Tamil Nadu Congress President K. Selvaperunthagai and Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) President K. Veeramani have welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to former Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji.
Selvaperunthagai described the ruling as a “victory for truth” and a sign of the “downfall of autocracy.” He expressed hope that the decision would bring joy to those who believe in democracy and highlighted the authoritarian tendencies of the central government.
Veeramani noted that while the judgment was delayed, it was nonetheless significant from a human rights perspective, stating, “Our Constitution is safeguarded through this.”
Congress MP S. Jothimani commended Balaji’s determination, asserting that the Supreme Court’s order demonstrated the resilience of leaders within the INDIA bloc against authoritative pressures. “Not everyone will submit to authority,” she added.
Celebrations erupted in Balaji’s hometown of Karur following the Supreme Court’s decision, with supporters and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) workers lighting firecrackers and distributing sweets. Festivities were reported across various locations in Karur, as crowds gathered in celebration.
The Supreme Court granted bail to Balaji, who was arrested last year in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged cash-for-jobs scam. A bench led by Justice Abhay S. Oka noted that the previous bail conditions imposed on Balaji were onerous.
It is anticipated that Balaji may be reinstated in the Tamil Nadu cabinet, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, during an upcoming shuffle.
The Supreme Court had earlier declined to issue an interim order to stay the Madras High Court’s February 28 ruling, which dismissed Balaji’s bail petition, while also issuing a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to respond within four weeks.
The Madras High Court had previously ruled that despite Balaji’s resignation as a minister, he remained an influential MLA in the ruling party and instructed the trial court to expedite proceedings. Balaji was arrested by the ED in June of last year and has been in judicial custody since then. In November, the Supreme Court had denied his bail request based on medical grounds, stating that his condition could be managed with medication.
