Madras HC Dismisses Former TN Minister Senthil Balaji's Bail Petition

Further, the judge said that the bail plea does not have merits.

During the hearing, despite Balaji's resignation as Minister, the ED expressed concern over his potential influence as an MLA. ( Image Source :X/@V_Senthilbalaji )

Madras High Court denied bail to former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji in the Enforcement Directorate's money laundering case. Further, the court ordered the trial court to begin the trial on a day-to-day basis and complete it in three months. Further, the judge said that the bail plea does not have merits.

According to ANI, "Justice N Anand Venkatesh of Madras High Court dismisses bail petition of former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji in the money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate."

Justice N Anand Venkatesh of Madras High Court dismisses bail petition of former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji in the money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate

(File pic) pic.twitter.com/aeRB0EsBeG

— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2024

Balaji claimed the prosecution evidence was tampered with, while the ED argued against conducting a mini-trial during bail proceedings. Despite Balaji's resignation as Minister, the ED expressed concern over his potential influence as an MLA. Additionally, they emphasized Balaji's alleged societal wrongdoing and unfair candidate favoritism, according to a report on Live Law.

Justice N Anand Venkatesh said, "In the light of the above discussion, this court does not find any merits in this bail petition and accordingly, the same is hereby dismissed".

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has determined the proceeds of crime to be Rs. 67.74 crores.

"If the petitioner is let out on bail in a case of this nature, it will send a wrong signal and it will be against larger public interest. Therefore, this Court holds that even under Section 439 Cr.PC, the petitioner is not entitled to be considered for enlargement on bail", the judge added, according to a report on PTI.

Balaji was arrested by the ED on June 14.