Supreme Court Grants Bail to Tamil Nadu Politician Senthil Balaji in Money Laundering Case

The Supreme Court of India has granted bail to former Tamil Nadu minister, Senthil Balaji, who was arrested in a money laundering case. The decision comes after over 15 months of detention, citing no foreseeable conclusion of the trial. Strict bail conditions were imposed to prevent any undue influence over witnesses.

In a significant relief to Senthil Balaji, former Tamil Nadu minister and DMK leader, the Supreme Court granted him bail in a money laundering case on Thursday. The bail comes after over 15 months of detention, with the court noting that the trial's conclusion appears unlikely in the near future.

Arrested by the Enforcement Directorate, Balaji's continued detention was deemed an infringement of his fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, according to the bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih. They pointed out the impracticality of concluding the trial promptly, given there are over 2,000 accused and 600 witnesses.

While granting bail, the Supreme Court imposed stringent conditions on Balaji to prevent any influence on witnesses. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin welcomed the decision, emphasizing that Balaji's resolve was only strengthened during his detention. Support for Balaji was evident in his native village, where DMK supporters celebrated the court's order.

(With inputs from agencies.)