ED set to challenge Vijayan's appeal against graft probe in Kerala High Court

The Enforcement Directorate is expected to mount a strong legal challenge to any appeal filed by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan against the corruption case registered by the state Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, sources indicated Wednesday.

Senior ED officials convened in Kochi to determine their course of action following the Supreme Court's recent order staying the police probe based on a vigilance FIR against Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and son-in-law Mohamed Riyas. The case relates to alleged irregularities in the CMRL-Exalogic software deal.

The ED is likely to file its opposition if Vijayan approaches the Kerala High Court Division Bench seeking to quash the FIR or challenge the inquiry. The central agency has been examining financial aspects of the case and maintains that the investigation should proceed unimpeded.

The Supreme Court's stay order, granted on technical grounds, has intensified the legal battle around the case. While the police investigation stands suspended, the ED's parallel inquiry into alleged financial impropriety continues, sources confirmed.

The case has become a significant political flashpoint in Kerala, with opposition parties demanding a thorough investigation while the government maintains the charges lack merit.