NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday granted interim protection from arrest to DMK leader and former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji in the alleged TASMAC corruption case. The court directed Balaji to deposit his passport, cooperate with the investigation and refrain from influencing witnesses while granting him relief.A Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi stayed the operation of FIR No. 05 of 2026 and issued notice to the Tamil Nadu government on Balaji’s plea challenging the Madras high court’s refusal to grant anticipatory bail.“Subject to the petitioner fully cooperating with the probe, his arrest shall remain stayed. He is directed to deposit his passport with the Investigating Officer. FIR No. 05 of 2026 dated July 8 shall remain stayed. He shall not attempt to influence witnesses,” the Bench directed, ANI reported.The FIR was registered by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) following the Madras high court’s refusal to grant anticipatory bail to Balaji in the alleged TASMAC scam involving purported irregularities in the allotment of liquor shops and bars.During the hearing, the Supreme Court questioned whether the police should have conducted a preliminary enquiry before registering the FIR, observing that it appeared to be based largely on an affidavit filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).The Bench also noted that the allegations primarily related to the period between 2020 and 2021 and observed that Balaji was no longer a minister.“He is no longer a Minister,” the Court remarked, adding that “if an independent investigation found him guilty, he is bound to face consequences.”Senior advocate Amit Anand Tiwari, appearing for Balaji along with senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Mukul Rohatgi, argued that custodial interrogation was unnecessary.“Our contention is that the FIR is for the incident said to have taken place between 2021 and 2025. I am at no flight risk; no custodial interrogation required. I was the minister in the department and TASMAC is a corporation independent in existence and functioning,” Tiwari submitted, according to PTI.Balaji also contended that the FIR substantially reproduced the Enforcement Directorate’s affidavit and petition filed before the Supreme Court.“In fact, the FIR itself at various places says that it is from the counter affidavit and petition of the ED,” his plea stated.Opposing the plea, the Tamil Nadu government argued that Balaji continued to wield considerable influence despite no longer holding office.“From 2021 to 2025, he was in power and did not let any complaint sustain against him. We will have a problem if the evidence goes away. Considering the kind of scam that has happened and his antecedents–there are at least six serious cases,” the prosecution submitted.The State further argued, “Even if he is not in power, he is able to carry on the influence.”Justice Bagchi, however, said the State’s concerns could be addressed by imposing appropriate safeguards.“He is not going to abscond, as you say. We will ensure that he does not abscond, participates in the investigation and does not interfere with the probe. If there is any breach, we will interfere,” Justice Bagchi observed.
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Chief Justice of India Surya Kant also stressed that the investigation should proceed independently.“Hold an independent probe. If he is guilty, he will face…” the Chief Justice observed.While granting interim protection, Justice Bagchi cautioned Balaji’s counsel that any violation of the conditions would invite immediate action.The Supreme Court’s order came a day after senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Mukul Rohatgi sought an urgent hearing, arguing that Balaji faced imminent coercive action following the Madras high court’s refusal to grant anticipatory bail.The case stems from allegations of a large-scale cash kickback scheme in TASMAC involving the allotment of liquor shops and bars.
