'We Grant Bail & Next Day You Become Minister!' : Supreme Court To Examine If Witnesses Against TN Minister Senthil Balaji Are Under Pressure

The Supreme Court on Monday expressed surprise at the fact that Senthil Balaji was appointed as Minister in Tamil Nadu soon after he was granted bail in the money laundering case related to the cash-for-jobs scam. A bench comprising Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih was hearing a plea seeking to recall the judgment which granted bail to Balaji on the ground that witnesses would be under pressure since Balaji was appointed Minister after his release. 2 on bail by order dated 26 September, 2024 the second respondent has been appointed as a Cabinet Minister.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, and while making it clear that there is no reason to interfere with the judgement on merits and adjudication of the application remains confined to the aforesaid. As per the September 26 judgment, the Supreme Court granted bail to Balaji, despite finding that there was a prima facie case against him, on the ground of his long incarceration and the unlikelihood of the trial commencing soon.