The Supreme Court has asked the Madras High Court to appoint another sessions judge to handle the trial of Minister Senthil Balaji and other accused in the cash-for-jobs corruption case, citing the heavy workload on the current judge.
The Supreme Court has directed the Madras High Court to appoint an additional sessions judge to handle the trial of Minister Senthil Balaji and other accused in the cash-for-jobs corruption case. This decision comes in light of the heavy workload on the current sessions judge, who is already dealing with numerous cases involving MPs and MLAs.
The apex court noted that the current judge is handling 29 other cases of MPs and MLAs, with about 20 cases at the trial stage. The Senthil Balaji case, which involves more than 2,000 accused and approximately 600 prosecution witnesses, requires early disposal due to the nature of the allegations in the charge sheet.
Considering the magnitude of the case, the Supreme Court has suggested that the Madras High Court appoint a sessions judge who is not already overburdened. The court has requested the Registrar General to submit a report on the administrative steps taken before the next hearing date.
During the proceedings, counsel for the complainants raised the issue of reconsidering Balaji's bail, given his recent reinstatement as a minister. The court advised filing an application for reconsideration. Senior Advocate S Guru Krishnakumar sought a judge to be appointed exclusively for the Senthil Balaji trial, while Senior Advocate Shekhar Naphade, representing the state, questioned singling out Balaji when other ministers are also involved in cases.
Justice Oka emphasized that the state should prioritize this case and requested information on the number of pending cases against ministers to ensure they are given out-of-turn priority. The court expressed its seriousness about addressing these cases promptly.
The Supreme Court's decision aims to expedite the trial process and ensure fair and timely justice in the high-profile corruption case involving Minister Senthil Balaji and other accused.
The apex court noted that the current judge is handling 29 other cases of MPs and MLAs, with about 20 cases at the trial stage. The Senthil Balaji case, which involves more than 2,000 accused and approximately 600 prosecution witnesses, requires early disposal due to the nature of the allegations in the charge sheet.
Considering the magnitude of the case, the Supreme Court has suggested that the Madras High Court appoint a sessions judge who is not already overburdened. The court has requested the Registrar General to submit a report on the administrative steps taken before the next hearing date.
During the proceedings, counsel for the complainants raised the issue of reconsidering Balaji's bail, given his recent reinstatement as a minister. The court advised filing an application for reconsideration. Senior Advocate S Guru Krishnakumar sought a judge to be appointed exclusively for the Senthil Balaji trial, while Senior Advocate Shekhar Naphade, representing the state, questioned singling out Balaji when other ministers are also involved in cases.
Justice Oka emphasized that the state should prioritize this case and requested information on the number of pending cases against ministers to ensure they are given out-of-turn priority. The court expressed its seriousness about addressing these cases promptly.
The Supreme Court's decision aims to expedite the trial process and ensure fair and timely justice in the high-profile corruption case involving Minister Senthil Balaji and other accused.