CMRL-Exalogic pay-off case: Kerala HC to hear Pinarayi Vijayan, kin’s appeal against FIR order on October 26

The Kerala High Court is set to hear Keralam Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan’s appeal challenging a Single Bench order in the CMRL-Exalogic pay-off case on Monday (October 26, 2026).

The Single Bench had directed the registration of a first information report (FIR) against Mr. Vijayan, daughter T. Veena and son-in-law and former Minister P.A. Mohammad Riyas in the ₹2.78-crore pay-off case.

A graphic showing suspicious transactions involving CMRL flagged by the Income Tax Department and the Serious Fraud Investigation Office

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had passed on information on their finding of a predicate offence allegedly committed by Mr. Vijayan and kin, while investigating the pay-off case, to the State Police Chief.

A Division Bench had denied Mr. Vijayan the permission to appeal against the Single Bench order, after which he approached the Supreme Court challenging the Single Bench order. The Supreme Court stayed the order for seven days and redirected the matter to be considered again.

Mr. Vijayan and kin had argued before the Division Bench that they had not been given the opportunity to be heard before the Single Judge had directed the registration of FIR.

The case pertains to allegations of amassing disproportionate wealth, intentional enrichment and abetment under the Prevention of Corruption Act against Mr. Vijayan.

Ms. Veena and Mr. Riyas are accused of money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.