The Madras High Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing on a petition filed by former Tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthilbalaji, who is challenging the rejection of his discharge petition in a money laundering case. The case, which has garnered significant attention, relates to allegations of a cash-for-jobs scam during Senthilbalaji’s tenure as Transport Minister in the AIADMK regime.A division bench comprising Justice S.M. Subramaniam and Justice V. Sivagnanam heard the criminal revision petition filed by Senthilbalaji, who is seeking relief from the ongoing legal proceedings. The petition challenges an earlier decision by the principal sessions court in Chennai, which dismissed Senthilbalaji’s discharge petition in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case.
During the hearing, Senior Counsel A. Prabhakaran, representing Senthilbalaji, requested an adjournment, citing the fact that his client’s bail petition is currently pending before the Supreme Court. He argued that the criminal revision petition could be postponed until the Supreme Court decides on the bail application.
However, the bench rejected this submission, stating that there is no connection between the two cases. The court emphasized that the bail petition and the criminal revision petition are distinct legal matters and should be treated as such.
Further, Prabhakaran contended that if Senthilbalaji were to be acquitted or discharged in the predicate offence case—the original case from which the money laundering allegations stem—the PMLA case registered by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) would become irrelevant. However, the court did not entertain this argument at this stage.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) ARL Sundaresan, representing the ED, opposed the petition, stating that since the trial has commenced and charges have been framed, the discharge petition cannot be entertained at this juncture. He argued that the legal process must continue as per the established procedures.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the bench decided to adjourn the case and posted the matter for further hearing on September 4, allowing the petitioner’s counsel to present additional arguments.
The case against Senthilbalaji dates back to June 14, 2023, when he was arrested under the PMLA by the ED at his residence in Chennai. The PMLA case is connected to allegations of a cash-for-jobs scam during his time as Transport Minister in the AIADMK government, where he is accused of receiving bribes in exchange for jobs in the state transport department.
Senthilbalaji’s legal battle has become a focal point in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, drawing widespread public and media interest. The outcome of this case will likely have significant implications for both the former minister and the broader political environment in the state.