Kerala HC Posts Vijayan, Family’s Appeals in CMRL Bribery Case to October 26

The Kerala High Court on Friday posted to October 26 the appeals filed by former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family members challenging a single judge’s order directing the registration of an FIR against them in the alleged CMRL bribery case.

The appeals filed by Vijayan, his daughter Veena T and son-in-law P A Mohamed Riyas, an MLA, came up before a Division Bench of Justices Sathish Ninan and P Krishna Kumar, which scheduled further hearing for Monday.

Vijayan’s counsel submitted that the Supreme Court had stayed the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) probe only for a limited period. The High Court, however, said it would consider the appeals on Monday.

Last month, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) wrote to the state police seeking an FIR against Vijayan and his family based on evidence gathered during its investigation into alleged payments by Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL), including material obtained during searches under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The state police opted for a preliminary inquiry instead of registering a case. On October 9, the High Court directed the VACB to register an FIR based on the ED’s report. Two FIRs were subsequently registered, prompting separate PMLA investigations by the ED.

On October 15, the High Court rejected applications by Vijayan, Veena and Riyas seeking permission to appeal against the single judge’s order. They then approached the Supreme Court, which stayed the VACB investigation for a week and directed them to approach a Division Bench.

The apex court did not stay the ED probe. Vijayan, who had been summoned for questioning on Friday, skipped the appearance, citing the Supreme Court order and the ongoing Assembly session, officials said.

According to the VACB FIR, Veena and her now-defunct company, Exalogic Solutions, allegedly received ₹3.28 crore from CMRL and Empower India Capital Investments Pvt Ltd under the guise of IT consultancy and marketing services. The FIR also alleges that Vijayan abused his official position to secure illicit financial benefits for himself and his family.