Supreme Court agrees to hear bail plea of V Senthil Balaji on October 30

Today, the Madras High Court rejected the bail plea of Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji on medical grounds in connection with a money laundering case linked to a cash-for-jobs scam. After the Madras HC refused him bail, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Balaji, sought for urgent hearing on the matter before the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court bench agreed to hear the bail plea of Senthil Balaji on October 30, 2023. He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on July 14 in connection with a money laundering case when he was the Transport Minister during the AIADMK regime. Earlier, Balaji was taken to Omandurar government hospital in Chennai because of chest pain where he was diagnosed with three blocks in his arteries. He underwent bypass surgery and after a few days, he was moved to Puzhal prison. Recently, he complained of uneasiness and was taken to Stanley Hospital; therefore, citing his medical condition, his lawyer moved the HC for bail which was opposed by the ED. After hearing the matter, the HC bench concluded that Balaji's medical report did not indicate a condition that would only be addressed after his release. In this context, the HC refused to grant him bail.