The Supreme Court relaxed the bail conditions imposed on former Tamil Nadu minister V. Senthil Balaji in connection with a money-laundering (cash-for-jobs) case.
The Court removed the requirement that he report to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) twice a week in Chennai. Instead, Balaji will now be required to appear “only as and when required,” provided advance notice is given.
The Court also relaxed the condition mandating appearance before the trial court on every hearing date; now, subject to the trial court’s discretion, he may apply for exemption on a case-by-case basis.
Significance: The order reflects judicial scrutiny over overly burdensome bail conditions and reinforces that bail conditions should not amount to de facto custody or create needless harassment when investigative processes have progressed and trial is pending.