CMRL pay-off case: Kerala HC orders registration of FIR against Pinarayi Vijayan, kin based on ED report
The Kerala High Court has directed the registration of an FIR against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family members regarding the alleged CMRL pay-off case. The court's decision follows an Enforcement Directorate report suggesting that fraudulent payments were made to a company owned by Vijayan's daughter.
Why it matters
This ruling marks a significant legal escalation in a high-profile corruption case involving a prominent political figure, potentially impacting the political landscape of Kerala.
The Kerala High Court on Friday (October 9, 2026) ordered registration of an FIR under the anti-graft law against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and others based on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) report on the alleged Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) pay-off case.
Justice A. Badharudeen allowed a plea by advocate K.M. Shajahan, who contended that the police should register an FIR rather than conduct a preliminary inquiry on the allegations contained in the report of the ED.
The ED had claimed in court that an FIR could be registered against Mr. Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena and her husband and former Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas based on the report it had submitted to the State police.
The ED had claimed that its report could be treated as a preliminary inquiry report and that an FIR could be registered based on it.
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