In a stern warning, the Supreme Court on Wednesday advised Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthil Balaji, who is facing allegations of money laundering related to the ‘cash-for-jobs’ scam, that his bail could be revoked if he does not resign from his ministerial role.

Justice Abhay S. Oka, leading a bench that included Justice Augustine George Masih, posed a critical choice to Senthil Balaji: he must choose between retaining his position as minister and his personal freedom. The court has given him until Monday, April 28, to make this decision. Justice Oka stated, “You need to decide between your role as a minister and your liberty. What will it be?”

During the proceedings, Justice Oka referenced the court’s earlier ruling from September 26, 2024, which provided bail to Senthil Balaji, clarifying that it was granted not on grounds of merit but due to a violation of Article 21 of the Constitution, which protects the right to life and personal liberty. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Balaji, was reminded that his previous resignation from the ministerial position was considered a shift in circumstances for the bail request made to the Madras High Court. However, shortly after receiving bail from the Supreme Court, Balaji was reintegrated into Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s cabinet.

The Justice expressed concern about the implications of allowing someone in Balaji’s position to remain free on bail, especially given the Supreme Court’s explicit findings regarding his involvement in the ‘cash-for-jobs’ scam. In 2024, the top court had noted the difficulties of concluding the trial, which involves over 2000 accused and 600 prosecution witnesses, suggesting that prolonged incarceration would violate the fundamental right to a speedy trial under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

Justice Oka conveyed that the court would not condone the appointment of Balaji as a minister just one day after his release on bail, while emphasizing the judicial findings related to his alleged criminal activities. “We are putting this choice before you: freedom or your position?” Justice Oka remarked, adding that the court would acknowledge its oversight in treating his ministerial status as irrelevant during these proceedings.

V. Senthil Balaji was detained on June 14, 2023, due to alleged involvement in a cash-for-job scheme that occurred while he served as the transport minister from 2011 to 2016 under the AIADMK government led by the late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. Reports indicate that during his tenure, funds were solicited from job seekers who were promised employment in the transport sector for various roles, including drivers, conductors, and engineers.

On December 2, 2024, the Supreme Court reiterated its concern regarding Balaji’s appointment as a cabinet minister shortly after being granted bail in connection with the money laundering investigation linked to the cash-for-jobs scheme, highlighting the potential influence his position could exert on witnesses.