The Supreme Court on Monday relieved former Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthilbalaji from his weekly-twice obligation to appear before the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) officer investigating a money-laundering case linked to the cash-for-jobs scam.
“Why is this man required to appear before the Deputy Director of the Enforcement Directorate at Chennai on every Monday and Friday … At least save your own officer from the harassment as he will have to wait twice per week for this gentleman to come,” Justice Joymalya Bagchi, pusine judge on the Bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, addressed advocate Zoheb Hussain, who represented the ED.
The apex court also relaxed another obligation imposed on Mr. Senthilbalaji, represented by senior advocate Kapil Sibal and advocate Ram Sankar, to be present in the trial court at each and every hearing. The Bench directed the trial judge to consider Mr. Senthilbalaji’s plea for exemption from appearance, if filed, on merits.
Mr. Sibal submitted that the former Minister had appeared every time the ED had called him, and would continue to provide his cooperation.
Advocate Pranav Sachdeva, appearing for one of the complainants, argued in favour of letting these conditions remain as the former Minister was an influential person.
The court observed that the former Minister should be present before the investigating officer, when required, provided he was served notice in advance.
Mr. Sibal submitted the chargesheet was filed. The former Minister had already appeared 116 times before the federal probe agency since he had got bail on September 26 last year. The investigation in the case was over, and there was no further need for such stringent conditions.
Published – December 09, 2025 12:39 am IST
