HC questions Minister’s continuation in Cabinet

Justice N Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court has raised concerns about the continued tenure of V Senthilbalaji as a Minister while facing legal issues. The judge, presiding over a fresh bail petition by Senthilbalaji, questioned the government’s decision to retain him in the State cabinet, expressing unease about the message it sends to the public.Senthilbalaji moved the bail petition after the sessions court dismissed his plea, with senior counsel Aryama Sundaram arguing against the lower court’s decision. Sundaram highlighted that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had completed its investigation, and Senthilbalaji’s brother, a co-accused, being absconding should not be a basis for denying bail.Justice Venkatesh, however, drew attention to the fact that a low-ranking government employee would be automatically suspended if arrested for 48 hours, whereas Senthilbalaji, a Minister, continued in office despite over 230 days of incarceration.The judge expressed his disturbance over the Minister’s prolonged tenure and questioned the message the state government was sending to the general public by allowing him to remain in the Cabinet. The matter has been posted for further hearing on February 14.Senthilbalaji’s legal battles have faced repeated setbacks, with the principal sessions court in Chennai rejecting three bail pleas, and the High Court dismissing another bail plea filed on medical grounds. The Supreme Court, during an appeal, directed him to approach the lower court. The latest concerns raised by Justice Venkatesh add another layer of scrutiny to the Minister’s continued presence in the cabinet amid ongoing legal challenges.