Relief kicked in for Tamil Nadu’s former minister and DMK MLA V Senthil Balaji in connection with the recently-registered Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) corruption case, as the Supreme Court (SC) on Friday provided relief to him from arrest. While hearing the minister’s anticipatory bail plea, the SC bench noted that Balaji was no longer serving as a minister and, therefore, did not wield the influence he once enjoyed while holding public office.
Moreover, the top court also indicated that appropriate safeguards could be imposed to ensure his full cooperation with the ongoing probe.
Former Minister Senthil Balaji
The order comes a day after the Madras High Court (HC) declined to grant anticipatory bail to the DMK leader, prompting him to knock on the doors of the Apex court seeking urgent relief from arrest.
‘Cooperation can be ensured without arrest’: SC
Appearing on behalf of Balaji, senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued that the allegations pertain to the period between 2021 and 2025, whereas the First Information Report (FIR) was registered only in 2026. He submitted that custodial interrogation was unnecessary and sought interim protection for him from arrest.
Opposing his plea, the Tamil Nadu government contended that granting anticipatory relief at this stage could adversely influence the probe. The State maintained that custodial interrogation was essential to effectively probe the allegations and expressed concerns that evidence could be compromised if Balaji was not placed under arrest.
The SC, however, appeared unconvinced by the State’s objection. During the hearing, the Bench noted that it could ensure Balaji neither absconded nor failed to cooperate with the investigating agency.
The bench remarked, “We will ensure that he does not abscond and that he cooperates with the probe,” adding that Balaji was ‘no more in power’ and therefore, no longer exercised the same level of influence over officials or potential witnesses.
DVAC probe centres on alleged TASMAC irregularities
The case stems from an FIR registered by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), which is probing alleged large-scale irregularities in the functioning of TASMAC between 2021 and 2025.
As per the FIR, the alleged irregularities cropped up when Senthil Balaji was in charge of the Excise portfolio in the Tamil Nadu government. As part of the probe, the anti-corruption agency recently inspected multiple locations across the state and questioned Balaji regarding the allegations.
Legal hurdles continue for former minister
Senthil Balaji being whisked away by cops
Notably, the TASMAC case is the latest in a string of legal proceedings involving Balaji. Over the past few years, he has faced multiple investigations linked to alleged corruption and money laundering, drawing sustained scrutiny from probe agencies.
While Balaji has been provided relief from arrest, the probe into the alleged TASMAC irregularities will deepen, and the former minister is expected to cooperate with the authorities in accordance with any conditions imposed by the top court.