| 30 June 2023
Hours after dismissing jailed minister Senthil Balaji from the state cabinet, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has reportedly put his order on hold based on the advice of the Union Home Ministry. According to sources familiar with the matter, the Governor has sent a letter to Chief Minister MK Stalin, informing him of the decision to keep the dismissal order in abeyance. The Home Ministry has allegedly instructed the Governor to seek a legal opinion from the attorney general before making a final decision.
Senthil Balaji, who was arrested on June 14, was initially retained by the government as a minister without portfolio, with his subjects being allocated to Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu and Housing Minister Muthusamy. However, the Governor's recent move to dismiss Balaji from the Council of Ministers has raised questions about the due process of law and the constitutional machinery in the state.
The Raj Bhavan, in an official release on Thursday, stated, "There are reasonable apprehensions that the continuation of V Senthil Balaji in the Council of Ministers will adversely impact the due process of law, including fair investigation that may eventually lead to the breakdown of constitutional machinery in the state." The release further accused Balaji of facing serious criminal proceedings, such as corruption, cash-for-jobs, and money laundering. It alleged that he had abused his ministerial position to influence investigations and obstruct justice.
In response to the Governor's decision, Chief Minister Stalin expressed his disagreement, stating that the Governor does not have the authority to dismiss a minister from the Cabinet. He vowed to challenge the decision legally, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the DMK government and the Governor's office over various issues.
The relationship between the Governor and the DMK government has been strained for several months, with disagreements frequently arising. This latest development further deepens the divide between the two entities and sets the stage for a legal battle over the dismissal of Minister Senthil Balaji.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Governor's decision will be perceived by legal experts and the public alike. The involvement of the attorney general will play a crucial role in determining the outcome and the subsequent course of action. Until a legal opinion is received, Senthil Balaji's position in the cabinet remains uncertain, leaving room for further speculation and debate.
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