Supreme Court Orders New Judge for Senthil Balaji's Case

The Supreme Court has directed the Madras High Court chief justice to appoint a new session judge for the trial of Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji, who is involved in a money laundering case linked to a cash-for-job scam. The case involves over 2,000 accused and 600 prosecution witnesses, and urgent disposal is required.

The Supreme Court has mandated the appointment of a new session judge for the trial involving Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji, who faces charges of money laundering linked to a cash-for-job scam. The decision was made due to the existing judge's heavy case load.

Balaji, recently reinstated as minister by Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, previously held key portfolios in Chief Minister MK Stalin's cabinet. The Supreme Court bench highlighted the urgency of the case, which involves over 2,000 accused and around 600 prosecution witnesses.

The Enforcement Directorate arrested Balaji last year, alleging that he misused his position to profit illegally during his tenure as transport minister. The court has called for the Madras High Court's chief justice to assign this high-profile case to a judge with fewer responsibilities to ensure its timely resolution.