In a significant interim order bringing relief for Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, the Kerala High Court on Wednesday stayed further proceedings in a case filed by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) against Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and Veena Vijayan, daughter of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The Court directed that the status quo be maintained for two months and the matter be listed immediately after the summer vacation.
Temporary relief for Veena Vijayan, CMRL
The order came in response to a plea filed by CMRL challenging an April 11 ruling of the Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court that had taken cognisance of SFIO’s complaint without issuing prior notice to the accused. Notices were set to be served to 12 respondents, including CMRL’s Managing Director, Sasidharan Kartha and Veena Vijayan.
CMRL cites BNSS violation, challenges legal basis
According to a Bar and Bench report, CMRL had argued that the Sessions Court’s decision violated Section 223(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which requires courts to hear accused parties before taking cognisance of a complaint. The petitioners also disputed the court’s interpretation of the SFIO’s complaint as a police report under Section 212(15) of the Companies Act, arguing that it bypassed mandatory procedural safeguards, Bar and Bench reported.
SFIO alleges Rs 2.7 Crore fraudulent payments
The SFIO had named Veena Vijayan and Exalogic Solutions, where she serves as a director, in its chargesheet, alleging fraudulent payments worth Rs 2.7 crore were made without any actual services. Several sections of the Companies Act, including those dealing with fraud and false statements, were invoked.
Court seeks affidavits, hearing after summer break
Justice T.R. Ravi directed the Central government and other respondents to file counter-affidavits. Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan appeared for the Centre, while senior counsel Siddhartha Dave represented CMRL. The matter will be taken up after the High Court reopens post vacation.
