Former Tamil Nadu minister and DMK MLA V Senthil Balaji secured interim protection from arrest from the Supreme Court on Friday in the TASMAC corruption case, with the court observing that he is no longer in a position of power and directing him to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
SC Order A Day After Madras HC Refuses Relief
The apex court was hearing Balaji’s anticipatory bail plea after the Madras High Court refused to grant him relief in the case. The High Court had noted the seriousness of the allegations and held that custodial interrogation was necessary for a proper investigation.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Balaji, argued that the allegations relate to the period between 2021 and 2025, while the FIR was registered only in July 2026. He contended that arrest was not warranted and sought protection from coercive action.
Custodial Interrogation Essential: TN Government
Opposing the plea, the Tamil Nadu government insisted that custodial interrogation was essential. The state argued that granting relief could adversely affect the probe, telling the court, “We will have a problem if he is given relief. Evidence will go away. We need his custodial interrogation.”
SC Sets Conditions
The Supreme Court, however, was inclined to grant interim protection. Addressing the state’s concerns, the bench observed, “We will ensure that he will not abscond, that he will cooperate with the investigation.” The court further noted that Balaji was no longer in office and therefore did not possess the influence that the prosecution feared.
“You know that the government has changed. He is no more in power, so he no longer has the influence,” the bench remarked.
While granting protection from arrest, the Supreme Court imposed conditions on Balaji. It directed him to surrender his passport, refrain from influencing witnesses, and fully cooperate with investigators whenever required.
The court also sought a response from the Tamil Nadu government within four weeks.
TASMAC Scam
The case stems from allegations of corruption and irregularities linked to the functioning of the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) during the period when Balaji held the Excise portfolio.
While opposing his anticipatory bail plea before the Madras High Court, the state had claimed that the alleged loss of Rs 17 crore to the exchequer was only the “tip of the iceberg” and argued that the actual loss could be at least Rs 100 crore, underscoring the need for custodial interrogation.
The Supreme Court’s interim order now provides temporary relief to Balaji, while allowing the investigation to continue under court-imposed safeguards.