Kerala CM Vijayan challenges HC order directing FIR in CMRL case

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has approached the Supreme Court challenging a Kerala High Court directive to register a first information report (FIR) in an alleged bribery case connected to the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) project.

Sidharth Luthra, senior counsel appearing for Mr. Vijayan, mentioned the petition before a Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, requesting urgent listing of the matter. The submission came after an FIR has been registered in connection with the case, according to court sources.

The move represents the Chief Minister's attempt to obtain relief from the Supreme Court following the High Court's decision to direct the registration of criminal proceedings. The exact grounds of the challenge and the nature of the allegations against Mr. Vijayan have not been made public.

The case relates to alleged irregularities involving the CMRL project, with the Kerala government's involvement being scrutinized. The Supreme Court's decision to hear the plea could potentially delay or modify the implementation of the High Court's FIR directive, pending the outcome of the appeal.