HC not impressed by Vijayan family plea for urgent hearing

The Kerala High Court is set to hear Pinarayi Vijayan's appeal against a directive ordering criminal proceedings in the CMRL-Exalogic pay-off case on Monday, October 26. This hearing follows a decision by the Supreme Court to uphold an earlier ruling denying the Leader of the Opposition, his daughter, and son-in-law the right to challenge the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) in the case.

The Supreme Court also stayed further investigation for seven days, granting temporary protection while the appellants pursued their challenge through the High Court. The appeal will be heard by the same bench that dismissed a previous application to appeal the Single Bench ruling. In its decision, the Supreme Court recognized the appellants' right to contest the judicial directive requiring the registration of the FIR, while leaving the assessment of the evidence to the High Court.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had initially submitted information to the state police under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, prompting the state government to opt for a preliminary inquiry instead of immediate criminal proceedings. The High Court's Single Bench ordered the registration of the FIR on October 9, following the examination of ED material.