ED Accuses Senthil Balaji of Sabotaging Trial in Cash-for-Jobs Scam
Last Updated on December 14, 2024 by Athi Venkatesh
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has accused Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji of deliberately delaying the trial in the alleged cash-for-jobs scam. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the ED, informed the Supreme Court that Balaji has sabotaged proceedings despite earlier directions to expedite the trial.
A Supreme Court bench, led by Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Pankaj Mithal, has allowed the ED to file an affidavit. The agency seeks to recall the bail granted to Balaji, citing his ministerial position as a source of undue influence on witnesses.
The affidavit highlights that Balaji resumed ministerial duties within 48 hours of securing bail on September 26, 2024. The ED expressed concerns that Balaji, as a senior minister, could intimidate key witnesses, many of whom worked under him as Transport Minister.
The trial disruptions began shortly after Balaji’s release. According to the ED, PW4, a forensic expert and critical witness, faced multiple delays. His cross-examination started on October 4, 2024, but was repeatedly adjourned due to Balaji’s requests for cloned digital evidence and counsel changes. Several hearings in October and November 2024 were deferred for reasons including festival holidays and unavailability of new counsel.
The ED claims these actions reflect a deliberate strategy to prolong the trial. The agency argued that Balaji violated Supreme Court directives by seeking unnecessary adjournments and creating obstacles to expedite proceedings.
Justice Oka emphasized that the matter would be heard by the same bench that granted bail. The case is now scheduled for December 18, with the ED permitted to serve the affidavit to all parties. Balaji, arrested in June 2023, secured bail after the Court considered his prolonged incarceration. Shortly after his release, he was reinstated as a Cabinet Minister in Tamil Nadu, overseeing multiple key portfolios.
