The Supreme Court on Wednesday gave Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji a clear choice—either step down from his ministerial position or risk losing the bail granted to him in a money laundering case connected to a cash-for-jobs scam during his tenure as transport minister.

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih noted that bail had been granted in September 2024 under the impression that Balaji was no longer serving as a minister.

This understanding had played a crucial role in the Court’s assessment under Article 21 of the Constitution, which deals with the right to life and personal liberty, especially in the context of prolonged detention.

However, the Court observed that Balaji resumed his ministerial responsibilities soon after securing bail, prompting concerns about the possible influence he could exert over witnesses in the ongoing investigation.

“We had granted bail on completely different grounds. If individuals misuse the legal process in this way, we will have to state in our order that we erred in overlooking the adverse findings already on record,” remarked Justice Oka during the hearing.

While the Court refrained from revoking the bail at this stage, it directed Balaji to make his position clear at the next hearing—either he gives up his ministerial role or faces the consequences concerning his bail.

“You can choose—your post or your freedom,” the Bench told Balaji’s counsel, scheduling the next hearing for April 28.