Supreme Court Intervenes in Senthil Balaji’s Arrest
The Supreme Court has temporarily halted the arrest of V Senthil Balaji, a former Tamil Nadu Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Member of the Legislative Assembly, in connection with a corruption case involving TASMAC, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation. The interim order was issued by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi. This decision comes as Balaji appeals the Madras High Court’s denial of his anticipatory bail.
Conditions Imposed by the Supreme Court
While granting the stay on Balaji’s arrest, the Supreme Court mandated that he fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation. Balaji is required to surrender his passport and is prohibited from influencing any witnesses until further notice. The case pertains to allegations of corruption during Balaji’s tenure as Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Prohibition and Excise.
Allegations and Investigation by DVAC
The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has charged Balaji and six others with numerous irregularities in liquor procurement, transport contracts, and other TASMAC-related administrative decisions between 2021 and 2025. The probe led to searches at over 40 locations, including Balaji’s residence and properties linked to his associates.
Besides Balaji, the accused include former TASMAC Managing Director S Visakan, former senior managers T Ramadurai Murugan and R Panneerselvam, Balaji’s ex-personal assistant Bhaskar, a purported middleman Rathesh Raj Shanmugavel, and S Karthik. The DVAC alleges that Rathesh Raj wielded significant influence over TASMAC operations, including liquor brand approvals and bar license allocations, allegedly directed by Balaji.
Further Allegations and Legal Proceedings
Additional allegations involve unaccounted cash generated by distilleries through inflated invoices, allegedly paid as bribes to TASMAC officials. The DVAC also claims that TASMAC outlets charged customers above the maximum retail price, with excess amounts ranging from ₹10 to ₹500.
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Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan of the Madras High Court had previously rejected Balaji’s anticipatory bail plea, prompting his appeal to the Supreme Court. Justice V Mohana initially recused from the case, leading CJI Kant and Justice Bagchi to hear it.
Arguments Presented in Court
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Balaji, argued that the State’s Additional Secretary altered his statement post-regime change in Tamil Nadu, where Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) now governs. Opposing bail, Senior Advocate Guru Krishnakumar, representing the Tamil Nadu government, highlighted Balaji’s alleged criminal history and the magnitude of the financial scam involved.
Krishnakumar argued against anticipatory bail, citing potential evidence tampering risks. CJI Kant assured that Balaji would not evade justice, emphasizing that any breach should be reported to the court. Justice Bagchi also reinforced the commitment to ensuring Balaji’s participation in the investigation.
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The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu government and stayed Balaji’s arrest pending further examination of his anticipatory bail plea. Advocate Vrinda Bhandari also represented the state in court proceedings.
