Chennai, July 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed the anticipatory bail petition filed by former Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK MLA V. Senthil Balaji in connection with a Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) case alleging large-scale corruption in the functioning of the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC).
Rejecting the plea, Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan held that the allegations were serious in nature and warranted custodial interrogation. The court observed that the case involved accusations of large-scale corruption and required a thorough investigation into the alleged conspiracy and financial irregularities.
The court also took note of the prosecution’s submissions that the accused had allegedly misused their official positions, entered into a criminal conspiracy and caused substantial financial loss to the State exchequer.
The case arises from an FIR registered by the DVAC on July 28, naming Balaji and several others over alleged irregularities in TASMAC during the period 2021 to 2025, when he held the portfolios of Electricity, Prohibition and Excise in the Tamil Nadu government.
The FIR invokes provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Corruption Act, including charges relating to criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating, falsification of records and corruption.
According to the prosecution, Balaji allegedly conspired with six others, including private individuals, distillery and brewery companies, transport contractors, bottling firms and unidentified TASMAC officials, to manipulate official processes and misappropriate public funds. Investigators have alleged that the conspiracy facilitated the laundering of illicit money while causing significant losses to the state.
Seeking protection from arrest, Balaji denied all allegations and argued that the FIR was based on vague and general accusations without identifying any specific tender, contract or transaction linking him to the alleged offences.
He also claimed that the case was politically motivated and had been registered due to hostility from the ruling party following the Karur stampede controversy.
Appearing for Balaji, Senior Advocate N.R. Elango submitted that TASMAC functions as an independent corporation and that the minister had no role in awarding contracts or handling its day-to-day administration. He further pointed out that earlier searches conducted by the Enforcement Directorate at TASMAC offices are already under challenge before the Supreme Court, where related proceedings are pending.
After hearing both sides, the High Court concluded that the gravity of the allegations and the requirements of the ongoing investigation outweighed the grounds advanced by the defence, leading to the dismissal of the anticipatory bail plea.
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