Former Tamil Nadu Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MLA V. Senthil Balaji has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Madras High Court's refusal to grant him anticipatory bail in a Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) case alleging widespread corruption in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). Senior advocate Kapil Sibal mentioned Balaji's special leave petition (SLP) for urgent listing on Thursday before a Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, who agreed to schedule the matter for hearing on Friday, subject to the removal of any defects.

What the Madras High Court Ruled

A single-judge Bench of Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan dismissed Balaji's anticipatory bail plea on Thursday, holding that the gravity of the charges warranted custodial interrogation. The court observed that the case involved serious allegations of large-scale corruption and took note of the prosecution's contention that the accused had allegedly abused their official positions, entered into a criminal conspiracy, and caused substantial financial losses to the state exchequer.

What the DVAC Case Alleges

The DVAC registered an FIR on 28 July against Balaji and several others over alleged irregularities in TASMAC between 2021 and 2025, the period during which he served as Minister for Electricity, Prohibition and Excise. The FIR invokes provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, covering offences including 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, misappropriate public funds, and facilitate the laundering of illicit money, causing substantial losses to the state.

Balaji's Defence

Appearing before the Madras High Court, senior advocate N.R. Elango argued that TASMAC functioned as an independent corporation and that the Minister had no role in awarding tenders or managing its day-to-day operations. Balaji denied the allegations and contended that the FIR was based on vague and omnibus accusations without identifying any specific tender, contract, or transaction linking him to the alleged offences. He also claimed the case was politically motivated, registered due to hostility from the ruling party following the Karur stampede controversy.

The High Court, however, held that the gravity of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation outweighed the defence's arguments, concluding that custodial interrogation was necessary to unravel the alleged conspiracy and financial irregularities.

What Happens Next

The Supreme Court is set to hear the matter on Friday, 1 August, pending the removal of procedural defects. The outcome of the SLP will determine whether Balaji can secure pre-arrest protection before any potential DVAC action. This case adds to a series of high-profile corruption investigations involving state-level political figures that have reached the apex court in recent years.