Madras High Court Allows Senthilbalaji’s Brother to Travel to US for Medical Care

Quick Summary

• R.V. Ashok Kumar,brother of former tamil Nadu Minister V. Senthilbalaji and co-accused in a money laundering case linked to a job recruitment scam,has been granted conditional permission by the Madras High Court to travel to the United States for medical treatment at Mayo Clinic in Arizona between August 30 and September 22,2025.
• Conditions imposed include depositing ₹5 lakh and submitting his unmarried daughter’s passport with the sessions court.
• Kumar sought treatment for severe cardiovascular problems, citing his fundamental right to travel abroad.
• The plea followed a rejection by the Chennai Principal Sessions Court on July 9, which raised doubts about the necessity of foreign medical treatment given its availability within India and cited concerns about him being a potential flight risk.
• Allegations against Kumar relate to promises of government jobs made during Senthilbalaji’s tenure as Transport Minister (2011-2015), resulting in unauthorized monetary gains totaling ₹67.74 crore, laundered through fictitious enterprises and real estate investments.
• The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) accused kumar of avoiding summons during investigations leading to a Look Out Circular against him.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The conditional permission granted by the Madras High Court underscores the balance between an individual’s fundamental rights-including healthcare access-against legitimate concerns raised by enforcement agencies regarding flight risks in high-profile criminal cases. While Mr. Ashok Kumar has presented his cardiovascular health needs as justification for seeking advanced care abroad, procedural safeguards like financial deposits aim to mitigate risks associated with alleged evasion during proceedings.

This ruling also highlights critical judicial scrutiny over systemic fraud allegations involving senior political figures. with claims that significant funds were laundered through sham operations tied directly or indirectly to public trust deficits (job scams),such cases reflect broader accountability challenges within governance structures. Handling delays or evasion attempts could jeopardize timely trials critical for upholding institutional integrity.Read more: Original Article