The Supreme Court granted bail to former Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an alleged cash-for-jobs scam. The court highlighted that bail is the rule and jail is the exception, and that the delay in trial and the higher threshold under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act for granting bail cannot go together. The judgement also noted the extraordinary powers of the Constitutional Courts in cases where there is an unreasonable delay in trial. In this case, the court has imposed strict conditions considering Balaji's influential position and the possibility of tampering with evidence.
Senthil Balaji Granted Bail in Cash-for-Jobs Scam
Former Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an alleged cash-for-jobs scam, has been granted bail by the Supreme Court. The apex court has highlighted the principle that bail is the rule and jail is the exception, and that the delay in trial and the higher threshold under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for granting bail cannot be allowed to go together.
Background
Balaji was arrested by the ED in February 2023 in connection with a case involving allegations of bribery and corruption in the appointment of teachers in government schools in Tamil Nadu. The ED claimed that Balaji, while serving as the Minister for Health and Family Welfare, had demanded and accepted bribes from candidates to facilitate their appointment as teachers.
Balaji denied the allegations and filed a plea for bail in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. However, his plea was rejected. He then approached the Supreme Court, which granted him bail on March 8, 2023.
Supreme Court Judgment
In its judgment, the Supreme Court noted that Balaji had been in custody for a period of over three months, and that the trial in the case was unlikely to commence anytime soon. The court also highlighted the fact that the threshold for granting bail under the PMLA is higher than under other laws.
However, the court observed that the delay in trial and the higher threshold under the PMLA cannot be allowed to go together. It stated that bail is the rule and jail is the exception, and that the presumption of innocence must prevail until proven guilty.
Bail Conditions
The Supreme Court has imposed strict conditions on Balaji's bail. He has been asked to surrender his passport, not to leave the country without the court's permission, and to appear before the ED whenever required. The court has also prohibited him from influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence.
FAQs
1. What is the cash-for-jobs scam?
The cash-for-jobs scam involves allegations that candidates paid bribes to secure appointment as teachers in government schools in Tamil Nadu.
2. Who is Senthil Balaji?
Senthil Balaji is a former Tamil Nadu Minister for Health and Family Welfare. He has been accused of demanding and accepting bribes in connection with the cash-for-jobs scam.
3. Why was Senthil Balaji arrested?
Balaji was arrested by the ED in February 2023 in connection with the alleged cash-for-jobs scam.
4. Why was Senthil Balaji granted bail?
The Supreme Court granted Balaji bail on the grounds that the delay in trial and the higher threshold under the PMLA for granting bail cannot be allowed to go together.
5. What are the conditions of Senthil Balaji's bail?
Balaji has been asked to surrender his passport, not to leave the country without the court's permission, and to appear before the ED whenever required. He has also been prohibited from influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence.
Day seven of the Parliament Winter Session saw high activity with discussions on the SIR voter-roll revision and a special 10-hour debate on Vande Mataram led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Rajya Sabha is gearing up for a similar session today with Union Home Minister Amit Shah taking the lead. Amidst protests, opposition parties are demanding discussions on the alleged misuse of the SIR process to remove voters from marginalized communities.
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the significance of the national song Vande Mataram in the Lok Sabha. He expressed his disappointment with the Congress for not standing up to Muhammad Ali Jinnah's opposition to the song during the freedom struggle. PM Modi highlighted the song's lasting impact on India's collective consciousness and its relevance in the current political climate.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech during the winter session of Parliament ignited a debate on the 150th anniversary of India's national song, Vande Mataram. PM Modi criticized the Congress for dropping four stanzas of the song and appeasing a particular community, while the Opposition questioned the relevance of the discussion. Modi also highlighted how the song played a crucial role in the freedom struggle and was a symbol of national unity and resolve.
The Maval constituency in Maharashtra has become a battleground for two Shiv Sena candidates, Shrirang Barne and Sanjog Waghere Patil. At the latest count, Barne is leading by 16245 votes, but the race is still close. Maval constituency, which was created in 2008, has six Vidhan Sabha segments and is a key seat in the state. The live results for the constituency are being updated and the final winner will be announced soon.
In a heated discussion in Parliament, DMK MP A. Raja questioned the interpretation and legacy of the national song Vande Mataram. Citing a letter from Jawaharlal Nehru to Subhas Chandra Bose, Raja argued that opposition to the song had deeper historical roots and cannot be dismissed as anti-national sentiment. He also accused the ruling BJP of politicizing the issue and raised questions about the song's role in India's Partition. Despite acknowledging its significance in the freedom movement, Raja emphasized the need to address present-day sensitivities surrounding Vande Mataram.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a fierce attack on the Congress and the Gandhi-Nehru lineage during a discussion in the Lok Sabha, blaming them for not giving due recognition to the national song ‘Vande Mataram’. The ongoing chaos at IndiGo airline with over 300 flight cancellations was also addressed, with the government assuring assistance. The absconding owner of the Goa club, where a fire tragedy occurred, has finally spoken up.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has accused the BJP of using the Vande Mataram debate in Lok Sabha as a means to shift attention from crucial public issues. She alleged that the Modi government is indulging in "event management" and ignoring the contributions of the Congress. Gandhi also criticized Prime Minister Modi for being weak on facts and not properly contextualizing Jawaharlal Nehru's letter on Vande Mataram. She urged the government to focus on finding solutions to the problems of the people, rather than trying to divert attention through unnecessary debates.
In a speech to commemorate the 150th anniversary of India's national song, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delved into the political controversies that have surrounded Vande Mataram throughout its history. From its adoption as a symbol of the Indian Independence movement to its association with communal tensions and religious divide, the song has been a subject of heated debate. The Prime Minister's address sparked renewed discussion on the song's significance and its place in Indian politics.
During PM Modi's speech on the Vande Mataram debate, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi stated that the party fully supports the patriotic song and its significance in India's history. He criticized the BJP for viewing all Bengalis as infiltrators and for not mentioning the Delhi blast in his speech. Meanwhile, PM Modi spoke on Vande Mataram's role in inspiring the freedom movement, while also hitting out at the Congress and Nehru for their stance on the song. The Deputy Leader of Opposition also questioned the government about the recent flight disruptions and its impact on citizens.
During a special Parliamentary discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Jawaharlal Nehru of conceding to communal sensitivities by aligning with Muhammad Ali Jinnah's objections. This sparked sharp political exchanges and reactions both inside and outside of Parliament. This discussion, which is focused solely on the national song, aims to acknowledge its 150 years as a symbol that shaped India's consciousness but is expected to face some opposition from parties who claim the government is selectively interpreting historical events.