Published Jun 01, 2026 | 1:34 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 01, 2026 | 3:39 PM
The case has attracted significant legal attention, with Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra appearing for CMRL.
Synopsis: The court posted the matter for pronouncement of judgment on Friday, 5 June. The court directed the parties concerned to maintain the status quo until Friday and observed that no action or proceedings should be initiated that could alter the existing situation before the judgment is delivered.
The division bench of Kerala High Court on Monday, 1 June, reserved its verdict in the appeal to issue an interim stay on the ED investigation into the financial dealings of CMRL, after hearing arguments from both sides.
The court posted the matter for pronouncement of judgment on Friday, 5 June. The court directed the parties concerned to maintain the status quo until Friday and observed that no action or proceedings should be initiated that could alter the existing situation before the judgment is delivered.
According to the Livelaw, the Court, in its interim order, dictated: “The counsel for the respondent (ED) has undertaken before us that till the judgment is passed, the issue will not be precipitated only in respect of the appellants. Post on Friday.”
Earlier, Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice KV Jayakumar, who took up the matter, indicated that it was not inclined to grant any interim relief at this stage.
Senior Advocate Sidharth Luthra, appearing for CMRL, and Additional Solicitor General A.R.L. Sundaresan, representing the ED, informed the court that they were prepared for a final hearing of the matter.
Accepting the submissions of both sides, the division bench decided to proceed with the final hearing of the appeal. The temporary relief is only for the CMRL.
The case is linked to the alleged monthly payment controversy involving Exalogic, a firm owned by former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter T Veena. Officials argue that the investigation extends beyond transactions involving Exalogic and also covers suspicious financial dealings worth ₹182 crore linked to CMRL.
In the morning, Senior Advocate Sidharth Luthra, appearing for CMRL, argued that the ED cannot proceed without a registered predicate offence. However, the court then observed that the agency appeared to have sufficient grounds to examine possible money laundering allegations and sought relevant documents from the company.
On 27 May, the ED launched surprise attacks at properties belonging to Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly Pinarayi Vijayan, his family and others across as many as 12 locations. It devolved into a violent confrontation between CPI(M) cadre and ED officials and security personnel.
The searches included 10 locations in Kerala and two outside the state.
Among the premises searched were Pinarayi Vijayan’s ancestral house in Kannur, his rented residence in Thiruvananthapuram, the residence of Beypore MLA and his son-in-law PA Muhammed Riyas in Kozhikode, and properties linked to CMRL Managing Director Sasidharan Kartha.
Sources said investigators also recorded Veena’s statement during the search.
Also Read: CPI(M) cadre attack ED convoy
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman, and Dileep V Kumar)
