Temporary Relief for Accused, Including Former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in the CMRL-Exalogic Case

The High Court Division Bench has granted temporary relief to the accused in the CMRL-Exalogic case, including former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The Division Bench has stayed all further proceedings arising from a Single Bench order that had directed the registration of a bribery case against Pinarayi Vijayan and a *hawala* (illegal money transfer) case against P.A. Mohamed Riyas. The Division Bench has admitted the appeal filed by Pinarayi Vijayan challenging the Single Bench's verdict.

The investigation against Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and his son-in-law—who is also an MLA—Mohamed Riyas, has been stayed. Arguments on the appeal are set to commence on November 25. The court has directed the Enforcement Directorate and the Vigilance Department to file their responses within four weeks. This order was issued by a Division Bench comprising Justices Satish Ninan and P. Krishna Kumar.