Kochi: The Kerala High Court Division Bench on Thursday dismissed an appeal by Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited against an Enforcement Directorate investigation, rejecting a request to delay the order for a possible Supreme Court challenge.
The ruling permits the ED to continue examining alleged payments between CMRL and Exalogic Solutions, an IT company linked to former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter. The inquiry follows Serious Fraud Investigation Office findings that funds were transferred without services being provided.
CMRL contended that the ED lacked jurisdiction to issue summons and that income tax matters fall outside its scope. The company also claimed the single judge had denied it a fair chance to respond, violating principles of natural justice.
Counsel for the ED replied that parallel probes by other agencies do not restrict its authority. The ED began its inquiry in March after the SFIO started work in January 2024. The court affirmed the agency’s power to gather evidence in money laundering cases.
The order enables the ED to proceed, including possible summons to Veena Vijayan. Earlier, the court had stated the ED could question all accused except CMRL. A complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act was filed in April 2025.
The decision affects Veena Vijayan, Pinarayi Vijayan and the CPM, following earlier raids that drew attention within the party.
