New Delhi, July 31 -- The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the operation of FIR No. 05 of 2026 registered against DMK leader and former Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji and issued notice to the Tamil Nadu government on his plea challenging the Madras High Court's refusal to grant him anticipatory bail in the alleged TASMAC scam case.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant directed that the FIR shall remain stayed if Balaji fully cooperates with the investigation.

The Court also directed Balaji to deposit his passport with the Investigating Officer and restrained him from attempting to influence witnesses.

"Subject to the petitioner fully cooperating with the probe, his arrest shall remain stayed. He is directed to depos...