical insights into crime, justice, and society. Our team is committed to factual reporting and fearless journalism that matters.

Related Posts