Kerala High Court Issues Notices to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Daughter in Corruption Petition

In a significant development, the Kerala High Court has directed notices to be sent to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his daughter T Veena in response to a petition filed by Congress legislator Mathew Kuzhalnadan. The petition alleges corruption involving Veena Vijayan’s IT firm, Exalogic, and Kochi-based mining firm Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL). The court’s decision comes after the Director General of Prosecution initially questioned the petition’s validity. Following a hearing, the High Court scheduled the case for further proceedings on July 2.

Mathew Kuzhalnadan, speaking to the media, described the court’s directive as a routine procedure and expressed readiness for the detailed legal proceedings ahead. The Congress party, through Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan, voiced strong support for Kuzhalnadan’s legal pursuit.

The controversy emerged from allegations that Exalogic, owned by T Veena Vijayan, received monthly payments amounting to ₹1.72 crore from CMRL in exchange for mining sanctions. Although agencies including the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), and Income Tax Department have conducted inquiries, T Veena Vijayan’s statement has yet to be recorded. The case gained prominence after an Income Tax Settlement Board report last year underscored financial transactions between Exalogic and CMRL.

This development follows a similar petition previously filed by a Kochi resident concerning alleged corruption by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, although the petitioner passed away subsequently. The High Court has appointed an amicus curiae to oversee these cases, emphasizing that each petition will be adjudicated separately despite similarities.

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