Former Minister V Senthil Balaji's Judicial Proceedings Extended

Former minister V Senthil Balaji appeared before a court via video-conferencing from Puzhal Central Jail, seeking an adjournment. The court extended his judicial custody till August 7. Balaji is challenging a sessions court’s order refusing his discharge from a money laundering case linked to a cash-for-jobs scam.

Former minister V Senthil Balaji, currently in Puzhal Central Jail, made a video-conference court appearance on Friday.

Principal Sessions Judge S Alli granted his request to adjourn the proceedings and prolonged his judicial custody until August 7. Balaji is awaiting a hearing from the Madras High Court regarding his plea challenging a sessions court’s decision to keep him in the case.

The prison authorities informed Judge Alli that Balaji experienced vomiting and dizziness, necessitating treatment at the prison hospital, and was bedridden during the virtual court session.

Balaji, arrested on June 14, 2023 by the Enforcement Directorate over a money laundering case connected to a cash-for-jobs scam from his time as the transport minister under the previous AIADMK government, has undergone a cardiac bypass surgery and is in extended judicial custody.