Tough road ahead for Senthilbalaji

In a recent development, the Supreme Court has directed DMK minister V Senthil Balaji, who is currently under arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case, to submit his latest medical reports for examination. The apex court’s decision came during the hearing of an appeal filed by Senthilbalaji against the Madras High Court’s dismissal of his bail plea on October 19. The High Court had expressed concerns that he might influence witnesses if released on bail.His legal representative, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, argued that the minister is grappling with multiple ailments, citing his brain MRI report and emphasizing the urgency of medical attention to prevent a potential stroke. However, the Supreme Court remarked that the medical condition does not seem to be very serious and appears to be an existing problem.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Enforcement Directorate, stated that these health issues are old and chronic. The High Court, while rejecting Senthilbalaji’s bail plea, had highlighted that his health condition did not seem to warrant release on bail.The Madras High Court had based its decision on multiple factors, including his past conduct, his current position as a minister without a portfolio, the absconding of his brother Ashok Kumar, and an alleged attack on Income Tax Officials by his supporters in Karur during earlier searches. The High Court concluded that there was a significant risk of him influencing or causing deterrence to witnesses if released on bail.V Senthilbalaji was arrested on June 14 by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case, a charge stemming from his time as the Transport Minister in the previous AIADMK regime.The Supreme Court bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and SC Sharma has asked for the submission of the latest medical reports and scheduled the next hearing for November 28