High Court issues notices to Chief Minister and daughter; court took action while hearing petition seeking CBI investigation into monthly pay-off case

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has issued notices to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his daughter Veena Vijayan in connection with the CMRL-Exalogic monthly pay-off case. The court took this step while hearing a petition seeking a CBI investigation into the alleged monthly pay-off deal. The petition was filed by journalist Ajayan. In addition to the Chief Minister and his daughter, the court also issued notices to officials of CMRL (Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited).

Ajayan's petition calls for a CBI probe into the matter based on the report by the Income Tax Department. It is worth noting that an earlier plea seeking a Vigilance investigation in the case had already been dismissed by the High Court. The court has also directed the Central Government to submit the names mentioned in the report of the Income Tax Settlement Board. The case is scheduled to be heard again after the summer vacation, on May 27.

Meanwhile, the High Court, which accepted the petition filed by CMRL, has ordered a status quo for two months in the case. The order has temporarily halted the issuance of summons based on the chargesheet filed by the SFIO (Serious Fraud Investigation Office), providing interim relief to the accused, including Veena Vijayan.

The Central Government had requested more time to present detailed arguments, which led the court to stay further proceedings for two months. The case will now be transferred to a new division bench of the High Court.