Kerala HC orders FIR against Pinarayi Vijayan, family in CMRL case

The Kerala High Court on Friday ordered the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau to register an FIR against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena T., and son-in-law P.A. Mohammed Riyas under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Justice A. Badarudheen ruled on a petition by K.M. Shajahan challenging the state government's decision to order a preliminary Crime Branch inquiry instead of an immediate FIR. The court held that a preliminary inquiry was not required after the Enforcement Directorate's referral under the PMLA.

The ED had written to the State Police Chief on September 7 seeking FIRs against 13 individuals based on its investigation into the CMRL-Exalogic transactions. The state government, led by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, had constituted a nine-member Crime Branch SIT and argued that Supreme Court precedents required a preliminary inquiry first. The High Court quashed the DGP's order forming that SIT without government sanction.

“Based on the report submitted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), a formal case should be registered and investigated rather than conducting a preliminary inquiry.”

Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham confirmed a special team will investigate and said the FIR will be registered on Monday. Home Minister stated the government will not appeal the order. Pinarayi Vijayan and Mohammed Riyas have denied the allegations.