The former Kerala Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has welcomed the Kerala High Court’s latest decision in the CMRL-Exalogic case, saying he has always trusted the country’s legal system.
“I have always placed my faith in the country’s legal system at every stage. I was confident that the law would take its own course. It is a reflection of that that the Kerala High Court is taking today’s position,” Vijayan said.
The development comes after the High Court stayed further investigation in the case on October 26, 2026. The matter involves alleged financial irregularities of Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions, a company linked with Vijayan’s daughter T. Veena.
Kerala High Court Stays Further Investigation
The Kerala High Court Division Bench granted interim relief to Vijayan and others who also challenged an earlier order directing the registration of a First Information Report (FIR).
The court stayed the single-judge order in question and directed that further investigation into the FIR remain on hold until further orders. The development occurred as Vijayan and other appellants sought permission to challenge the earlier direction.
The interim order is the new stage in the legal process. However, it does not give a final verdict on the allegations or establish the innocence or guilt of any of the individuals.
What is the CMRL-Exalogic case?
The case involves alleged payments made by Kochi-based CMRL to Exalogic Solutions during the period when the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M) was in power in Kerala.
The Enforcement Directorate is investigating the alleged transactions and has discussed it with state authorities. It later reached the Kerala High Court after a petition challenged the state government’s approach to investigating the allegations.
On October 9, 2026, a single-judge bench directed the state Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau to register an FIR against Vijayan, his daughter Veena, son-in-law and MLA Muhammed Riyas, and others.
The order led to further legal challenges by the individuals named in the proceedings.
Earlier Legal Developments
On October 15, the High Court’s Division Bench had rejected applications seeking permission to appeal against the single-judge order. Vijayan and others then approached the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court then allowed them an opportunity to challenge the FIR direction and temporarily stayed the investigation, sending the matter back to the High Court for detailed consideration.
The High Court’s October 31 order also followed those proceedings and suspended any further investigation until further orders are made.
What’s next?
The legal fight will continue as the court considers the challenges to the earlier order. And the next step will depend on further hearings and directions from the judiciary.
Vijayan’s response on the news of this development. The case is a legal matter and the allegations have not been finally concluded by a court, he said in a statement.
The High Court’s interim order provides short-term relief to the appellants and the legal battle continues. It does not close the case or resolve the issues.
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