Former Tamil Nadu Minister and present MLA V Senthil Balaji has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Madras High Court’s dismissal of his anticipatory bail plea in the case over alleged corruption in TASMAC.

by Sekar Reporter · July 30, 2026

The matter was mentioned today (afternoon) before a bench of CJI Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana for urgent listing by Senior Advocates Kapil Sibal and Mukul Rohatgi. The bench agreed to list the matter tomorrow and asked to clear defects if any.

Appearing for Balaji, Sibal and Rohatgi urged that the High Court order was passed today morning at 10.30 AM. They highlighted that the underlying FIR, registered by DVAC, is said to be based on the disclosure of a cognizable offense in an affidavit filed by ED 2 years ago in a case pending before the Supreme Court, and the allegations pertain to the years 2021-2025.

“In the [Karur] matter, he has been asked to appear morning, evening in court…my request is that you have it tomorrow, otherwise his bail will be cancelled in the other matter” Sibal pleaded.

It may be noted that on July 28, the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption booked the former minister and others, alleging large-scale irregularities in the functioning of the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) between 2021 and 2025, while Balaji was holding the office of Minister for Electricity and Prohibition & Excise in Tamil Nadu.

The FIR came to be registered for offences under Sections 120-B, 167, 409, 109, and 420 of the IPC, Sections 61(2), 201, and 316(5) of the BNS, and Sections 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(a)and Section 7(c) read with Section 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

According to the prosecution, while holding the post of Minister, Balaji entered into criminal conspiracy with six others, including private individuals, distillery and brewery companies, transport firms, bottling firms and unknown public servants who were working in TASMAC, and committed criminal breach of trust, framed incorrect documents, and misappropriated money, thereby laundering huge illicit money and causing loss to the public exchequer.

Apprehending arrest in this case, Balaji approached the High Court seeking anticipatory bail. However, vide the impugned order, the High Court dismissed his plea, considering the large-scale corruption stated to be involved in the case and allegations of abuse of official position. It was opined that custodial interrogation was very much necessary.

Case Title: V. SENTHIL BALAJI v. THE STATE REPRESENTED BY THE INSPECTOR OF POLICE