Madras High Court denies anticipatory bail to DMK MLA Senthilbalaji
The Madras High Court has denied anticipatory bail to DMK MLA V. Senthilbalaji regarding a corruption case involving a ₹100 crore loss to the state exchequer. The court ruled that custodial interrogation is necessary to investigate irregularities in TASMAC bar licensing and tender processes.
Why it matters
This decision highlights ongoing legal scrutiny of high-profile political figures in India regarding systemic corruption in state-run liquor distribution.
The Madras High Court on Thursday (July 30, 2026) refused to grant anticipatory bail to former DMK Minister and sitting MLA V. Senthilbalaji in a corruption case registered against him by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on Tuesday (July 28).
Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan dismissed Mr. Senthilbalaji’s advance bail petition after observing that the case relates to the charge of having caused a loss of crores of rupees to the public exchequer when he was a Minister and therefore, it required custodial interrogation.
Opposing the plea, State Public Prosecutor R. John Sathyan said that the loss to the public exchequer appeared to be at least ₹100 crore and that the entire crime could be unearthed only through the investigation of the case and by subjecting the accused to interrogation.
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