DMK MLA Senthil Balaji has approached the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail in a case alleging that he, along with his brother Ashok Kumar, attempted to offer Rs 35 Crore to an MLA belonging to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party in an attempt to influence the vote for Assembly Speaker.

The plea is expected to be listed tomorrow, along with the anticipatory bail plea filed by his brother in connection with the same case.

When the anticipatory bail plea of Ashok Kumar came up for hearing before Justice C Kumarappan on Monday (July 6), the State had sought additional time to file a counter.

The State had also argued that since the case involved a sitting MLA (Balaji), the case should be tried by the judge holding portfolio for dealing with cases relating to MPs and MLAs. Following this, the judge directed the Registry to place the matter before the concerned judge.

Now, both the anticipatory bail pleas are expected to be listed before Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan, who is holding portfolio for dealing with cases relating to MPs and MLAs.

It may be noted that on June 26, Elaiyaraja had given a complaint in the Triplicane Police Station alleging that he was contacted over the phone by a person named Thirunavukkarassu who informed Elaiyaraja that a major political party would be moving a resolution against the Speaker in the Assembly and urged Elaiyaraja to vote in their favour. It was submitted that Elaiyaraja was offered Rs 35 Crore for the same, and he was threatened with dire consequences if he did not act in a particular manner.

On July 1, three persons were arrested by the police in connection with the case. The police later said that, as per the investigation, Elaiyaraja was contacted at the behest of Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok Kumar.

In his plea seeking anticipatory bail, Balaji argued that even as per the FIR, he has not been named as an accused. It was argued that he was dragged into the matter only by a later political extension of the FIR story, and not by any fact found in the FIR itself.

Balaji argued that there was no material to show that he had contacted Elaiyaraja, sent any message, authorised the caller, met the complainant, deputed any person, arranged or handled any money, issued any threat or participated in any conspiracy. Thus, it was argued that there was no essential connecting link between him and the alleged crime.

He also pointed out that the apprehension of political motive was fortified by a recent statement made by the Sports Minister Aadhav Arjuna, wherein the Minister said that there were "scores to settle" in connection with the Karur tragedy. Thus, he argued that the present case is an attempt to connect Balahji with the case especially at the time of Karur bye-elections.

Balaji argued that arrested persons were being pressured to implicate Balaji and his brother by making allegations of corruption and horse trading. He added that the allegations of coercive investigation were also brought to the notice of the Sessions Judge at the remand stage. Thus, he argued that any custody statement made by the accused cannot be treated as a safe foundation for arrest unless supported by independent, objective and legally permissible evidence.

Balaji also submitted that he was a sitting MLA of the Coimbatore South constituency, having a public duty in society and was not a flight risk. he also submitted that he was ready to appear before the investigating officer whenever required. He also assured the court that he was ready to comply with any stringent condition imposed by the court.

Caste Title: V Senthil Balaji v The State

Case No: Crl OP 17765 of 2026