The Supreme Court has announced that the case involving Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji will be listed before a different bench following the recusal of Justice K.V. Viswanathan. The hearing has been postponed to January 27.
Senthil Balaji, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over allegations of job scam irregularities during his tenure in the Transport Department, was earlier granted bail by the Supreme Court. After his release, he resumed his duties as a minister, sparking debates over the implications on the pending legal proceedings.
Petitioners have alleged deliberate delays in the progress of the cases against Senthil Balaji. One petitioner even sought the cancellation of his bail, arguing that his position as a minister could influence the ongoing cases.
During a prior hearing, the Supreme Court bench had suggested that petitioners approach the High Court for specific grievances. However, no interim orders were issued against Balaji at the time.
The matter was scheduled for hearing before the bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and K.V. Viswanathan. However, Justice Viswanathan recused himself, stating, “I had represented some parties involved in this case during my tenure as a lawyer. It would not be appropriate for me to hear this matter as a judge.”
The case will now be reassigned to another bench, and further hearings are expected to proceed after the rescheduling.