Better judgment prevails.

• Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister V. Senthilbalaji and Forest Minister K. Ponmudy resigned from the Cabinet due to adverse remarks from the Supreme Court and Madras High Court.

• Their continued power would have embarrassed the DMK government, led by M.K. Stalin.

• Senthilbalaji’s exit came on the eve of the expiry of the deadline set by the Court to choose between his post and his freedom.

• Ponmudy’s departure came as the High Court ruled that he misused the liberty granted to him by the Court, which had stayed his conviction and sentence in a corruption case.

• Senthilbalaji is currently facing proceedings against him for allegedly receiving kickbacks for jobs in State transport corporations and money laundering.

• The episode underscores the need for top political executives to show zero tolerance towards corruption