Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail, Stays FIR for Tamil Nadu Leader Senthil Balaji in TASMAC Scam
The Supreme Court of India stayed the operation of FIR No. 05 of 2026 filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti‑Corruption (DVAC) against DMK leader and former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji. The bench, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, granted Balaji interim anticipatory bail, imposing conditions that he must fully cooperate with the investigation, deposit his passport with the investigating officer, and refrain from influencing any witnesses.
The FIR alleges large‑scale irregularities in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) between 2020 and 2025, resulting in an estimated loss of about Rs 32.8 crore to the state exchequer. Balaji, who served as electricity, prohibition and excise minister and represents the Coimbatore South constituency, had his anticipatory bail petition dismissed by the Madras High Court, prompting the appeal to the Supreme Court. The court also questioned whether a preliminary enquiry should have preceded the FIR, which was based on an affidavit from the Enforcement Directorate.
The Supreme Court ordered the state government to respond to its directions and noted that Balaji no longer holds a ministerial post, but cautioned that if an independent probe finds him guilty, he will face appropriate consequences.
Entities: Chief Justice Surya Kant · Directorate of Vigilance and Anti‑Corruption (DVAC) · Madras High Court · Senthil Balaji · Supreme Court of India · TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) · Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) · V Senthil Balaji
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Supreme Court bench hearing the case was led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and included Justice Joymalya Bagchi. (SC Grants Interim Anticipatory Bail to Senthil Balaji in TASMAC Case)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Supreme Court stayed FIR No. 05 of 2026 registered against Senthil Balaji. (Supreme Court Stays FIR Against DMK Leader Senthil Balaji in TASMAC Scam Case)
- [DISPUTED] The FIR alleges irregularities in TASMAC that caused a loss of approximately Rs 32.8 crore to the Tamil Nadu exchequer. (Supreme Court Stays FIR Against DMK Leader Senthil Balaji in TASMAC Scam Case)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti‑Corruption (DVAC) filed the FIR against Senthil Balaji and other TASMAC officials. (Supreme Court Stays FIR Against DMK Leader Senthil Balaji in TASMAC Scam Case)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Supreme Court granted interim anticipatory bail to Senthil Balaji with conditions to cooperate, deposit his passport, and not influence witnesses. (SC Grants Interim Anticipatory Bail to Senthil Balaji in TASMAC Case)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Senthil Balaji is a former electricity, prohibition and excise minister of Tamil Nadu and represents the Coimbatore South constituency. (SC Grants Interim Anticipatory Bail to Senthil Balaji in TASMAC Case)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The alleged TASMAC scam involved misappropriation, manipulation of procurement and tender processes, and inflated invoices for distilleries and bottling firms. (Supreme Court Stays FIR Against DMK Leader Senthil Balaji in TASMAC Scam Case)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Madras High Court dismissed Senthil Balaji's anticipatory bail petition before the Supreme Court hearing. (SC Grants Interim Anticipatory Bail to Senthil Balaji in TASMAC Case)