ED Summons Former Keralam CM Pinarayi Vijayan in PMLA Case
The summons marks the first occasion that the former Chief Minister has been directly called for questioning regarding financial transactions involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited. Central investigators allege that the industrial entity transferred illicit payments totalling Rs 2.78 crore to Exalogic Solutions, an IT consultancy owned by his daughter.
On August 19, 2026, the ED issued a press release confirming it collected evidence of hawala transactions to the tune of crores in the CMRL case.
Investigative Findings on Consultancy Transactions
Central investigative agencies allege that the documented payments were falsely invoiced as software consultancy fees for technical services that were never performed.
Following investigative findings, the state Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau registered two primary criminal complaints naming Vijayan alongside family associates.
Judicial Orders and Division Bench Rulings
On October 9, the Kerala High Court directed state vigilance authorities to register criminal cases based on an evidentiary dossier provided by federal investigators. An appellate division bench subsequently dismissed pleas seeking leave to challenge the directive, holding that prospective accused individuals possess no statutory entitlement to pre-registration hearings.
The High Court bench ruled that once the ED provides information under Section 66(2) of the PMLA, a preliminary enquiry is not warranted before registering an FIR.
The division bench concluded that petitioners failed to establish an arguable basis for leave while confirming their liberty to pursue constitutional remedies.
Supreme Court Mention and Vacation Review
Vijayan petitioned the Supreme Court of India seeking emergency protection against coercive action and challenging the judicial order directing the police complaint. Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra mentioned the petition before a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, requesting urgent relief against potential custodial measures.
Legal counsel submitted that the single judge lacked appropriate administrative roster authority to issue criminal registration directions within a civil writ proceeding. Chief Justice Surya Kant indicated that the apex court could list the petition on October 26 or October 27 when regular judicial sittings resume following the festival vacation.
The top court stated that an interim vacation bench could be empaneled before the scheduled questioning date depending upon judge availability. Senior advocate N Hariharan separately mentioned companion petitions submitted on behalf of family members seeking corresponding protective orders.