Kerala High Court directs registration of FIR against Pinarayi Vijayan and kin in CMRL case

The Kerala High Court on Friday ordered the registration of a First Information Report against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and her husband P.A. Mohammed Riyas in connection with the Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited pay-off case. Justice A. Badharudeen delivered the ruling after allowing a writ petition filed by advocate K.M. Shajahan.

The court's decision overrides the state government's decision to conduct a preliminary police inquiry into the allegations. The petitioner had argued that the police were legally bound to register a formal case rather than initiate a preliminary probe based on the material compiled by the Enforcement Directorate.

The case stems from findings submitted by the federal financial investigation agency regarding financial transactions between the private mining company and Exalogic Solutions, a firm formerly owned by Mr. Vijayan's daughter. According to the investigation records presented to the state authorities, the company allegedly disbursed funds totaling ₹3.28 crore to family members without providing corresponding consultancy services.

During the legal proceedings, the state government defended its stance by arguing through the Advocate General that a preliminary inquiry was necessary before filing charges under anti-corruption statutes. The administration maintained that the primary material relied upon by investigators required further scrutiny before formal registration.

Conversely, the Enforcement Directorate maintained that the disclosures warranted direct action. The agency stated that the documentation and statements gathered during its money laundering probe uncovered evidence of scheduled offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act, making the immediate institution of a criminal case mandatory for the state police.

Following the court order, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau is expected to formally register the case and initiate a full-scale investigation. Further legal challenges and political responses from various parties are anticipated as the investigation unfolds.