The Kerala High Court on Tuesday questioned the state government's decision to order a preliminary enquiry into the alleged CMRL bribery case, despite information from the ED regarding corruption offences against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and others. The court is hearing appeals from Vijayan, his daughter Veena T, and son-in-law P A Mohamed Riyas, who argue they were not heard before an FIR was directed to be lodged. The ED alleges fraudulent payments of Rs 2.78 crore were made to Veena's company.
The Congress-led UDF government in Kerala has ordered a police inquiry into the alleged CMRL bribery case, targeting former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena T, and son-in-law P A Mohamed Riyas. This decision follows a report from the Enforcement Directorate and legal advice from the Advocate General.
The Supreme Court has granted a temporary relief to former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter, and son-in-law by staying for a week the investigation against them in the alleged Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) bribery case. The apex court permitted them to appeal a single judge's order before the Kerala High Court division bench and cautioned the Enforcement Directorate against exceeding its statutory limits.
The Kerala High Court dismissed pleas by former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena T, and son-in-law P A Mohamed Riyas, challenging an order to register an FIR against them in the alleged CMRL bribery case. Current Chief Minister V D Satheesan defended the government's actions, stating they followed legal advice, while political parties reacted sharply, with BJP welcoming the verdict and CPI(M) alleging political motivation.
The Kerala High Court has directed the Vigilance to register an FIR under the anti-graft law against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena T, and son-in-law P A Mohamed Riyas in the alleged CMRL bribery case. The court stated that information provided by the Enforcement Directorate contains sufficient material to show commission of cognizable offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, ruling out the need for a preliminary enquiry. The court also deemed illegal the state government's decision to form a Special Investigation Team for a preliminary enquiry.
Congress leader Jinto John criticised the UDF government for opting for a preliminary inquiry instead of an FIR against LoP Pinarayi Vijayan and his family in the alleged CMRL bribery case. This comes after the Kerala High Court dismissed petitions challenging an order to register an FIR. The Enforcement Directorate alleges fraudulent payments to Vijayan's daughter's company.
Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced that his government will comply with the High Court's directive to register an FIR against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena T, and son-in-law P A Mohamed Riyas in the alleged CMRL bribery case. Satheesan stated there would be no appeal against the verdict. The High Court deemed the government's earlier decision to form an SIT without an FIR illegal and ordered immediate registration of a case based on ED's information.
The CPI(M) has strongly criticised the UDF government in Keralam for ordering a police inquiry into an alleged bribery case involving former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter, and son-in-law, based on an Enforcement Directorate report. The party alleges political targeting and a nexus between the UDF and the BJP-led Centre.
