Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji. File | Photo Credit: The Hindu
The Directorate of Enforcement on Friday (December 13, 2024) in the Supreme Court accused Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthilbalaji, who was released on bail by the apex court on September 26 in a money laundering case linked to a cash-for-jobs ‘scam’, of “derailing” trial.
The ED, in its affidavit, said a specific bail condition imposed on Mr. Senthilbalaji was that he should not seek adjournments on non-existent or frivolous grounds or create hurdles in the case.
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However, following his induction in the Cabinet as Minister of Electricity, Prohibition and Excise within 48 hours of his release on bail, the examination of prosecution witnesses has been delayed due to Mr. Senthilbalaji’s applications for either copies of digital records or for change of counsel. The Central agency said some witnesses had worked under Mr. Senthilbalaji when he was Transport Minister.
“This proximity between Mr. Senthilbalaji and the employees of the transport corporation raises serious concerns about potential influence and impartiality of the trial,” the agency submitted.
The ED voiced apprehensions about the possibility of a fair trial without any influence or pressure put on witnesses.
The agency said one of the witnesses had failed to appear continuously for two hearings and sought adjournments on health grounds.
The court had scheduled a hearing on December 13 to address the apprehension whether the witnesses would be in a “frame of mind to depose against the Respondent [Mr. Senthilbalaji] ”.
Published – December 14, 2024 10:10 am IST
