Supreme Court stresses need for CM’s recommendation to remove Tamil Nadu minister
main point:
- Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji was arrested in a money laundering case.
- Social activist ML Ravi demanded that he be removed from the post of minister.
- The Supreme Court ruled that only the Chief Minister can remove a minister.
The Supreme Court today stressed the need for the Chief Minister’s recommendation for the removal of Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji. A bench of Justice Abhay Srinivas Oka said that the Governor cannot dismiss the minister, and it is up to the Chief Minister to decide whether the minister should be removed.
Petitioner ML Ravi had argued that Mr Balaji had been arrested in a money laundering case and hence he should not remain a minister.
The court said that the fact that Mr. Balaji was arrested is not enough to decide whether he should be dismissed as a minister or not. The court said that the Chief Minister should consider all relevant factors, including the seriousness of the allegations against Mr Balaji and whether any loss would be caused to the State Government if he continues as a Minister.
The court said that this decision is at the discretion of the Chief Minister and the court is not ready to interfere.
This decision paves the way for Mr. Balaji to continue as a minister in the Tamil Nadu government.
