Full Breakdown
Kerala High Court Orders FIR Against Former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Family in CMRL-Exalogic Case
By Drooid · · How we work
Court Order and Immediate Implications
On October 9 2026, a single bench of the Kerala High Court headed by Justice A. Badharudeen directed the state police to register a First Information Report (FIR) under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and her husband P. A. Mohamed Riyas. The order followed a writ petition by advocate K. M. Shajahan, who argued that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) report should be treated as a substitute for a preliminary inquiry.
Background and Legal Context
The petition stemmed from the CMRL-Exalogic investigation. The ED, probing money-laundering violations, reported alleged payments from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) to Exalogic Solutions Private Limited, a firm owned by Veena. The agency said the material disclosed a predicate offence under the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The UDF government had initially declined to register an FIR, opting for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Crime Branch ADGP H. Venkatesh. The court’s order overturns that approach, directing the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) to file the FIR.
Allegations and Financial Details
- The ED alleges CMRL paid INR2.78 crore to Exalogic as “IT consultancy services,” which the firm allegedly did not provide.
- It further claims INR3.28 crore was funneled to Vijayan through Veena’s company.
- Other reports cite INR85 lakh transferred abroad and over INR20 crore distributed locally.
All amounts are presented as the ED’s allegations; no court determination on their validity has been issued.
Official Statements & Responses
- Court: The bench held that an ED report under the PC Act “is a substitute” for a preliminary inquiry, removing the need for a separate probe before filing an FIR.
- Enforcement Directorate: Said its report itself serves as a preliminary inquiry and urged immediate FIR registration.
- State Government (UDF): Maintained that the ED’s report alone was insufficient and that a preliminary inquiry was legally required.
Criticism & Opposition
- P. Jayarajan, CPI(M) State Secretariat member, called the petition an “ED political game” and said the evidence was fabricated.
- P. A. Mohamed Riyas, former minister, rejected the allegations as “blatant lies” and pledged legal challenge.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The writ petition allowed; there is a direction to register an FIR.” — the court
- “I will fight it legally,” Riyas said.” — A. Mohamed Riyas, former minister
- “Fabricated evidence was given to both of them, so legally this was not proper, and we will fight against the legal position and also politically,” Jayarajan said.” — Jayarajan
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total sums alleged: the ED cites INR2.78 crore to Exalogic, while other reports mention INR3.28 crore to Vijayan, INR85 lakh abroad and INR20 crore domestically. No definitive judicial finding on these amounts has been released; the detailed judgment is pending.
Data & Statistics
| Alleged Transaction | Amount | Alleged Recipient |
|---|---|---|
| Payments to Exalogic Solutions | INR2.78 crore | Veena’s firm |
| Funds passed to Vijayan through Veena | INR3.28 crore | Pinarayi Vijayan |
| Overseas transfer reported | INR85 lakh | Not specified |
| Domestic distribution reported | >INR20 crore | Multiple parties |
The court’s order obliges Kerala police and the VACB to proceed with a formal investigation, moving the case beyond the preliminary inquiry stage.