The Madras High Court on Wednesday, 8 July granted conditional anticipatory bail to Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MLA V. Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar in a case alleging an attempt to bribe a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) legislator with ₹35 crore to influence his vote during a proposed no-confidence motion against the Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker. Justice P. Ilanthiraiyan imposed conditions requiring both petitioners to appear before the investigating officer daily until further orders and cooperate fully with the probe.

What the Defence Argued

Senior Advocate N.R. Elango, appearing for Senthil Balaji, told the court that the complaint was filed two days after the alleged phone call and that investigators possessed no recording of the conversation — only call detail records (CDRs). He contended that allegations of an attempt to destabilise the government rested entirely on assumption.

Notably, the court itself observed that the First Information Report (FIR) did not specifically name Balaji. Elango submitted that the sole circumstance cited by the prosecution was that Balaji happened to be in Erode on the same day as the prime accused. He further argued the case was politically motivated and timed to prevent Balaji from functioning ahead of the Karur by-election.

Senior Advocate P. Kumaresan, appearing for Ashok Kumar, argued his client had been implicated solely by virtue of being Balaji's brother, and alleged that investigators were constructing a case without substantive evidence.

What the Prosecution Claimed

Public Prosecutor John Sathyan opposed the bail plea, telling the court that investigators had gathered material pointing to a conspiracy, including the booking of hotel rooms in Chennai. He alleged that one of the accused had fled to Singapore and remotely deleted CCTV footage, which the investigation team was attempting to recover.

The prosecution further alleged that fresh leads had emerged during inquiries in Bengaluru and that evidence of hawala transactions had surfaced. Sathyan maintained that both petitioners were sufficiently linked to the alleged conspiracy and that the case involved an attempt to destabilise the elected government at a politically sensitive moment.

Background of the Case

The case originates from a complaint filed on 26 June by TVK MLA M. Elaiyaraja, who alleged he was contacted by a man identified as Thirunavukkarassu and offered ₹35 crore to back a proposed move against the Assembly Speaker. Elaiyaraja also alleged he was threatened with serious consequences if he refused.

Three persons were arrested on 1 July, after which police claimed the alleged approach to the MLA had been made at the behest of Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar. In their bail pleas, both brothers denied any involvement, reiterating that Balaji was not named in the original FIR and that no credible evidence linked them to the bribery attempt.

What Happens Next

With anticipatory bail now in place, Senthil Balaji and Ashok Kumar are protected from immediate arrest subject to compliance with the court's daily reporting conditions. The investigation, which spans Chennai, Erode, Bengaluru, and reportedly extends to Singapore, is ongoing. How the probe develops — particularly the recovery of deleted CCTV footage and verification of alleged hawala trails — will determine whether charges are formally pressed against the DMK MLA.