The Supreme Court of India issued a stern warning on Wednesday to Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthil Balaji, stating that the bail granted to him in connection with the high-profile cash-for-jobs scam would be cancelled unless he resigns from his ministerial post. The court has given Balaji until April 28 to make his decision.
Delivering a clear ultimatum, a bench comprising Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih questioned how a person facing serious corruption allegations could continue holding public office. “You have to make a choice between the post and freedom. What choice do you want to make?” Justice Oka asked, addressing Balaji’s legal counsel, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi.
The court referred to its own ruling from September 26, 2024, in which bail was granted to Balaji not on the merits of the case, but due to concerns over his prolonged detention and the fundamental right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
However, the Supreme Court now asserts that the grounds for that bail are undermined by Balaji’s reappointment to the Tamil Nadu cabinet immediately after his release. Justice Oka pointedly remarked that Balaji’s ministerial resignation had been cited as a “change of circumstance” when seeking bail from the Madras High Court.
“The entire hearing proceeded on the footing that he is no longer a minister,” Justice Oka said. “We will record it in the order that we made a mistake [in assuming this].”
Balaji was arrested on June 14, 2023, by the Directorate of Enforcement in connection with a money laundering investigation into an alleged cash-for-jobs racket during his tenure as Transport Minister in the AIADMK government from 2011 to 2016. It is alleged that bribes were collected from job seekers in exchange for appointments to various positions within the transport department.
The court underscored the gravity of the charges, citing findings in its earlier judgment that outlined Balaji’s role in the predicate offence. With over 2,000 accused and more than 600 witnesses in the case, the trial is expected to take several years—raising concerns over pre-trial incarceration.
Nonetheless, the Supreme Court expressed strong disapproval over Balaji’s swift reinstatement as minister, citing potential influence over witnesses and the integrity of the trial process.
Back in December 2024, the apex court had already flagged concerns about the implications of Balaji’s ministerial role on the ongoing investigation and judicial proceedings. Those concerns were reiterated during Wednesday’s hearing, with the court warning that it “will not tolerate” the appearance of political shielding in a case involving serious criminal allegations.
Balaji has been given until Monday to decide whether he will step down from office in order to retain his liberty. The matter will be taken up again next week.
