The Kerala High Court on Friday directed the state police to register a First Information Report (FIR) against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and her husband, former minister P. A. Mohammed Riyas, in connection with the alleged CMRL-Exalogic bribery case. The order followed a petition challenging the state’s decision to conduct a preliminary inquiry instead of registering a case.
Court Directs Registration of FIR
Justice A. Badharudeen allowed a petition filed by advocate K. M. Shajahan, directing the authorities to register an FIR. A detailed written order was awaited at the time of reporting.
The court considered whether the police could conduct a preliminary inquiry after receiving information from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), or whether an FIR was required when the information disclosed a possible cognisable offence.
What Is the CMRL-Exalogic Case?
The case concerns alleged financial transactions between Kochi-based Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions, a company formerly owned by Veena T.
The ED has alleged that CMRL made payments to Exalogic under the guise of IT consultancy services and forwarded information to state authorities for further investigation. The allegations have not been established as guilt by a court.
Political and Legal Implications
The state government had argued that a preliminary inquiry was necessary before registering an FIR. The ED supported immediate registration of a case, arguing that the material it submitted indicated possible offences under anti-corruption law.
The High Court’s direction moves the matter towards a formal criminal investigation. An FIR and subsequent investigation do not, by themselves, establish the guilt of the individuals named.
