Story perspectives

ED Summons Pinarayi Vijayan for CMRL-Exalogic Case Query

By Drooid · Oct 18, 2026, 4:19 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Vijayan Summoned

Enforcement Directorate summoned former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for questioning in the CMRL-Exalogic money-laundering case.
The summons, under Section 50 of the Money-Laundering Act, orders his appearance at ED’s Kochi office on Oct 23.
The ED alleges CMRL paid INR2.78 crore to Vijayan’s daughter Veena T’s firm Exalogic Solutions as IT consultancy fees.
Supreme Court set an Oct 26 hearing on Vijayan’s challenge to the Kerala High Court FIR order.

Summary

Govindan Blames Opposition

CPI(M) secretary M V Govindan accused the UDF and BJP of attacking Chief Minister V D Satheesan.
Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan rebuked the state’s preliminary-inquiry stance as wrong in a party meeting.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan said the government sought advice before registering the FIR and did not act hastily.
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the High Court order was not a setback and the government complied with law.

Summary

Court Rejects Appeal

Justices K Natarajan and Johnson John dismissed appeal of Vijayan, Veena and Riyas.
The court said accused cannot be heard before an FIR is registered.
It noted that Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) removes need for a preliminary inquiry.
The single judge earlier set aside the inquiry, ordering VACB to file FIR.
The bench refused a stay, stating any delay would render the appeal moot.

History

Historical Context

In 2002 Parliament passed the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, giving the Enforcement Directorate enforcement authority from 1 July 2005. The Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld its provisions, notably in July 2022 and May 2024, limiting ED powers but confirming its investigative reach. Using that framework, the ED has summoned Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his daughter’s firm over a INR2.78-crore payment, and courts have refused stays.

1 of 4

Vijayan Summoned

Enforcement Directorate summoned former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for questioning in the CMRL-Exalogic money-laundering case.
The summons, under Section 50 of the Money-Laundering Act, orders his appearance at ED’s Kochi office on Oct 23.
The ED alleges CMRL paid INR2.78 crore to Vijayan’s daughter Veena T’s firm Exalogic Solutions as IT consultancy fees.
Supreme Court set an Oct 26 hearing on Vijayan’s challenge to the Kerala High Court FIR order.

1 / 4