Madras HC relaxes bail conditions for Senthil Balaji, brother in alleged horse-trading case

Chennai, Aug 5

The Madras High Court has completely relaxed the anticipatory bail conditions that required former Tamil Nadu minister V. Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar to appear twice daily before the investigating officer in a case linked to an alleged attempt to lure a TVK legislator through horse-trading.

Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan passed the order on separate petitions filed by Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar seeking modification of the conditions imposed while granting them anticipatory bail.

The case was registered by the Triplicane police following allegations of an attempt to induce TVK MLA Ilaiyaraja, who represents the Uthangarai Assembly constituency in Krishnagiri district.

As part of the investigation, police had issued summons to Senthil Balaji and his brother for questioning. Apprehending arrest, the two approached the High Court seeking anticipatory bail.

While granting them protection from arrest, Justice Ilanthiraiyan had directed both petitioners to appear before the investigating officer twice every day — at 10.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. They subsequently complied with the condition by reporting to the police and signing the attendance register.

The brothers later approached the court seeking relaxation of the reporting requirement.

During the hearing, their counsel informed the court that a Division Bench headed by the Chief Justice had stayed the entire investigation being conducted by the Triplicane police in the case.

The petitioners contended that in view of the stay, there was no justification for requiring them to continue appearing before the investigating officer twice daily.

Accepting the submission, Justice Ilanthiraiyan completely relaxed the attendance condition imposed on Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar.

The court, however, clarified that the order would not prevent investigators from questioning them if their presence was required. Police would be free to issue summons and direct the brothers to appear for inquiry whenever necessary, subject to the orders governing the investigation.