The Madras High Court has granted anticipatory bail to former DMK minister V. Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar, while laying down a set of conditions to be followed during the investigation.
The case stems from a complaint by T.V.K. MLA Ilaiyaraja from Uthangarai constituency in Krishnagiri district. Based on the complaint, the Triplicane police in Chennai registered a case alleging that attempts were made to bargain for votes in the Assembly.
Hearing the petitions, Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan noted that Senthil Balaji had not been added as an accused in the case. The FIR mentions an alleged offer of Rs 35 crore to an MLA to vote in support of a resolution against the Speaker.
The judge also observed that there was no allegation in the case about attempting to topple the present government, and held that custodial interrogation was not necessary. The court directed the petitioners to appear before the Chennai Principal Sessions Court within 15 days of receiving the order copy and execute a self-bond of Rs 25,000 with two sureties for the same amount.
Until further orders, they must report at the Triplicane police station every day between 10:30 am and 5:30 pm and sign. They were also instructed not to abscond or tamper with evidence or witnesses, failing which the trial court may take legal action.
