The Kerala High Court on Friday, October 9, ordered the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and others in connection with the alleged CMRL bribery case.
The order followed a report submitted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which flagged suspected offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Justice A. Badharudeen allowed a petition filed by advocate K. M. Shajahan, who argued that authorities should register an FIR instead of conducting a preliminary inquiry into the allegations.
Daughter and Son-in-Law Also Named
The case also involves Vijayan’s daughter, Veena T, and her husband, P. A. Mohamed Riyas, a CPI(M) MLA and former minister. The ED had shared information with Kerala Police seeking action based on material gathered during its investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Alleged Payments Worth Crores
The ED has alleged that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) made payments to Exalogic Solutions, a company associated with Veena, under the guise of IT consultancy services. The agency has cited alleged payments worth ₹2.78 crore in connection with the case.
These claims have not been established as criminal wrongdoing, and the FIR is intended to facilitate a formal investigation.
Court Sets Aside Preliminary Inquiry Route
The High Court also set aside the state government's decision to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a preliminary inquiry without registering an FIR. It directed the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) to register the case and investigate the allegations in accordance with the law.
Political Reactions Follow Verdict
The ruling has intensified political debate in Kerala. CPI(M) leaders have alleged political targeting and said the party will fight the matter legally and politically, while BJP leaders have welcomed the court's decision.
The next key step will be the formal investigation, which must establish whether the allegations can be substantiated.