The Supreme Court has ordered a one-week pause on the vigilance inquiry linked to former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family, while issuing a caution to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to remain within its legal limits.
The case relates to allegations that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) paid Rs 2.78 crore to Exalogic Solutions, a firm associated with Vijayan’s daughter Veena, without receiving any services in return. The matter was examined under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Following the ED’s examination, a recommendation was made to register an FIR against Vijayan, Veena and her husband Mohammed Riyas. The High Court subsequently directed the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau to proceed, after which Vijayan’s side moved the Supreme Court challenging the steps.
A bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana heard the appeal and observed that while the ED has authority to investigate even former chief ministers, it should not intrude into the jurisdiction of other investigative agencies. The bench also flagged as improper the direction to register an FIR on the same day based on the ED’s recommendation.
The Supreme Court permitted the matter to be heard by a division bench of the Kerala High Court and directed that the vigilance agency should not conduct the inquiry for one week, until the petitioners get an opportunity to pursue further remedies before the High Court.
