Senthil Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in June this year in connection with a cash-for-job money laundering case. Justice G Jayachandran dismissed the application made by the Minister seeking bail on Medical grounds.
In his 13-page order, Justice Jayachandran said, “The line of judgments on either side taken into consideration. The health report of the petitioner does not appear to be a medical condition which could be taken care only if he is released on bail. That apart, his past conduct, his present position as Minister without Portfolio and the absconding of his brother Ashok Kumar, coupled with the attack on the Income Tax Officials, all cumulatively leads to an irresistible conclusion that, certainly, he will directly and indirectly influence or cause deterrence to witnesses, if released on bail.
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The non-cooperation of the co-accused Ashok Kumar, who is blood brother of the petitioner, also justifies the apprehension of Enforcement Directorate that, there is flight risk causing impediment in progress of trial. For the above reasons, this Court is not inclined to grant bail to the petitioner. Accordingly, this Criminal Original Petition is dismissed.
In September this year, the District Sessions Court in Chennai had denied bail to the Minister and noted that the allegations against Balaji are “categorical” and disclose that he has a “definite role” in the commission of offence charged against him. The Sessions Court had also observed that Balaji had failed to fulfil the twin conditions under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, for grant of bail.
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